Rosie’s Wild Ride: Chasing Big Rodeo Dreams

Gr 1-3–Rosie is a Clydesdale, with hooves so big they make “Horse Thunder.” A work horse on a farm, she dreams of being a rodeo horse, but Thumbs, the barn cat, points out she is too big to rodeo. Oakley, the farmer’s daughter, wants to be a “rodeo star,” but her parents want her to find “a gentle horse.” Rosie and Oakley realize they make a great team and start training. At the rodeo, they are eager to achieve their mutual dream, but it is quickly dashed when Rosie’s size prevents them from succeeding. The crowd boos their efforts, and Rosie realizes she really is “too big.” When it is announced that a bull is on the loose, Rosie and Oakley ride to the rescue and become the stars of the rodeo. The pastel-hued illustrations fill each page, with panels of pictures on some of these. Rosie stands out with her brown coat and white feathering. The people and animals have a slightly animated feel with Oakley, Rosie, and other characters in the foreground and detailed, while people in the background are vague. The text is integrated into the illustrations, with some terms bolded for emphasis. The last page includes pictures of the author’s daughter and a Clydesdale, and brief facts on Clydesdale horses and rodeoing.