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Mr. Small #7
Cowboy Small
Cowboy Small takes good care of his horse, Cactus. In return, Cactus helps Cowboy Small get work done on the range. Together they round up cattle for branding and live the good life. At night, Cowboy Small eats at the chuck wagon, sings with his friends, and sleeps under the stars.
56 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1949
14 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Lois Lenski
187 books197 followersLois Lenore Lenski Covey was an influential American author and illustrator whose work reshaped twentieth-century children’s literature through its combination of artistic skill, documentary realism, and deep empathy for childhood experience. Beginning her publishing career in the late 1920s, she went on to write and illustrate nearly one hundred books, ranging from picture books and historical novels to regional fiction, poetry, songbooks, and literary essays. She is best known for the Mr. Small picture book series, her meticulously researched historical novels, and her groundbreaking Regional books, which portrayed the everyday lives of children across diverse American communities.
Born in Ohio and trained formally as both an educator and an artist, Lenski studied at Ohio State University, the Art Students League of New York, and the Westminster School of Art in London. Although she initially aspired to be a painter, exhibiting work in New York galleries, she gradually turned to illustration and then to writing, encouraged by pioneering children’s editor Helen Dean Fish. Her early books drew heavily on her Midwestern childhood, while later works reflected extensive travel, field research, and close observation of family and community life.
Lenski achieved major critical recognition with her historical novels Phebe Fairchild: Her Book and Indian Captive, and with her Regional novel Strawberry Girl, which won the Newbery Medal. These works were notable for their commitment to authenticity, incorporating dialect, material culture, and social realities often avoided in children’s books of the era. She believed that literature for young readers should neither sentimentalize nor sanitize life, but instead foster understanding, tolerance, and empathy.
Alongside her own writing, Lenski illustrated works by other major authors, including Watty Piper’s The Little Engine That Could and the early volumes of Maud Hart Lovelace’s Betsy-Tacy series. Her influence extended beyond publishing through lectures, teaching, and advocacy. In 1967 she established the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation, dedicated to providing books to children facing social and economic disadvantage.
In her later years, Lenski continued writing while living in Florida, publishing her autobiography Journey into Childhood shortly before her death. Her legacy endures through her books, her educational philosophy, and ongoing efforts to expand access to literature for children.
Born in Ohio and trained formally as both an educator and an artist, Lenski studied at Ohio State University, the Art Students League of New York, and the Westminster School of Art in London. Although she initially aspired to be a painter, exhibiting work in New York galleries, she gradually turned to illustration and then to writing, encouraged by pioneering children’s editor Helen Dean Fish. Her early books drew heavily on her Midwestern childhood, while later works reflected extensive travel, field research, and close observation of family and community life.
Lenski achieved major critical recognition with her historical novels Phebe Fairchild: Her Book and Indian Captive, and with her Regional novel Strawberry Girl, which won the Newbery Medal. These works were notable for their commitment to authenticity, incorporating dialect, material culture, and social realities often avoided in children’s books of the era. She believed that literature for young readers should neither sentimentalize nor sanitize life, but instead foster understanding, tolerance, and empathy.
Alongside her own writing, Lenski illustrated works by other major authors, including Watty Piper’s The Little Engine That Could and the early volumes of Maud Hart Lovelace’s Betsy-Tacy series. Her influence extended beyond publishing through lectures, teaching, and advocacy. In 1967 she established the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation, dedicated to providing books to children facing social and economic disadvantage.
In her later years, Lenski continued writing while living in Florida, publishing her autobiography Journey into Childhood shortly before her death. Her legacy endures through her books, her educational philosophy, and ongoing efforts to expand access to literature for children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 26, 2017
Beautiful return to a time and place that is long gone.
September 22, 2011
My kids are huge fans of the Mr Small books:). It really doesn't get much better for them than to have a character named Cowboy Small!
March 1, 2013
4* art
4* story
Wonderful fun, and Lenski uses the proper words for things (bridle, corral, etc.) instead of dumbing down. Squirt will like this even more as time goes on, I think.
4* story
Wonderful fun, and Lenski uses the proper words for things (bridle, corral, etc.) instead of dumbing down. Squirt will like this even more as time goes on, I think.
April 22, 2025
My baby loved it.
December 4, 2018
Cute board book for the littles.
June 2, 2012
Ah, little boys and cowboy stories... My nephew loved this book about Cowboy Small, and he loved hearing about all of Cowboy Small's adventures. I did have to chuckle a little, though, when on one page Cowboy Small slept under the stars in his bedroll, and on another page he slept in a bunkhouse. When my nephew saw him sleeping in the bunkhouse, he said with a tone of derision in his voice, "Huh. Well last night he slept outside." Apparently cowboys are supposed to forgo comfort. :-)
October 28, 2013
Cowboy Small takes good care of his horse, Cactus. In return, Cactus helps Cowboy Small get work done on the range. Together they round up cattle for branding and live the good life. At night, Cowboy Small eats at the chuck wagon, sings with his friends, and sleeps under the stars.
October 20, 2011
Fun book! Also teaches the correct language of 'cowboy' things. My children love this, and have gotten all phrases they say about horses from this book. It is cute!
March 16, 2013
This book has a neigh-neigh so it's a big hit.
October 24, 2009
Summary: Cowboy Small takes good care of his horse, Cactus. In return, Cactus helps Cowboy Small get work done on the range. Together they round up cattle for branding and live the good life. At night, Cowboy Small eats at the chuck wagon, sings with his friends, and sleeps under the stars. I read the Spanish version of this book, entitled "Vaquerno Pequeno," which had a side-by-side Spanish and English text.
Potential Audience (reading level): Emergent/Early Reader
Genre: Bi-lingual fiction book (Spanish and English)
Topic: cowboys, life on a ranch, bilingual book
Specific curricular uses: This book would be great for a guided reading activity in Spanish class. The teacher could first model reading the book, and then guide students as they read through and learn the Spanish words. Have students match the Spanish and English terms.
Social issues the book addresses: life on a ranch, how Spanish and American culture have intertwined
Specific literary elements: The two-language text establishes this book as mulit-cultural. The author uses some diaolgue to give readers a sense of cowboys talk and some onomatopoeia to make this book special. An example of onomatopoeia is when the author is referring to the sounds a horse makes with its hoofs, "Cloppety, cloppety, clop!" Examples of dialogue include, "Giddap, Cactus!" and "Yip-pee! Ride 'em, cowboy!"
Interactions and counter actions of text and images: The pictures do a good job of helping readers visualize the text because many children may not know what a ranch looks like or what cowboys do on a ranch. Because most children have never experienced or visited a ranch first-hand, the illustrations follow the text very closely so there is no confusion for readers.
*I would like to nominate the book, "Cowboy Small/Vaquerno Pequeno" by Lois Lenski (Spanish translation by Donald Worcester) for this award because it is a simple tale about an American cowboy that has the Spanish translation of the text side by side with the English. I like the fact that the topic of the book is not about Spanish culture, yet it has a Spanish translation, because it shows how our cultures have influenced one another and can exist in harmony with each other. This book would be excellent for 1st through 4th grade readers, and any beginning Spanish readers! Because I believe this book does a good job of showing how American and Spanish cultures have intertwined, and that the Spanish language is, in fact, an important part of America, I feel that this book is deserving of the "All around the world" award.
Potential Audience (reading level): Emergent/Early Reader
Genre: Bi-lingual fiction book (Spanish and English)
Topic: cowboys, life on a ranch, bilingual book
Specific curricular uses: This book would be great for a guided reading activity in Spanish class. The teacher could first model reading the book, and then guide students as they read through and learn the Spanish words. Have students match the Spanish and English terms.
Social issues the book addresses: life on a ranch, how Spanish and American culture have intertwined
Specific literary elements: The two-language text establishes this book as mulit-cultural. The author uses some diaolgue to give readers a sense of cowboys talk and some onomatopoeia to make this book special. An example of onomatopoeia is when the author is referring to the sounds a horse makes with its hoofs, "Cloppety, cloppety, clop!" Examples of dialogue include, "Giddap, Cactus!" and "Yip-pee! Ride 'em, cowboy!"
Interactions and counter actions of text and images: The pictures do a good job of helping readers visualize the text because many children may not know what a ranch looks like or what cowboys do on a ranch. Because most children have never experienced or visited a ranch first-hand, the illustrations follow the text very closely so there is no confusion for readers.
*I would like to nominate the book, "Cowboy Small/Vaquerno Pequeno" by Lois Lenski (Spanish translation by Donald Worcester) for this award because it is a simple tale about an American cowboy that has the Spanish translation of the text side by side with the English. I like the fact that the topic of the book is not about Spanish culture, yet it has a Spanish translation, because it shows how our cultures have influenced one another and can exist in harmony with each other. This book would be excellent for 1st through 4th grade readers, and any beginning Spanish readers! Because I believe this book does a good job of showing how American and Spanish cultures have intertwined, and that the Spanish language is, in fact, an important part of America, I feel that this book is deserving of the "All around the world" award.
October 6, 2014
Category: Boardbook
Age: 0-3+ years
Synopsis: A sweet little book detailing a day in the life on a ranch for Cowboy Small and his horse, Cactus.
Bilingual benefit: With old-timey charm and illustrations, this book is a great source of Americana for a child living abroad. The text also features onomatopoeia (the horse goes “cloppety clop”), expressions that are uniquely American (“giddyup!” and “yip-pee!”), and unusual words that will build a child’s English vocabulary (“bunkhouse” and “range”). In addition, there is a reference to the classic American song, “Home Home on the Range,” the unofficial anthem of the cowboys of the American West.
Availability in Israel: I have not found this book in Israel and it does not seem to be readily available in bookstores in the United States either. However, it can be ordered online via Amazon.
Previewing the book: This book is available for preview on Amazon USA. (last checked 6/10/2014)
Lil guy: An all-time favorite.
Mama: Highly recommended. I would buy this again and for a friend.
April 30, 2008
I became interested in these books after watching too many Lone Ranger & Tonto reruns on television when I was about very young. The stories are simple, Small and his horse Cactus on some adventure on the range or the farm. Each is sweet, innocent and teach respect, manners and the value of simple things.
October 3, 2008
My oldest loved these books (there's a whole series). They are from the 40's so they show only men, but children just love them. Most reprints I have found are in board book format.
Recommended ages: birth through age 3
Recommended ages: birth through age 3
January 16, 2018
"and that's all for cowboy small!" Oh my GOODness, I have such great memories of reading this little gem to my kids. It was one of our favorite stories when they were very young. Wonderful clear illustrations. Thank you Lois Lenski, where ever you are. =)
March 3, 2013
I really enjoyed this bilingual (Spanish-English) picture book. The illustrations help with understanding the text and they are beautifully quaint.
I obtained this book at my library, and had initially ignored it because it was old, but it is a very enjoyable book even though it was worn.
I obtained this book at my library, and had initially ignored it because it was old, but it is a very enjoyable book even though it was worn.
October 2, 2007
Wonderful story for children. This story makes me want to be a cowboy. I love all the details and the glossary too.
June 4, 2008
This is my 10 month-old's favorite kids book. There are so many different ways to read it! We use sounds effects and sing the whole "Home, home on the range" song. It's a classic.
July 11, 2011
cute & retro! a small (heh) downside is that it is actually pint-sized; not the best quality when reading it to a small crowd.
April 18, 2012
My kids LOVE the "Small" books. We found a copy of this one in our local library that was translated into Spanish and was bilingual--from the '60's!! How progressive...
February 14, 2016
Still our favorite Lenski.
"Giddyap, Cactus."
"Giddyap, Cactus."
April 15, 2013
Classic simple clear introduction to the world of being a cowboy. Great for storytime.
May 4, 2023
I remember reading (and loving) books by Lois Lenski.
Never did I read "Cowboy Small" before though. According to the Copyright Page it was published in 1949. (The year after I was born.)
You know, Goodreaders, that explains a lot. There is no attitude. No camp. No snark. No duh!
I've lived through all those progressive versions of social detachment and hyper-individualism.
When this book was published, you know what was our high praise in America? SINCERE.
I miss sincere. May it come back into fashion, as some kind of post-post-postmodern version of living without ironically commenting on your life at the same time that you're supposed to be living it.
Meanwhile, "Cowboy Small" is a fine sample of good, honest, socially connected, sincerity. Through ups and downs, this pint-sized hero will keep on riding like the good cowboy he is.
Never did I read "Cowboy Small" before though. According to the Copyright Page it was published in 1949. (The year after I was born.)
You know, Goodreaders, that explains a lot. There is no attitude. No camp. No snark. No duh!
I've lived through all those progressive versions of social detachment and hyper-individualism.
When this book was published, you know what was our high praise in America? SINCERE.
I miss sincere. May it come back into fashion, as some kind of post-post-postmodern version of living without ironically commenting on your life at the same time that you're supposed to be living it.
Meanwhile, "Cowboy Small" is a fine sample of good, honest, socially connected, sincerity. Through ups and downs, this pint-sized hero will keep on riding like the good cowboy he is.
January 30, 2020
First sentence: “Hi, there!” calls Cowboy Small.
Premise/plot: Cowboy Small is a picture book originally published in 1949. This simple book for new, young readers follows Cowboy Small over a few days and night. What does a cowboy do? How does he dress? What does he eat? Where does he sleep?
My thoughts: Context is key. When this one was published westerns were super popular in books (especially for older readers), on the radio, at the movies, and soon to be television. I can imagine little boys reading this in the 1950s and really enjoying it. It is written and illustrated by Lois Lenski an author I typically associate with children’s novels like Strawberry Girl.
Text:3/5
Illustrations:3/5
Total:6/10
Premise/plot: Cowboy Small is a picture book originally published in 1949. This simple book for new, young readers follows Cowboy Small over a few days and night. What does a cowboy do? How does he dress? What does he eat? Where does he sleep?
My thoughts: Context is key. When this one was published westerns were super popular in books (especially for older readers), on the radio, at the movies, and soon to be television. I can imagine little boys reading this in the 1950s and really enjoying it. It is written and illustrated by Lois Lenski an author I typically associate with children’s novels like Strawberry Girl.
Text:3/5
Illustrations:3/5
Total:6/10
October 23, 2020
When I saw this one it brought back a lot of childhood memories -- I remember the illustrations well, but I really didn't remember the content of the book. Written in 1949, the books is basically a short story using a list of cowboy vocabulary that is printed in the front of the book with the definitions -- almost like the school assignment of writing a sentence using the new vocabulary word in it. The illustrations are cartoonish but fit with the style of the book and help show what the new words mean. I think my favorite illustration is the first one with Cowboy Small in the middle surrounded by all the cowboy clothing...with a close second being the only double-spread picture in the book of the cow round-up.
November 8, 2019
The Cowboy Small book is a classic picture book that is apart of the series for beginning readers. My Mom would read these books to me as a child so they hold a special place in my heart. The illustrations are simple and colorful which makes it easy for children who aren't able to read yet to follow the storyline. The author, Lois Lenski, is an amazing author of many classic children's books like Strawberry Small. This book in particular is a great example of one of the many great books she has written and illustrated.
July 25, 2017
I wasn't aware that Lois Lenski had picture books (as I like a number of her books for older children), so when I saw this, I wanted to read it.
Be prepared that if you have a little boy that is already prone to wearing boots and has a makeshift holster at his side, he will 1) start throwing around cowboy jargon after hearing this and 2) want a horse.
Ages 3+
Be prepared that if you have a little boy that is already prone to wearing boots and has a makeshift holster at his side, he will 1) start throwing around cowboy jargon after hearing this and 2) want a horse.
Ages 3+
April 5, 2021
This sweet book tells the story of Cowboy Small and his day on a cattle ranch. There are few words that accompany the bold illustrations, but it is perfect for learning key words and about some of what a cowboy does. The inside covers show things he uses or wears and there is a list of words and definitions at the beginning of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2018
This book takes you on an adventure with Cowboy Small. He shows you all the things he does from feeding and brushing his horse cactus to rounding up cattle and branding them. If you have a student who wants to be a cowboy or even a cowgirl this book would be perfect for them!
August 29, 2018
Throughout this story you learn about Cowboy Small and his horse Cactus. He takes care of his horse and rides him as well. Playing the guitar he sings "Home on the range" and sleeps under the stars. This story shows the importance within an animal and human relationship.
June 23, 2021
Cowboy Small by Lois Lenski
Daily life of a cowboy. Love the terms used and explained and what the jobs entail as the cowboy does them.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Daily life of a cowboy. Love the terms used and explained and what the jobs entail as the cowboy does them.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews