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Rowdy Randy
"Yeehaw!" Rowdy Randy shouted to the wind. "I was born to buck!" Rowdy Randy is the toughest cowgirl around. Never mind that this broncobuster is a horsefly. She acts taller than any tall tale. She might be easy to overlook, but Rowdy Randy definitely can t be ignored. She spends her days buzzing and biting all the creatures in her path, all the while stirring up a whole heap of trouble. Saddle up and hold on tight for a story that ll jangle your spurs and blow your cowboy hat clean off.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published March 16, 2019
1 person is currently reading
1791 people want to read
About the author
Casey Rislov
10 books66 followersAuthor Casey Rislov is the award-winning author of 8 children's books. She holds a holds a master's degree in elementary education and is endorsed in early childhood and special needs. Casey shares her passion for reading, writing, and storytelling with children of all ages during her popular story times, school visits, and workshops. She lives in Wyoming with her three greatest loves, her husband and their two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 17, 2019
I wanted to like this one more than I did. It sounds like a fun premise. The problem is... there's no story.
Rowdy Randy is a horsefly. She wears chaps and cowboy boots and glittery green eyeshadow (the picture that was chosen for the cover isn't the best; it's relatively unappealing, compared to the rest of Zachary Pullen's fun illustrations within). Each day, Rowdy Randy looks for critters to annoy. I think. I had to go back and reread the beginning to try to figure out what the setup was. As far as I can tell, that's all the story this book has going for it: the horsefly encounters a bunch of different animals and... well, maybe she tries to annoy them, but in a lot of cases she's trying to engage with them. So I'm not entirely sure what the point of the book is. To show that horseflies are annoying? What a waste of the cute illustrations!
This could've really been something special with a better story. To make matters worse, the book ends abruptly with what appears to be a cliffhanger. The last words are literally, "Is this how it ends?" Well, we have no idea! The next page has a picture of Rowdy Randy riding a jackalope, as if nothing happened. I... don't get it.
The pictures are lovely and fun, and the writing is surprisingly good for a self-published work. There's just the little matter of there not being a story. For a reader, that's kind of difficult to overlook.
Thank you to NetGalley and Casey Rislov Books for providing a digital ARC.
Rowdy Randy is a horsefly. She wears chaps and cowboy boots and glittery green eyeshadow (the picture that was chosen for the cover isn't the best; it's relatively unappealing, compared to the rest of Zachary Pullen's fun illustrations within). Each day, Rowdy Randy looks for critters to annoy. I think. I had to go back and reread the beginning to try to figure out what the setup was. As far as I can tell, that's all the story this book has going for it: the horsefly encounters a bunch of different animals and... well, maybe she tries to annoy them, but in a lot of cases she's trying to engage with them. So I'm not entirely sure what the point of the book is. To show that horseflies are annoying? What a waste of the cute illustrations!
This could've really been something special with a better story. To make matters worse, the book ends abruptly with what appears to be a cliffhanger. The last words are literally, "Is this how it ends?" Well, we have no idea! The next page has a picture of Rowdy Randy riding a jackalope, as if nothing happened. I... don't get it.
The pictures are lovely and fun, and the writing is surprisingly good for a self-published work. There's just the little matter of there not being a story. For a reader, that's kind of difficult to overlook.
Thank you to NetGalley and Casey Rislov Books for providing a digital ARC.
December 10, 2021
-Disclaimer: I won this book for free through Goodreads giveaways in exchange for an honest review.-
A unique and fun book!
The illustrations are lively. The writing is good, descriptive but not boring. The only bad parts are there isn't much of a story. It just shows what Randy does for a job. Also, the book ends abruptly and in a weird way. But I'm sure kids who like western stuff/farm life will like this one.
A unique and fun book!
The illustrations are lively. The writing is good, descriptive but not boring. The only bad parts are there isn't much of a story. It just shows what Randy does for a job. Also, the book ends abruptly and in a weird way. But I'm sure kids who like western stuff/farm life will like this one.
January 12, 2020
I really enjoyed the illustrations. They were really quite beautiful. The story just wasn’t for me.
September 19, 2019
I must have read a different book from all the other reveiwers that thought this was the greatest picture book they had ever read, ye haw.
The illustrations of the various animals you might encounter int he west are quite lovely.
But alas, that is not what the story is about. The story is about a cowgirl horsefly who wears green eyeshadow. Sparkly green, in fact. Because, of course that is what horseflies would wear.
The story, what there is to it, is that Randy gets up every morning, and bothers animals, until, she is captured by a human, and looks as though that is the end.
I can't think that kids would enjoy this, but by all the reviews, apparently, they do. I guess it just doesn't work for me.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
The illustrations of the various animals you might encounter int he west are quite lovely.
But alas, that is not what the story is about. The story is about a cowgirl horsefly who wears green eyeshadow. Sparkly green, in fact. Because, of course that is what horseflies would wear.
The story, what there is to it, is that Randy gets up every morning, and bothers animals, until, she is captured by a human, and looks as though that is the end.
I can't think that kids would enjoy this, but by all the reviews, apparently, they do. I guess it just doesn't work for me.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
June 24, 2020
Nice pictures, strange story
The pictures were amazing. But the little kids and me agree the story wasn't very good it was a little bit strange. Were still trying to figure out what Randy is, we think she's a fly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The pictures were amazing. But the little kids and me agree the story wasn't very good it was a little bit strange. Were still trying to figure out what Randy is, we think she's a fly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2021
Super cute.
My son got this book after meeting the author and had to tell me all about it. We read it together before bed and he still loves it.
The day in the life of a horse fly. Fantastic illustrations!
My son got this book after meeting the author and had to tell me all about it. We read it together before bed and he still loves it.
The day in the life of a horse fly. Fantastic illustrations!
January 22, 2020
Reviewed by Lydia (age 5) for Reader Views Kids (1/2020)
“Rowdy Randy” by Casey Day Rislov is the story about a horsefly named “Rowdy Randy” who likes to annoy other animals in the wild west. The story starts with Randy flying around, looking for an animal to bother. She finds a dog, but the dog almost bites her! Then she flies away and gets splashed by a fish! Randy doesn’t let that bother her though. Next, she tries to find some animals to work with her to bother others. She finds some birds, but none of them want to join her team. Randy decides she wants to be on her own, anyways. She finds a lizard to ride like a bull, and then faces off with a buffalo in a staring contest. She flies over some prairie rattlesnakes and then starts a stampede with some cattle! Some cowboys stop the stampede, and Randy feels good thinking there are other cowboys around her. Randy is singing in the night, then the story just ends when a cowboy starts grabbing at her.
I like that Randy is a cowgirl and she gets to see some neat animals in the desert. I wish the animals were named in the book so I could know what they all are, but I was able to look up some of them to find out. I like the pictures in the book- they are very pretty and fun to look at. Randy looks pretty when you see her sparkly green eye shadow! It would be fun to read more stories with “Rowdy Randy” and her adventures.
Note from Mom: “Rowdy Randy” is a cute cowboy/wild west story with a horsefly as the main character. I was only able to know this by reading the back sleeve of the book, as it doesn’t identify what kind of flying insect she is, and as Lydia said, the type of animals that Randy comes in contact with aren’t identified either. This doesn’t really deter from the overall story, it’s just something we noticed. The story was cute, but the ending was a little confusing. I wasn’t sure whether we were supposed to take the very back of the book as the real ending or make up our own? Overall, with the pleasing illustrations and the fun storyline of a horsefly as a cowgirl, it is recommended for kids of all ages, especially those who enjoy playing cowboy/girl.
“Rowdy Randy” by Casey Day Rislov is the story about a horsefly named “Rowdy Randy” who likes to annoy other animals in the wild west. The story starts with Randy flying around, looking for an animal to bother. She finds a dog, but the dog almost bites her! Then she flies away and gets splashed by a fish! Randy doesn’t let that bother her though. Next, she tries to find some animals to work with her to bother others. She finds some birds, but none of them want to join her team. Randy decides she wants to be on her own, anyways. She finds a lizard to ride like a bull, and then faces off with a buffalo in a staring contest. She flies over some prairie rattlesnakes and then starts a stampede with some cattle! Some cowboys stop the stampede, and Randy feels good thinking there are other cowboys around her. Randy is singing in the night, then the story just ends when a cowboy starts grabbing at her.
I like that Randy is a cowgirl and she gets to see some neat animals in the desert. I wish the animals were named in the book so I could know what they all are, but I was able to look up some of them to find out. I like the pictures in the book- they are very pretty and fun to look at. Randy looks pretty when you see her sparkly green eye shadow! It would be fun to read more stories with “Rowdy Randy” and her adventures.
Note from Mom: “Rowdy Randy” is a cute cowboy/wild west story with a horsefly as the main character. I was only able to know this by reading the back sleeve of the book, as it doesn’t identify what kind of flying insect she is, and as Lydia said, the type of animals that Randy comes in contact with aren’t identified either. This doesn’t really deter from the overall story, it’s just something we noticed. The story was cute, but the ending was a little confusing. I wasn’t sure whether we were supposed to take the very back of the book as the real ending or make up our own? Overall, with the pleasing illustrations and the fun storyline of a horsefly as a cowgirl, it is recommended for kids of all ages, especially those who enjoy playing cowboy/girl.
September 29, 2019
Rowdy Randy by Casey Rislov is an amusing look at life through the eyes of a cowgirl horsefly. One events after another has Randy looking for a desperado to challenge or annoy. Frankly the in your face attitude of Randy is exactly how I would expect a horsefly to behave. Nevertheless the cliffhanger ending lets the reader decide if Randy annoying days are coming to an end.
The style of writing is not a rhyming format but once I figured that out the story flowed pretty well reading it aloud to my four-year-old granddaughter. I guess I found the main character to be a surprise but she wasn’t at all surprised to read a fictional account of a day in the life of the toughest horsefly. She also liked the illustrations which are colorfully dramatic, with Randy’s annoyance of the dog to be her favorite.
My granddaughter enjoyed the story which is one of my criteria for rating but another is a theme to the book. I am not really sure of any big idea that this story has. Is it that all things even annoying ones have a purpose in the world, or simply to entertain the reader? Does this story have lasting value, I really couldn’t say. Four stars is how she rated it so I will go along with that.
The publisher through Net Galley provided an ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
The style of writing is not a rhyming format but once I figured that out the story flowed pretty well reading it aloud to my four-year-old granddaughter. I guess I found the main character to be a surprise but she wasn’t at all surprised to read a fictional account of a day in the life of the toughest horsefly. She also liked the illustrations which are colorfully dramatic, with Randy’s annoyance of the dog to be her favorite.
My granddaughter enjoyed the story which is one of my criteria for rating but another is a theme to the book. I am not really sure of any big idea that this story has. Is it that all things even annoying ones have a purpose in the world, or simply to entertain the reader? Does this story have lasting value, I really couldn’t say. Four stars is how she rated it so I will go along with that.
The publisher through Net Galley provided an ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
September 12, 2019
Rowdy Randy, the feisty heroine in Casey Rislov's picture book, is a cowgirl fly who has earned her name by being bravely annoying to others. The goal is to prove that she is the toughest cowgirl in flight, fancying herself as "the greatest outlaw."
Her brazen cowgirl attitude defies cattle, fish, and any tough days, but what she really needs is to lead a team of outlaws, despite her pride in being a loner and her inability to rustle up some comrades.
Kids with good reading skills or parental assistance will enjoy the story of a determined female fly who needs to solidify her life purpose beyond annoying others, but who really needs a lesson in humility to change her attitude about life.
Beautiful, big, bright color illustrations will prove captivating to adult and child alike, providing a whimsical embellishment to the story of a fly who is too daring for her own good. Cowboy lingo pervades the tale and adds to the fun story, while the animal portraits of victims who resist Randy's rowdiness capture both physical images and psychological tales of resistance.
Packed with action and the unexpected, Rowdy Randy is highly recommended for young buckaroos looking for something different in the way of Western-themed action.
Her brazen cowgirl attitude defies cattle, fish, and any tough days, but what she really needs is to lead a team of outlaws, despite her pride in being a loner and her inability to rustle up some comrades.
Kids with good reading skills or parental assistance will enjoy the story of a determined female fly who needs to solidify her life purpose beyond annoying others, but who really needs a lesson in humility to change her attitude about life.
Beautiful, big, bright color illustrations will prove captivating to adult and child alike, providing a whimsical embellishment to the story of a fly who is too daring for her own good. Cowboy lingo pervades the tale and adds to the fun story, while the animal portraits of victims who resist Randy's rowdiness capture both physical images and psychological tales of resistance.
Packed with action and the unexpected, Rowdy Randy is highly recommended for young buckaroos looking for something different in the way of Western-themed action.
October 1, 2019
Rowdy Randy is a horsefly that was born for ADVENTURE, She weaves her way through the Wild West exploring and stirring up all kinds of trouble. During her wild west adventure, she whooshes and buzzes around meeting all kinds of creatures, Buffalo, Cows, Snakes just to name a few. This adventure is full of twists and turns, Rowdy catches herself caught in a full-blown stampede.
Its time to dust off your cowboy hat and boots and pick up a copy of this amazingly illustrated children’s picture book, both Author Casey Day Rislov, and picture book illustrator Zachary Pullen’s outdid themselves.
Personal note, I love Rowdy’s outgoing and adventurous spirit, I wish I could sit in a camp with her and her that little horsefly strum her guitar and sing. (also I love the eye shadow)
https://writersnauthors.com/rowdy-ran...
Its time to dust off your cowboy hat and boots and pick up a copy of this amazingly illustrated children’s picture book, both Author Casey Day Rislov, and picture book illustrator Zachary Pullen’s outdid themselves.
Personal note, I love Rowdy’s outgoing and adventurous spirit, I wish I could sit in a camp with her and her that little horsefly strum her guitar and sing. (also I love the eye shadow)
https://writersnauthors.com/rowdy-ran...
October 2, 2019
Randy is a horsefly. She wants to be a cowgirl. As she goes from place to place she causes trouble on her adventure. However she isn’t satisfied until she causes a cattle stampede! Will she survive the stampede? Is she finally the cowgirl she wants to be?
The story is exquisitely told. It has great colored illustrations throughout the book. It’s a fun and positive book to read. I liked that Randy never gave up her being a cowgirl.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all.
The story is exquisitely told. It has great colored illustrations throughout the book. It’s a fun and positive book to read. I liked that Randy never gave up her being a cowgirl.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all.
March 20, 2019
This book is GREAT. I got this book off of Kickstarter for our library and I love it. The artwork in it is phenomenal. If you have a love for the Wild Wild West this is your book. It’s incredibly well written and takes you on a wonderful journey through cattle country. Saddle Up for adventure. I hope this is the beginning of a series. I want more Rowdy Randy. I can’t wait until this summer on days we have to move cattle; I’m also taking it to branding in April and am reading it to the kids. :)
March 2, 2025
The story and the artwork went well in hand with each other. The story had my grandchildren looking and following along. The story had them asking questions about Randy and why was Randy acting that way. I love having discussions with the boys as they are questioning everything as small children. I had to explain the ending of the story to them and they’re response was “No, Way!”
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2019
This is a cute story with a horsefly as the main character. The illustrations are beautiful and support the story. They would be wonderful introduction to discussions about livestock, wild animals and nature. The story ended on what some might consider a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2019
Wonderful Illustrations
Rowdy Randy is a horsefly out in the country who gets into a ton of mischief. The story started out ok, became pointless and ended in a cliffhanger. However, the illustrations are just wonderful! They include all sorts of prairie animals, including my favorite – The Jackalope. I received this ARC book for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.
Rowdy Randy is a horsefly out in the country who gets into a ton of mischief. The story started out ok, became pointless and ended in a cliffhanger. However, the illustrations are just wonderful! They include all sorts of prairie animals, including my favorite – The Jackalope. I received this ARC book for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.
October 4, 2019
Randy is a horsefly. She spends all day looking for targets. Adventure follows her wherever she goes. A good book to read to children and look at the pictures that are quite good showing the annoyance on the faces of Randy’s targets and the cheeky little rowdy happiness. The only but is the end of the book.
May 9, 2019
This is a cute story for younger readers about a pesky fly that tries to befriends different animals in the wild range!
As an elementary teacher, I fell in love with the author's voice and the lyrical language. I'll use this book to teach alliteration.
As an elementary teacher, I fell in love with the author's voice and the lyrical language. I'll use this book to teach alliteration.
September 19, 2019
Wonderful story with beautiful illustrations! Randy Rowdy is fierce and confident! Just when you think her number is up, she proves she is the the greatest outlaw! My son absolutely loved her. We were on the edge of our seats! Well done!
October 30, 2019
Rowdy Randy is a colorful picture book depicting an average day in the Wild West through the eyes of a rather large, rambunctious female horsefly who lives to stir up trouble. In beautiful, gallery-worthy, fully-painted illustrations, we follow Randy as she buzzes the cows and bulls and other animals, even narrowly missing some fatal blowback from an angry fish and nest of rattlesnakes less than thrilled with her attention. Personal highlight: Randy bronco-busting a cranky lizard, which kids should love. While the story seems a bit light even for a picture book (and seemingly - of all things - ends on a cliffhanger no less), Randy is the rootinest-tootinest horsefly in the west, and the lively artwork alone vividly brings her day to life. 3.5/5 stars
Note: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2020
Enjoyable read with an interesting lead character. Like the cowboy and ranch aspect. Has horses! Kids will enjoy this story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2021
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Cute, original idea, colorful pictures were the pluses. The negatives: very wordy and the story didn't really develop well. I think kids will like it, but adults not as much.
Cute, original idea, colorful pictures were the pluses. The negatives: very wordy and the story didn't really develop well. I think kids will like it, but adults not as much.
January 7, 2024
The illustrations are captivating and honestly, just breathtaking. The story’s main character is very cute, but sadly lacks a true message and the abrupt ending leaves a little too much to be desired. Love the idea, but I think it could have been shorter with a stronger overall plot.
April 23, 2019
My kids loved Rowdy Randy. It was full of adventure, and the illustrations were amazing.
April 30, 2019
THE PICTURES ARE BEAUTIFUL.
EASY FOR ANY ONE TO READ
WOULD GIVE TO ANY CHILD TO READ.
THEY WOULD ENJOY THE BOOK.
EASY FOR ANY ONE TO READ
WOULD GIVE TO ANY CHILD TO READ.
THEY WOULD ENJOY THE BOOK.
April 30, 2019
This was a Giveaway winner, very cute. Thank you, can’t wait to share with my granddaughter!
May 5, 2019
A charming story with beautiful illustrations that seem to come off the page!
May 8, 2019
I won this book in the giveaway! Super cute read! My kids loved it.
May 20, 2019
What a powerful story! The illustrations are phenomenal!
May 22, 2019
A cute book for children about the wild, wild west. Art work is delightful.
June 17, 2019
I love the illustrations. The story was very cute. I gave it to my grandson for his birthday gift in May.. He loved it..Kept his attention.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews