Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers (Little Britches, #1)

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers (Little Britches #1)

4.3 of 5 stars 4.30 · rating details · 3,844 ratings · 582 reviews

Ralph Moody was eight years old in 1906 when his family moved from New Hampshire to a Colorado ranch. Through his eyes we experience the pleasures and perils of ranching there early in the twentieth century. Auctions and roundups, family picnics, irrigation wars, tornadoes and wind storms give authentic color to Little Britches. So do adventures, wonderfully told, that equ...more

Paperback, 260 pages

Published September 1st 1991 by Bison Books (first published 1950)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

My Favorite Childhood books

67th out of 425 books — 273 voters

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

What Book Got You Hooked?

423rd out of 2,174 books — 6,622 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

May 17, 2012 Scott Axsom rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am, to use my dear, late, cowboy grandfather’s lowliest epithet, a dude. I'm city-born and horse-shy, but I'm also descended from Colorado ranchers and horsemen dating back to 1870, so I'll be the first to admit that I have a serious soft spot for all things cowboy and all things Colorado - it’s in my jeans, I guess. With that in mind, you'll probably want to take what follows with a block of salt:

Written in beautifully spartan prose, “Little Britches” is told through a series of (autobiograph...more

like 9 likes · see review

Mar 14, 2011 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-to-kelly, read-to-belle, 5-pillar, tjed-youth

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I was very moved by the last chapter of Little Britches when Ralph assumes his Father’s place at the table. In his own words, “That night [Mother] nodded to me, and I became a man.”

How many young men or ladies could fill a parent’s shoes in their family at the age of 11 or 12? Most couldn’t because instead of becoming young men and women, they become teenagers. What is the purpose of a teenager’s existence? What is the benefit of such a period of life? What good comes of it?

I believe that prepa...more I was very moved by the last chapter of Little Britches when Ralph assumes his Father’s place at the table. In his own words, “That night [Mother] nodded to me, and I became a man.”

How many young men or ladies could fill a parent’s shoes in their family at the age of 11 or 12? Most couldn’t because instead of becoming young men and women, they become teenagers. What is the purpose of a teenager’s existence? What is the benefit of such a period of life? What good comes of it?

I believe that preparing our children for teenage years rather than young adulthood robs and blinds them. It robs them of the confidence and security that would come of knowing how to do a man or woman’s work, of knowing they make a material difference to their family, of the opportunity to learn and practice adult skills while there is still a safety net to catch them when they fall. It blinds them to the true sources of happiness and prosperity: personal integrity, hard work and responsibility.

We often hear of widespread teen angst and depression. So many teens today sense the meaninglessness of their lives. They combat this with drugs, sex, gangs, friends, and entertainment. There is a prevailing attitude in society that teens should have fun while they can because it’s all downhill once they become adults. Most of them aren’t having much fun now and they are told they have nothing better to look forward to. No wonder they are depressed!

Growing-up used to be something that children looked forward to. Growing-up used to mean something about the character of an individual rather than just their age. Growing up used to mean new freedoms coupled with responsibilities. Kids today are taught all about so-called freedoms that come with growing up but there is little talk of new responsibilities. And the so-called freedoms are not what our founding fathers meant when they established the land of the free and home of the brave. There is little talk about the right to vote, the right to pursue happiness through hard work, the right to speak and think freely. The responsibilities they should be preparing for are represented as evils they should free themselves from: family, home, church, and service. The mantra goes something like, “You don’t owe anybody anything. The world owes you.” And so they are encouraged to get an early start on experimenting with sex, drugs, alternative lifestyles, financial irresponsibility and hedonistic living.

It was so refreshing to read about Ralph Moody’s experience growing up. This is what I want for my children. His parents, especially his father, taught him good, bad, right, wrong, true, and false. They taught him to work. They taught him about the importance of family relationships and responsibility. They helped him develop personal integrity and character. They gave him opportunities to practice in the safety of their care. Then, when it became necessary, Ralph was ready to become the man of the family. Rather than looking back on his childhood and feeling robbed of his “teenage” years, I’m sure Ralph felt deep satisfaction and gratitude for the way they helped him to become a man.
(less)

like 7 likes · see review

Jan 15, 2008 Lesli rated it 4 of 5 stars

I finished Little Britches by Ralph Moody. I didn't want to read it because I thought it was a dumb title, and I don't like sad farming stories set in the Great Depression. I blame that on Steinbeck. I know it is so un public school taught of me, to not like Steinbeck but come on his stories are such downers. He is a good writer, but that doesn't mean I want to read his pathetic tales. The title makes more sense after reading the story, and it wasn't a downer story about the failings of capitali...more

like 10 likes · see review

Feb 13, 2008 Sally rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: human-observation

This is first of a series of auto-biographies. I read the first one to see what all the fuss was about ("must-read classic") and plowed right through all of them. THey are:
Little Britches
Man of the Family
The Home Ranch
Mary Emma and Company
Fields of Home
Shaking the Nickel Bush
The Dry Divide
HOrse of a Different Color

I had a hard time getting through Fields of Home because of that tarnal fool of a Grandpa of his. I either wanted to knock him over the head, commit him to a group home or send them al...more

like 6 likes · see review

Jan 07, 2009 Andee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful story!! My husband read it to the kids in summer of '08 then I read it myself that fall. I cried at the end of the story and loved the family relationships displayed in the book. Especially between Ralph and his dad. GREAT!!

like 3 likes · see review

Aug 25, 2012 Wayne S. rated it 4 of 5 stars

It is 1906, and eight-year-old Ralph Moody’s family is getting ready to move. They live in East Rochester, NH, and Ralph’s father Charles works in the woolen mills, but it isn’t good for his lungs. Cousin Phil, who lives in Denver, CO, visits and convinces Father that ranching in Colorado would be better for his health. So Father, Mother, Grace, Muriel, Philip, Hal, and Ralph rent a ranch on the Fort Logan-Morrison road, near Littleton, CO, not far from Denver. This autobiographical book chronic...more It is 1906, and eight-year-old Ralph Moody’s family is getting ready to move. They live in East Rochester, NH, and Ralph’s father Charles works in the woolen mills, but it isn’t good for his lungs. Cousin Phil, who lives in Denver, CO, visits and convinces Father that ranching in Colorado would be better for his health. So Father, Mother, Grace, Muriel, Philip, Hal, and Ralph rent a ranch on the Fort Logan-Morrison road, near Littleton, CO, not far from Denver. This autobiographical book chronicles their first year which involves settling on the ranch, meeting neighbors, planting crops, raising animals, going to school, experiencing a huge wind storm,and fighting over irrigation rights. Ralph, who becomes known as “Little Britches,” learns how to be a cowboy and even participates in a rodeo, but will the ranch be successful? Will the family even survive?

This series of books has long been recommended by homeschoolers as the “Little House for Boys.” First, there are some negatives, one of which is language issues. One source says, “Be aware, however, that there is some inappropriate language used – no doubt in keeping with the actual verbiage of rugged cowboys and characters of the time.” Another source says, “an excellent read-aloud selection (which will allow you to filter out the smattering of ‘cuss’ words that occur, and which Moody himself wasn’t allowed to use as a lad).” And still another source says, “A customer pointed out that there are a few undesirable words used to watch out for.” Also, several who have read the entire series have noted that the later books, especially after Ralph goes to live with his grandfather in The Fields of Home, are not as good as the earlier ones which detail his childhood because they are more “dark” with lots of bad attitudes which are displayed over and over.

However, there are also some strong positives. Little Britches is rich in the values of family unity, honesty, inventiveness, earning others’ trust, and satisfaction in a job well done. And there is great emphasis on character development. Ralph gets in several predicaments and doesn’t always make the right choices, but he learns to do better by heeding hisfather’s wise advice, who said, “Any man who says the world owes him a living is dishonest. The same God that made you and me made this earth. And He planned it so that it would yield every single thing that the people on it need. But He was careful to plan it so that it would only yield up its wealth in exchange for the labor of man. Any man who tries to share in that wealth without contributing the work of his brain or his hands is dishonest.” Amen! What an important lesson that is so needed today! The seven sequels are Man of the Family, The Home Ranch, Mary Emma and Company, The Fields of Home, Shaking the Nickel Bush, The Dry Divide, and Horse of a Different Color.(less)

like 1 like · see review

Jun 13, 2012 Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography

I really loved this book. I plan to read it to the kids next. There are great lessons in this book and some great thoughts on life. A little disclaimer...I love prairie/pioneering books. I love Laura Ingalls-Wilder books:)

A couple of my favorites:
"Son, there is no question but what the thing you have done today deserves severe punishment. You might have killed yourself or the horse, but much worse than that, you have injured your own character. A man's character is like his house. If he tears b...more

like · see review

May 23, 2012 Abigail Larsen rated it 5 of 5 stars

"Son, there are times a man has to do things he doesn't like to, in order to protect his family."

In this autobiography that's anything but dry or textbook-ish, Ralph Moody begins the story of his childhood. His unique story-telling voice is authentic and appealing, drawing both young and old in. The emotions conveyed throughout these pages are compelling--surprisingly so since it's told from a young boy's perspective.

The account begins in 1906, and Ralph's family has just moved from the East Coa...more "Son, there are times a man has to do things he doesn't like to, in order to protect his family."

In this autobiography that's anything but dry or textbook-ish, Ralph Moody begins the story of his childhood. His unique story-telling voice is authentic and appealing, drawing both young and old in. The emotions conveyed throughout these pages are compelling--surprisingly so since it's told from a young boy's perspective.

The account begins in 1906, and Ralph's family has just moved from the East Coast to a Colorado ranch in hopes of improving Ralph's father's health. Using both the risks and the excitement of their new ranching lifestyle, Ralph's father teaches his eight-year-old son the weighty principals of integrity, courage, and upright character.

"A man's character is like his house. If he tears boards off his house and burns them to keep himself warm and comfortable, his house soon becomes a ruin. If he tells lies to be able to do the things he shouldn't do but wants to, his character will soon become a ruin. A man with a ruined character is a shame on the face of the earth," his father explains.

Ralph and his family encounter a variety of exciting events during their first few years in Colorado: tornados, school fights, rodeos, auctions, personal tragedies, roundups, and trick riding, to name a few. Each new experience increases the father-son bond and puts Ralph one step closer to manhood. But don't let me deceive you into assuming this book is all seriousness; there are plenty of hearty laughs to be had along the way!

While Ralph's story may be especially appreciated by those with a soft spot for cowboys, it is also sure to be thoroughly enjoyed by practically anyone who loves family or has been a child once himself. The tenderness, joys, humor, and heartaches conveyed within Father and I Were Ranchers are universal experiences that we can all, at least to a certain extent, relate to. And I raise an skeptical eyebrow toward anyone who won't admit to shedding genuine tears by the end of this, the first book in the Little Britches series. Though not without its flaws, Father and I Were Ranchers provides excellent springboards for discussion on many important life issues.

This one is definitely worth owning. It's also an excellent audio book. Five very enthusiastic stars!

Recommended read-aloud age: all ages
Recommended read-alone age: 12 and up (due to reading level)

To read more of my reviews, visit www.larsenreviews.org.

(less)

like 1 like · see review

Mar 21, 2012 Laurie rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Jocelyn and Mom!

Shelves: 2012, book-club, non-fiction

This was a lovely autobiography starting in 1906 about a dirt ranch in Colorado told from the perspective of the author when he was 8 years old and as he comes of age in the following few years. It's an easy, short read full of poignant lessons.

Some of my favorite teachings of the father to the son:

"Always remember, Son, the best boss is the one who bosses the least. Whether it's cattle, or horses, or men; the least government is the best government."

"There are only two kinds of men in this worl...more

like · see review

Jan 01, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

In 1966 I was in the first grade, and suffering because my newly minted teacher did not believe in children who could read without having completed all the Phonics lessons in the workbook first. My reading tastes were catholic *in the sense of universal* and included National Geographic Magazines form the '20's and '30's, my Great grandfather's Oklahoma grade school textbooks, The Farmer Stockman, The Reader's Digest, any newspaper, cereal box, or other printed matter I could find, and a hand fu...more

like · see review

Jul 07, 2011 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

"A man's character is like his house. If he tears boards off his house and burns them to keep himself warm and comfortable, his house soon becomes a ruin. If he tells lies to be able to do the things he shouldn't do but wants to, his character will soon become a ruin. A man with a ruined character is a shame on the face of the earth."

"Always remember, Son, the best boss is the one who bosses the least. Whether it's cattle, or horses, or men; the least government is the best government."

I just lo...more

like 2 likes · see review

May 17, 2010 Marci rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! It was recommended to me by my good friend, Becca, and I am desperate to have my kids read the series. Little Britches is very reminiscent of the Little House on the Prairie series in that it's the (I think autobiographical) story of a boy who moves with his family to Colorado in the early 1900s to ranch. The mother and father are the type of people I aspire to be and the adventures the family faces are riveting. My father-in-law grew up on a farm in rural Canada and his autob...more

like · see review

Mar 30, 2010 Bitsy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, western, memoir, historical-fiction, non-fiction

Ralph Moody, similar to the style of Laura Ingalls Wilder, wrote a series of books about his life dating back to 1906. His first book, Little Britches, starts when he is eight years old and his family moves from New Hampshire to Colorado to start life on a ranch out west. His father’s health isn’t so great, so fresh air and wide open spaces was what the doctor ordered. They arrive to find things not quite as they were lead to believe. But, through hard work and ingenuity they find a way to make...more Ralph Moody, similar to the style of Laura Ingalls Wilder, wrote a series of books about his life dating back to 1906. His first book, Little Britches, starts when he is eight years old and his family moves from New Hampshire to Colorado to start life on a ranch out west. His father’s health isn’t so great, so fresh air and wide open spaces was what the doctor ordered. They arrive to find things not quite as they were lead to believe. But, through hard work and ingenuity they find a way to make things work, for a little while. Ralph never really knew his father before then, but with Ralph the closest thing to another man to rely on his father started working with him and teaching things he would need to know to grow up and “build a house of character”. Between these lessons, and some others he learns the hard way, Ralph grows and talks about his experiences out west at the turn of the century.

I found myself enjoying this book quite a lot as it reminded me almost of a "boys" version of the Little House on the Prairie. I don't remember quite so much ethics being instilled in that series as there is in Little Britches. Ralph Moody talks about his father's lessons and writes some very strong themes about character and about morality about hard work and ethics and about what it takes to be a man that is respected.

His writing was simple and straight forward and very refreshing. It was very clean reading, and easy and simple for a ten-year-old to read and enjoy. The humor was also very well done, either in droll remembrances or occasionally in the dialog, some of it designed to go over eight-year-old Ralph's head, and some of it designed to go over a child reader's head as well to the parent over their shoulder. There is also some swearing, but it is mild and placed in a negative light.

I enjoyed reading about the variety of colorful characters introduced, from the Native American Two Dog to the Cowboy Hi. The situations and troubles he gets himself in and out of will be at once familiar to a school age child (fights at school, chores at home and interfering siblings) and potentially foreign (meeting the sheriff in a saloon, learning how to trick ride a horse, working as a cow hand on a ranch). Familiar enough to learn from, interesting enough to keep their attention.

I would definitely recommend this book and the series that follows to any young kids that might already be interested in similar books, such as the Little House on the Prairie series. It has some good strong messages and is some easy, clean reading that you can enjoy at any age.(less)

like · see review

Feb 28, 2008 Slotowngal California born rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: anybody; especially good for reading aloud

Shelves: adult-favorites, childhood-favorites

This book is the first in a whole series of biographies about the Moody family, who went west around 1908 to become farmers in Colorado. The story of young Ralph Moody, his interactions with his parents, his lively descriptions of neighbors, cowboys and other characters all make his set of biographical novels a pleasure from start to finish. I read these first as a child, but have kept a copy of all 8 books nearby to re-read on a regular basis. Try them out.... they are worth the time.

like 3 likes · see review

Mar 02, 2012 Diana rated it 4 of 5 stars

When I was in middle school, our history teacher read to us every day. One of the books I remember is "Little Britches." Thank you Mr. Ali Joseph for encouraging a love of reading and history !!
I enjoyed this book as much years later as I did when it was read to me the first time.
Ralph Moody and his family move to Colorado to be rancher (farmers) and to help his father's TB.
It is interesting to read about an area now part of Littleton/Ft.Logan, but in those days it considered to be a rural area...more

like · see review

Sep 29, 2011 Terri rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was a favorite of both my grandparents and my father. I first read "Little Britches" many years ago when my dad recommended it to me and absolutely loved it. I looked at it a couple years ago in the book store and couldn't really remember anything about it, except that I'd loved it. Picked it up at the thrift store a few weeks ago and was interested to give it another try.

This is a FABULOUS story! It is an autobiographical story of a young boy learning how to become a rancher in Colora...more

like · see review

Mar 17, 2009 Yvonne swinson rated it 5 of 5 stars

OH!! OH!! I just love love love this book. Autobiographical historical fiction - is there anything better? Beautiful life lessons woven into the pages of this priceless book. The first two in the series are definitely the best, but the whole series is wonderful.

One of the challenges, I feel, in historical fiction, is painting an accurate history of very difficult times without wallowing in the mire (language, graphic depictions of violence, and so forth). To me, one of the many beauties of this...more

like 1 like · see review

May 13, 2013 Leta Palmiter rated it 5 of 5 stars

A review by a Middle School Class at Meridian Center for Classical Learning:
Little Britches by Ralph Moody is riveting story set in the rolling hills of Colorado, where the horse you're riding is your best friend. This book is a sad but true story of Ralph Moody's childhood life. From moving to a little shack on the frontier to watching his horse die, Moody tells a very descriptive tale. Ralph and his family work from sun up to sun down; there's no need for a clock. Ralph is the kind of eight-ye...more A review by a Middle School Class at Meridian Center for Classical Learning:
Little Britches by Ralph Moody is riveting story set in the rolling hills of Colorado, where the horse you're riding is your best friend. This book is a sad but true story of Ralph Moody's childhood life. From moving to a little shack on the frontier to watching his horse die, Moody tells a very descriptive tale. Ralph and his family work from sun up to sun down; there's no need for a clock. Ralph is the kind of eight-year-old that loves to be in charge, to be the man of the family. He learns many life lessons as he grows up, and becomes the man his father wanted him to be. I was surprised that I actually enjoyed this book, as I've never been a fan of historical westerns, or westerns in general. As Ralph grows up and becomes a good and helpful person, it influences children to be more like him, riding horses and breaking nine of your toes and daredevil riding to almost break your neck. Overall, the story was good, storyline as well, it has a powerful moral. One of my favorite quotes was “A man's character is like his house. If he tears boards off his house and burns them to keep himself warm and comfortable, his house soon becomes a ruin. If he tells lies to be able to do the things he shouldn't do but wants to, his character will soon become a ruin. A man with a ruined character is a shame on the face of the earth.” The book tells the story of the old west in an original, and, surprisingly, entertaining way. In the beginning this book was really boring, because I don't really enjoy reading about hard times in life. However, the more I read, the more I enjoyed it. I liked this book better than Across Five Aprils. Most books I have read about ranches were boring. Little Britches explained the way people lived at the turn of the century. Some good life lessons include: "Son, there are times a man has to do things he doesn't like to, in order to protect his family." I think all middle school teachers should make their students read this book as mine did!!!! The lessons Ralph's father teaches a little boy are great. My favorite is, "There are only two types of men in this world, honest and dishonest men." I must say is was quite helpful and moving, helping influence children to not be dishonest to anyone. As Ralph grows up and becomes a good and helpful person, it influences children like me to be more like him. Overall, the story was good, storyline as well, it has a powerful moral. "The best boss is the one that bosses the least, whether it's cattle, horses, or men. And the least government is the best government."
(less)

like 1 like · see review

Sep 10, 2012 Krystal rated it 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED this book. So many lessons can be learned from this book. Lessons on patience, lessons on turning the other cheek, lessons on being slow to anger, lessons on working hard and pushing through whatever hand is dealt to you. Ralph's father is a great example throughout and teaches quietly so many lessons that his son needs to learn.
My favorite quote out of the book is said by Ralph's father to Ralph. He says, "There are only two kinds of men in this world: Honest men and dishonest men. The...more

like 1 like · see review

Apr 21, 2013 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: used-in-bookclub, nook

This was such a good book, it is beyond words. The charcters were people you care about and the setting, in Colorado, is wonderful. The trials and tribulations of living in Colorado in the early 1900's are amazing! I don't know as I could have survived those rough years. I know I will look out for the rest of Moody's books, I want to read all of them and follow the story as the years pass. A must read.

like 1 like · see review

Oct 23, 2007 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

This is what I call the "Little House on the Prairie" for boys. This is set in the same type of setting, rural farmland and a little boy and his family. I thouroughly enjoyed it. It showed his respect for his family and his love of horses. You can see how children at that time were forced into maturity at an earlier age. Life seemed more fragile, simple and gritty at that time.

like 2 likes · see review

Apr 13, 2012 Darcy rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read this book for a middle school literature class I was teaching, which meant that I had the mostly unpleasant task of trying to come up with vocabulary lists, journal questions, discussion topics, etc. Any time there's work associated with a book, it takes some of the fun out of it.

But since I finished Little Britches, I think about it often, and my love for it grows. The stories that Ralph Moody tells, especially the ones about his boyhood mischievousness, always bring a smile to my face....more

like · see review

Mar 26, 2012 Nancy Geise rated it 5 of 5 stars

Little Britches and the follow-up story, Man of the Family, are truly two of my all-time favorite books! If I were writing a school curriculum of required reading for people of all ages, these two books would be at the top of my list! The story of this remarkable young man and his family serves are a reminder of the triumph of the human spirit against all odds and what so many that have gone before us faced.

They are both truly must reads! We attempted to read these stories aloud to our kids and...more

like · see review

Nov 22, 2008 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a must read if you have a son and a must-read-out-loud to your family, preferably in the evening sitting by a warm fire on a cold winters night. Well, nostalgic setting aside, this book will teach the values of honesty, hard-work, loyalty, love and devotion with characters that you will absolutely fall in love with. I cried and cried at the end of the book, because I was so emotionally attatched to the characters. It is very fulfilling to read it and to share it with your children. One o...more

like · see review

Mar 17, 2013 Tim rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is superb book, although is probably more interesting to a boy than to a girl. It's an essentially autobiographical account of Moody's life as a boy who moved with his "Yankee" family to Colorado at the turn of the 20th century. They struggled with twisters, mountain lions, coyotes, cloudbursts, and economic hardship. Along the way, young Ralph becomes a bronc-buster and learns other necessary skills of frontier life.

Moody, who went on to become an engineer by profession, has stated that on...more

like 1 like · see review

Aug 18, 2011 Melody rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: heard, memoir

The clunky narration of this audio was a little distracting. The narrator enunciated each word very clearly, and always said thee for the and pronounced a as a long vowel. However, this didn't detract too much from the story, aside from being annoying.

In this, his first memoir, Moody recounts the time he spent on a Colorado ranch with both his parents and his four siblings. It begins when he's 7 or 8 and ends sometime in his 11th year. His father is the real star of this book, and his lasting in...more

like · see review

Mar 26, 2012 ladydusk rated it 5 of 5 stars

Own.

What a fantastic book. Definitely one of the best reads our family has read together!

Ralph's family moves out west to Colorado on the advice of Cousin Phil to help Father's health. The family works together to learn and grow at ranching - the great independent American Dream.

Ralph learns lessons in character, honesty, and manhood from his father along the way.

It took both of us to get through the final, heart-wrenching chapter. This book ought to be read aloud to edit for coarse language....more

like 1 like · see review

May 20, 2011 James Brogan rated it 4 of 5 stars

This series of books was very influential on me and my family growing up. I haven't re-read as an adult, so I can't really comment on the writing style, but it was sort of like the Little House books from a boy's point of view and at a later date in history. Lots of growing up and coming of age stuff. Very funny and exciting true stories from his life. These began as letters he wrote to his grown up children and they kept begging for more until he published them.
I saw this book on the family she...more

like · see review

Mar 08, 2010 Ramandan Nash rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Little Britches series are the memoirs of Ralph Moody and his life experiences in Littleton, CO in the early 1900's. My husband's grandma read them to him when he was just a boy and Mike has shared his love of Little Britches with us. We read it every night as a family before bed and by the end of it we were all crying our eyes out! You come away from this book wanting to teach your children the value of hard work, honesty, integrity, and to be the kind of parent that teaches life lessons w...more

like · see review

Apr 05, 2013 Jason rated it 4 of 5 stars

Roughing it on the ranch combined with a father who knew just what to say and a mother who knew Shakespeare by heart seem to have given Ralph Moody a knack for telling good stories. This book is western story-telling at its finest.

(While reading it to my children, I "edited out" the times when God's name was taken in vain. Moody cleverly includes it in the story while letting his mother be a voice of conscience against it, thus giving the reader the same kind of temptation he experienced - a kin...more

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (12)

More editions...

Genres

Classics

42 users

Biography

35 users

Non Fiction

29 users

History

20 users

Childrens

19 users

Book Club

16 users

Autobiography > Memoir

16 users

Western

12 users

Adventure

8 users

Biography > Autobiography

7 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Ralph Moody

Ralph Moody was an American author who wrote 17 novels and autobiographies about the American West. He was born in East Rochester, New Hampshire, in 1898 but moved to Colorado with his family when he was eight in the hopes that a dry climate would improve his father Charles's tuberculosis. Moody detailed his experiences in Colorado in the first book of the Little Britches series, Father and I Were...more

More about Ralph Moody...

Books by Ralph Moody

The Fields of Home (Little Britches, #5)

Mary Emma & Company (Little Britches, #4)

Shaking the Nickel Bush (Little Britches, #6)

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Little Britches: ...

1 trivia question

More quizzes & trivia...

Quotes from Little Britches: Fathe...

“A man's character is like his house. If he tears boards off his house and burns them to keep himself warm and comfortable, his house soon becomes a ruin. If he tells lies to be able to do the things he shouldn't do but wants to, his character will soon become a ruin. A man with a ruined character is a shame on the face of the earth.” — 8 people liked it

“He had bucked harder with me than the fellows expected him to, and I don't know how I stayed on. I guess I was just too scared to fall off. Anyway, Mr. Cooper shook hands with me after Hi lifted me down. He said, "By God, you're going to make a cow poke, Little Britches. As long as you're with me you can call him your own horse." Then he laughed, and said to the other men, "I thought, by God, the kid was going to pull that one-inch hackamore rope in two before the music stopped."

Father never swore, and I know I wouldn't ever have said it out loud, but before I really knew what I was thinking, "By God, I thought so, too," went through my head.” — 1 person liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers
avg rating	preview: Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers Goodreads rating: 4.30 (3844 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/233711.Little_Britches?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1328819762l/233711.jpg[/img][/url] [url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/233711.Little_Britches?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers by Ralph Moody[/url]

Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers (Little Britches #1)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website