'Til the Cows Come Home

by Jodi Icenoggle

It was a beautiful piece of leather, smooth as silk and tough as a tornado. In fact, it was the best-looking leather you ever saw. An old cowhand gave it to a young cowboy as a gift. The cowboy cut it up and made a handsome pair of chaps for himself. He said he'd wear those chaps 'til the cows came home. But months of roping and riding wore a hole in one of the legs. That made the cowboy sad, and it set him to thinking. His chaps may be worn out, but he still had some of the beautiful leather. And as long as the cowboy had that leather, he knew he had possibilities. Jodi Icenoggle's endearing story, with lively illustrations by Normand Chartier, is adapted from a traditional Jewish folktale. This time-honored tale finds new life on a cattle ranch in the American West. An author's note and a glossary of Western slang adds to the enjoyment of this story about a piece of leather and a resourceful cowboy.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Abbigail Stephens (EDCU 378) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Text to Text Connection:

This was a perfect read for my Pre-K class during our western thematic unit! I love the way it incorporated not only a vivid picture of life on the ranch, but also language used in that lifestyle. It’s pictures were gorgeous as well! This book reminds me so much of The Giving Tree! I love the concept of things having more than one use and how they can change throughout someone’s lifetime.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hero of this story doesn't own a name, apparently. But he does come to own a fine piece of cocoa-colored leather. That becomes the basis for a beautiful tale about personal values.

You see, Goodreaders, this clever cowboy makes himself a pair of chaps, then a pair of gloves, then a "rip-snortin' hatband," which he places on his cowboy hat. Finally, he only has enough leather to make a button.

One by one, those impressive leather creations wear out, or even are lost.

Nonetheless, the cowboy marries Sally Mae, and they even have a baby. None of the cowboy's leather goods lasts forever, but the good things in his life do endure.

FIVE STARS for a simple tale with an understated-yet-important spiritual message.

[Barbara Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the idea of repurposing things that can be used for other things. Illustrations are great.

[CFAITC]

A resourceful cowboy finds a way to use one beautiful piece of leather in a variety of situations, making the piece last 'til the cows come home.

[Brooke]

Great book on the wild west. Also could be used as an introduction to important objects in our lives

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute story about all the uses a cowboy can find in one piece of leather. A great book to use when talking about the west and the lifestyles of cowboys.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about a boy that comes up with different ways to use a piece of leather.

[Christie Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would be a great way to engaged students when you teach a lesson on western themes.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy receives a smooth piece of leather and creatively makes many different things out of it.

[Joe Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book for western themes, talking about the settling of the west.

[Todd Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could bring about a connection to something that was a prized possesion of our own.

[Alida · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adaptation of the Jewish folktale told in "Something from Nothing." The grandkids figured it out quite quickly.

[Nel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jodi was a member of my writing critique group ... so I love this book! I saw it in its infancy ... a manuscript looking for a place to call home. Good job Jodi!

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cowboy retelling of the Jewish folk tale known as "The Button Story". It's full of cowboy jargon. Fun read.

[James Harrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good illustrations and a nice story, but a little over the top with the countryfied idioms.

From the library.