Bubba the Cowboy Prince: A Fractured Texas Tale by Helen Ketteman

1. Bibliography
Ketteman, Helen. 1997. BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE: A FRACTURED TEXAS TALE. Ill. By James Warhola. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590255061

2. Plot Summary
Bubba, a Texas cowboy, is overworked and unappreciated by his wicked stepdaddy and his two despicable brothers. Miz Lurleen, a well off ranch owner, decides to host a party to find the perfect male companion to help work the place. Bubba’s wicked family does not allow Bubba to go to this party, but a fairy godcow helps Bubba attend, and Miz Lurleen falls directly for him. At midnight, Bubba leaves the ball in a dash, slipping out of his boot before exiting. Mis Lurleen is able to find Bubba by fitting the boot on his foot, and the story ends happily as they ride off to a life of ranching together.

3. Critical Analysis
The story features a Cinderella theme in a Texas style setting that will have readers intrigued. The outcome of the story is predictable, but the humorous way the story is written brings an immense joy to the book. Ketteman does a good job of recreating this Cinderella idea to fit perfectly to the western lifestyle.

The illustrations by James Warhola bring great quality to the book, and the pictures offer detail throughout that is eye catching to the reader. The features given to the characters fit perfectly with the personalities portrayed in the story and are quite comical. With each page the reader can enjoy the vibrant colors that add to the silly, but pleasurable illustrations. The combination of the story and the illustrations make BUBBA, A TEXAS COWBOY a book to remember.

4. Review Excerpts
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “The premise isn't original, but the execution and artwork certainly are.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “There are no surprises in this version except in the hilarious way the premise plays itself out and in Warhol’s delightful visual surprises.

5. Connections
*Other Versions of Cinderella
Lowell, Susan. CINDY ELLEN: A WILD WESTERN CINDERELLA. ISBN 0064438643
Jackson, Ellen B. CINDER EDNA. ISBN 0688162959
Cole, Babette. PRINCE CINDERS. ISBN 0698115546
*Read several versions of Cinderella to students. Have students write a version of their own Cinderella.