Pecos Bill: The Greatest Cowboy of All Time facts for kids

Pecos Bill: The Greatest Cowboy of All Time is an exciting adventure story for young readers. It was written by James Cloyd Bowman and is all about the famous American folk hero named Pecos Bill. Imagine a hero who was raised by coyotes and could even talk to animals! Pecos Bill has amazing powers and becomes the most incredible cowboy ever. The book was illustrated by Laura Bannon and first came out in 1937. It was even recognized with a special award, becoming a Newbery Honor book in 1938.

Who is Pecos Bill?

Pecos Bill is a legendary folk hero from American stories. A folk hero is a character from old tales and songs, often with superhuman strength or special abilities. These stories are usually passed down through generations. Pecos Bill is known for his incredible adventures and his larger-than-life cowboy skills.

Pecos Bill's Amazing Childhood

The book tells the wild story of Pecos Bill's early life. He wasn't raised by people at all! Instead, he grew up with a family of coyotes in the wilderness. This unusual upbringing gave him some very special abilities. He learned to understand animals and even speak their language. He also became incredibly strong and fearless, just like the wild animals around him.

Becoming the Greatest Cowboy

As Pecos Bill grew older, he discovered his true calling: being a cowboy. But he wasn't just any cowboy. With his unique skills and incredible strength, he became the greatest cowboy of all time. He could lasso anything, ride the wildest horses, and even tame the toughest challenges of the Wild West. His adventures are full of humor and unbelievable feats, making him a true legend.

The Author and Illustrator

The exciting story of Pecos Bill was brought to life by two talented people.

James Cloyd Bowman: The Storyteller

James Cloyd Bowman was the author who wrote Pecos Bill: The Greatest Cowboy of All Time. He was known for writing many books for children, often retelling classic folk tales and legends in a way that young readers could enjoy. His writing style made Pecos Bill's adventures feel real and exciting.

Laura Bannon: The Artist

The wonderful pictures in the book were drawn by Laura Bannon. Her illustrations helped readers imagine Pecos Bill, the coyotes, and all the amazing things that happened in the story. Pictures are a very important part of children's books, and Laura Bannon's artwork helped make the book even more special.

Why is This Book Special?

Pecos Bill: The Greatest Cowboy of All Time is a special book for a few reasons.

A Newbery Honor Book

In 1938, the book received a Newbery Honor. The Newbery Medal is one of the most important awards for children's books in the United States. A "Newbery Honor" means the book was recognized as one of the very best children's books published that year. It shows that the story was well-written and important for young readers.

A Classic American Folk Tale

This book helps keep the stories of American folk heroes alive. Pecos Bill is a character who represents the spirit of the American West, with its vast landscapes and adventurous people. Reading about him is a fun way to learn about these traditional tales and the history of storytelling in America.