Bubba is bossed around the family ranch by his wicked stepdaddy and mean, nasty stepbrothers, until Miz Lurleen, the "purtiest" rancher in Texas, rescues him and makes him her cowboy prince, in a westernized version of the Cinderella story.

This book can used to teach that there are many variations of the same story line. This book is a Texas-version of Cinderella in the point of view of a boy. Students can also use this to do story comparisons between this version and the original version. ( )

This book is a great book to have in the classroom. The book is filled with detailed illustrations and a fun story line. The story is more masculine so boys could relate to it, while girls would also love the story as well. I think this is a fun book and I love the cowboy culture it lets students see. I would recommend this book for a teacher just to have in their classroom, but it is probably not a good book to teach about unless you are focusing on word choice. I really love this book and think it is a very strong book but not sure how it could be worked into a lesson. ( )

In this wacky Cinderella, the roles are reversed. Miz Lurleen is looking for a husband. Bubba, the cowboy, is bullied by his step daddy and two stepbrothers Dwayne and Milton.

When Baba is left behind, a fairy God cow gives him a dazzling new outfit so that he can attend the ball. (Why a cow destined to be killed and eaten would help a cowboy is beyond me. But that’s another blog post.) Bubba goes to the ball, dances with Miz Lurleen, and wins her heart. When the clock strikes midnight, Bubba’s clothing turns back to dirty rags and he smells horrible. He runs from the room leaving a boot behind. Lurleen goes from ranch to ranch with the boot trying to find the “real cowboy.” She finds and marries Bubba who remains dirty and stinky and just the way she wants.

I love that Miz Lurleen prefers the real Bubba to the clean and shiny one. It’s also nice to see the woman actively choosing who she wants to marry.

The vocabulary has just enough “Western” dialogue to give it flavor. For example, “Milton and Dwayne spent all day getting gussied up in their finest duds. Bubba about ran hisself ragged waiting on them.” Of course, you’ll have to explain to the child that the incorrect grammar is there for flavor and not to be emulated except for humorous effect.

The illustrations are impressive and could transfer easily to a Pixar movie. Situations are depicted with humor and expression.

Kids would love this alternative Cinderella story. ( )

McDermitt had lots by Ketteman - yay! Funny, energetic, perfectly matched pictures and text. I just loved the facial expressions of the cattle. ( )