Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa

1. Bibliography

Silverman, Erica. 2005. COWGIRL KATE AND COCOA. Ill. by Betsy Lewin. San Diego: Harcourt, INC. ISBN 0-15-202124-8

2. Summary

Cowgirl Kate and her stubborn, but devoted “cowhorse”, Cocoa spend the day together. They herd the cows, count the herd, take breaks for Cocoa to eat and drink, and comfort each other through stories and lullabies.

3. Critical Analysis

This short chapter book is great for students to begin their foray into the chapter book world with. The length of the book will is just enough to give new readers confidence and a sense of accomplishment when they finish reading it. The banter between the characters and the attitude of Cocoa makes the reader feel as if Cocoa is a person rather than a horse. The relationship between the two characters is the perfect example of best friends – the characters argue, given in to each others’ needs, and make the other feel loved. The humorous text and warm friendship between horse and owner will keep the reader wanting more. Luckily, there are other stories about Kate and Cocoa to satisfy this need.

The humorous illustrations are painted by Caldecott Honor recipient Betsy Lewin. The illustrations captivate the reader just as much as the text its self. The expressions on the faces of the characters add depth to the story and allow the reader to make powerful connections to the text.

4. Awards and Review Excerpts

- AWARDS -

* Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, 2006 Honor Book United States

- REVIEW EXCERPTS -

LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION review: “Readers will enjoy watching the friendship develop between the two characters, while the humorous dialogue reveals their personalities... The soft yet bright illustrations capture the situations in each setting…”

KIRKUS review: “The humorous text, warm friendship between horse and owner and captivating illustrations add up to a cowgirl and "cowhorse" with enough star power to ride the range together in subsequent sequels.”

5. Connections

* Read and compare other books in the Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa line of books.

* Have students do a character analysis on either Kate or Cocoa using a picture of the character and noting on the picture things the character says, thinks, feels, sees, hear, etc.

* Write about a time you spent with your best friend when one of you did something the other didn’t really want to do.

* Before reading chapter 2, make a prediction about what might be in the gift Kate is giving Cocoa.

* Identify places in the story where both Kate and Cocoa prove their friendship and that they care about each other.