BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE: A FRACTURED TEXAS TALE

BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE: A FRACTURED TEXAS TALE

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

PLOT SUMMARY:
Bubba worked hard on his wicked stepdaddy’s ranch while his spoiled, lazy stepbrothers do nothing. When the “purtiest” and “richest” gal in the county, Miz. Lurleen, throws a ball to find herself a “feller”, Bubba is forced to help his wicked stepdaddy and his lazy stepbrothers get ready and has no time or energy to get ready himself. Bubba’s fairy godcow appears and with a little magic polishes Bubba right up for the ball. He makes quite an impression on Miz Lurleen. But when the clock strikes twelve and Bubba makes a quick exit, he inadvertently leaves behind his boot. Miz Lurleen searches far and wide and is finally reunited with Bubba. Needless to say they live happily ever after.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
This adaptation of the classic fairytale, Cinderella, takes a decidedly Texas bent. Ketteman is obviously from Texas. She didn’t miss one opportunity in the setting or the dialogue to add the Texas flavor without having to leave out any of the characteristic good-wins-over-evil of the traditional fairytale. The characters as they traditionally do come in two varieties—all the way good or all the way bad. Warhola’s illustrations lend mightily to the Texas theme from the Alamo settee to the cactus hat rack.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:
School Library Journal
This is a fun-filled story with more hyperbole than a Christmas turkey has stuffing.

Publishers Weekly (November 17, 1997)
While spoofing Cinderella is not a new idea, Ketteman and Warhola's (Aunt
Hilarity's Bustle) well-matched flair for hyperbole gives both the narrative and
illustrations a one-two punch. Just the ticket for buckaroos lookin' fer a good
read. Ages 5-8. (Nov.)

CONNECTIONS:
Comparing and contrasting versions of Cinderella can be an informative excursion into literature and culture. Readers who enjoyed this Ketteman/Warhola production may enjoy reading their AUNT HILARITY’S BUSTLE.