Books About Cowboys

The Best Cowboys Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Cowboy and Cowgirl Books, featuring 10 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about cowboys? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Series

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Cowboys

Sale price

$2133

Picture Book · Ages 5–8

Blaze and the Mountain Lion

By C.W. Anderson · Billy and Blaze series

A boy and his horse face a mountain lion to save a calf.

48 pages· 968 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.2 Goodreads · 449 ratings

$22.45Save 5%

Prebound-Sewn

Summary: Billy and his trusty pony Blaze encounter a menacing mountain lion near their ranch. As danger looms, they must act swiftly to save a helpless calf. Can they outsmart the predator and emerge as heroes once more? Join Billy and Blaze on a thrilling ride through the wild, where courage and friendship are put to the ultimate test.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1985

Faded Love

Hank the Cowdog series

A cowdog named Hank investigates a series of mysterious events on a ranch in Texas.

125 pages· 21,613 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 1,136 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Hank the Cowdog leaves his ranch duties behind, venturing into the wild outback in pursuit of romance with Miss Beulah the Collie. Armed with a mysterious aphrodisiac, Hank faces unexpected challenges. Can his intuition and investigative skills lead him to true love, or will the journey prove too wild to handle?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1985

Murder in the Middle Pasture

By John R. Erickson, Gerald L. Holmes (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the Hank the Cowdog series

A calf's murder leads Hank on a perilous hunt for the killer.

130 pages· 21,228 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 1,334 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Hank the Cowdog, head of ranch security, faces a daunting challenge when a calf is mysteriously killed. Tasked with solving the crime, Hank must infiltrate a coyote village and confront a pack of wild dogs. As he navigates this dangerous mission, Hank's detective skills are put to the ultimate test. Can he uncover the truth and restore peace to the ranch before it's too late? With Christmas Eve hanging in the balance, the stakes have never been higher for Hank and his friends.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2017

Cowboy Pug

By Laura James · The Adventures of Pug series

A cowboy and his horse must stop a group of bandits from causing trouble in the town of Little Witherington

128 pages· 3,502 words· Est. 39 min read

4.0 Goodreads · 167 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Pug and Lady Miranda embark on a cowboy adventure, acquiring a horse named Horsey. But their day takes a wild turn when they end up on the wrong side of the law. Can Pug, the reluctant hero, conquer his fears and save the day? Join this charming duo in a tale of friendship and unexpected heroism, perfect for fans of whimsical adventures.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2014

Leroy Ninker Saddles Up

By Kate DiCamillo, Chris Van Dusen (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Tales from Deckawoo Drive series

A man working at a drive-in theater dreams of being a cowboy and gets a horse

96 pages· 5,933 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 3,680 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Leroy Ninker, a cowboy without a horse, finally meets Maybelline, a spaghetti-loving mare. Their bond is instant, but Leroy's happiness is threatened when he neglects a crucial care rule. Can he fix his mistake before losing Maybelline forever? Join Leroy, Maybelline, and the beloved pig Mercy for a heartwarming adventure on Deckawoo Drive, filled with humor and unexpected challenges.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2016

Real Cowboys

By Kate Hoefler, Jonathan Bean (Illustrator)

Discover the true, diverse lives of cowboys and cowgirls in the West.

32 pages· 513 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 614 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Explore the untold stories of cowboys and cowgirls in the wide open West. This poetic journey challenges the myth of rowdy riders, revealing a rich tapestry of diverse lives and unexpected truths. What lies beyond the dusty trails?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 6–11 · 1991

American Tall Tales

By Mary Pope Osborne, Michael McCurdy (Illustrator)

Discover legendary American folk heroes in tales of epic feats and humor.

115 pages· 19,251 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 925 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Meet larger-than-life characters like Paul Bunyan and John Henry in a collection of American tall tales. These stories brim with humor and exaggeration, capturing the spirit of folk heroes who shaped a nation. From a giant lumberjack to a mighty hammer-wielding man, each tale offers a glimpse into the wild adventures and legendary feats of these iconic figures. As you journey through these stories, you'll wonder: How did these heroes become legends? What truths lie beneath their exaggerated exploits? Dive into a world where the impossible becomes possible and history meets myth.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2006

The Gingerbread Cowboy

By Janet Squires, Holly Berry (Illustrator)

A Gingerbread Cowboy races through the Wild West, but can he outsmart a cunning coyote?

32 pages· 769 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.0 Goodreads · 660 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a Wild West twist on a classic tale, the Gingerbread Cowboy races across the mesa, evading ranchers and javelinas. But when he encounters a sly coyote basking in the sun, will his speed be enough to save him? Discover the thrilling chase and unexpected turns in this rodeo-romping adventure.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1986

Pecos Bill

By Steven Kellogg, Laura Robb (Illustrator)

A legendary cowboy tames the wild West and wins hearts.

48 pages· 1,205 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

3.9 Goodreads · 1,015 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Raised by coyotes, Pecos Bill becomes the ultimate cowboy, mastering lassoing and taming rattlesnakes. His legendary feats include reforming the Hell’s Gulch Gang and capturing the hearts of Lightning, the wildest horse, and Slewfoot Sue, the wildest woman. Can he conquer the untamed West and his own heart?

Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1986

Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World

By Mildred Pitts Walter, Catherine Stock (Illustrator)

A summer at Grandpa's ranch challenges Justin's views on 'men's work.'

Coretta Scott King Award (1987)

144 pages· 18,134 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

3.8 Goodreads · 351 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Justin escapes to his grandfather's ranch, eager to embrace 'men's work' and leave chores behind. But as he tackles tasks like mending fences and riding horses, he discovers surprising lessons about capability and gender roles. Can Justin learn that anyone can master any skill with the right mindset? This summer might just change his perspective forever.

The Bookroo Book Club