Boss of the Plains by Carlson, Laurie

Recommended for Grades 4 and 5

(Page last edited 10/09/2017)

• Title: Boss of the Plains
• Author: Carlson, Laurie
• ISBN: 0789426579
• ISBN 13: 978-0789426574

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Description:

When the American West was first being settled, everyone wore whatever hats they'd worn back home: knit caps, wool derbies, straw sombreros. But John Stetson, a young hatmaker who had followed his dream to go west, found the short brim of his stylish New Jersey derby useless in the harsh frontier weather. He invented a "big and picturesque" wide-brimmed, high-crowned hat--a hat for the bullwhackers, mule skinners, drovers, and cowboys of the West. He called it the Boss of the Plains, and although it cost a cowboy a whole month's wages, it quickly became the most popular hat west of the Mississippi. This unusual picture-book biography, illustrated by Caldecott Honor winner Holly Meade in her distinctive cut-paper style, captures the little-known story of the hat that has come to symbolize the West--and the man who invented it. John Stetson fulfilled his dream and became an important part of the great American adventure called the West. Others did it by striking gold or blazing trails through unknown territory. He made his mark on history with a hat. At last -- paperback versions of all-time favorite children's books from Dorling Kindersley! Every young reader will find something fascinating on this exciting list. Affordable prices and outstanding quality make Dorling Kindersley Paperbacks the perfect choice for helping children read every day.

Review (From Amazon.Com):

Have you ever wondered where the Stetson hat got its name? John Batterson Stetson, a hatmaker from New Jersey, invented the wide-brimmed, tall-crowned, felt hat after moving west to seek his fortune during the gold rush. While he didn't find much actual gold, his invention was a veritable gold mine, as word of the Stetson (originally called the Boss of the Plains) spread like wildfire. It was the perfect hat for a cowpoke, as it shielded eyes from the sun and necks from the rain--and in a pinch could be used to carry water, fan a fire, or "impress a lady at the Saturday night dance." This attractive, Western-styled picture book tells the story of Stetson, from mild-mannered hatmaker to struggling, sunburned gold digger to the leader of a hatmaking dynasty! Author Laurie Carlson (of More than Moccasins) presents biographical and historical details in a jaunty, compelling voice, and reveals the fascinating process of hatmaking (not recommended for emotional rabbit owners!). Illustrator Holly Meade (who won a Caldecott Honor for Hush) blankets the pages with bold cutouts that embody the savory flavor of the wild American West. Cowboys and cowgirls alike will love hearing the story of how the West was won--by a hat. (Ages 4 to 8) --Brangien Davis

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