BUBBA, THE COWBOY PRINCE: A FRACTURED TEXAS TALE

1. Bibliography

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

2. Plot Summary


This Tale is a gender reversed Cinderella story with a Texas twist. Bubba is a kind, sweet natured cowboy who works from dawn until dusk on a ranch that belongs to his evil stepdaddy. Meanwhile, rather than sharing in the chores, Bubba's evil stepbrothers Dwayne and Milton spend their days lying around and barking orders at poor Bubba. When Ms. Lurleen throws a ball in order to find her perfect mate, Bubba is transformed by his fairy godcow into an impressive sight. In the end, Ms. Lurleen chooses Bubba as her man even after she discovers that he is not a wealthy landowner but a ranch-hand. They live happily ever after.


3. Critical Analysis


This fractured tale is an adaptation of the well-known fairy tale, Cinderella. As with all traditional folktales, the characters in this retelling represent the two sides of human nature. Bubba symbolizes good, while his stepdaddy and two stepbrothers represent evil. This very simple plot is episodic in nature and the theme of good vs. evil is evident throughout. In the end, this modern retelling of a traditional staple is true to form when Bubba and Ms. Lurleen ride off into the sunset and good once again triumphs over evil.

The oil on canvas illustrations in this book have a dreamlike quality as the artist uses light and shading to create a magical feel. The presence of twinkling lights symbolizes magic while the evil characters are created using muted tones. This light vs. dark motif mimics the good vs. evil theme in the text. While the illustrations add both humor and depth to this tale, they also help to create and explain the Southern ranching culture in which this story is set.

4. Review Excerpts


Golden Sower Award (2001)
Booklist- "the story has a distinct western flair and a humorous tall-tale feel"
Publisher's Weekly- "Just the ticket for buckaroos lookin' fer a good read"


5. Connections


- Read and compare other versions of Cinderella
* ELLA ENCHANTED by Gail Carson Devine
* DINORELLA: A PREHISTORIC FAIRY TALE by: Pamela Edwards
*PRINCE CINDERS by: Babette Cole

- create a reader's theater presentation

- discuss the role of the folktale and read other examples
* LITTLE RED RIDINGHOOD
* THE UGLY DUCKLING
* THE THREE LITTLE PIGS