My Daddy Is a Cowboy

"My Daddy Is a Cowboy" by Stephanie Seales is a heartwarming story that follows a young child as they spend the day with their father, who works as a cowboy.

From the child’s perspective, readers experience the joy and admiration they feel while watching their dad perform various tasks, from herding cattle to horse riding. The relationship between father and child is depicted with warmth, showing their strong bond.

The book’s narrative emphasizes the beauty of nature and the lifestyle of a modern cowboy, blending elements of adventure and familial love. The child’s admiration for their father shines through each page, illustrating the power of role models in a child's life. The story also highlights the diversity of cowboy culture, challenging stereotypes about who can be a cowboy.

The book's main themes are love, admiration, and family bonds. The book celebrates the role of a father in a child's life, emphasizing the importance of quality time and shared experiences. It also conveys a sense of wonder about the outdoors and the cowboy lifestyle, presenting it as both challenging and fulfilling.

C.G. Esperanza’s illustrations add a vibrant and dynamic quality to the book. The colorful artwork brings the cowboy lifestyle to life, capturing the movement of the horses, the open skies, and the joy on the child's face. Esperanza’s use of bold lines and vivid colors creates a sense of adventure and excitement, while also highlighting the warmth of the father-child relationship.

The illustrations also play an important role in breaking down stereotypes, depicting a diverse cowboy and celebrating a broader vision of what a cowboy can be.

Educational Benefits

1. Representation and Diversity: The book challenges traditional stereotypes about cowboys, providing representation for children who may not see themselves in typical cowboy stories. This helps foster a sense of inclusion and broadens children's understanding of who can fulfill different roles.
2. Celebration of Family Bonds: The strong father-child relationship depicted in the book emphasizes the importance of family and spending quality time together. This can encourage children to appreciate their own family relationships and understand the value of shared experiences.
3. Connection to Nature: The story highlights the beauty of the natural world and the responsibilities involved in caring for animals. This encourages children to develop an appreciation for nature and learn more about the environment and rural life.
4. Positive Role Models: The portrayal of the father as a hardworking and loving figure provides a positive role model for children. It demonstrates values such as dedication, care, and the importance of working together, which can help children understand and adopt these qualities in their own lives.

About Stephanie Seales and C.G. Esperanza

Stephanie Seales is an emerging voice in children’s literature, known for her commitment to writing stories that celebrate diversity and authentic representation. Her books often focus on family, culture, and children's everyday experiences. She authors her work in the Hudson valley of New York.

C.G. Esperanza

C.G. Esperanza also illustrated SoulFood Sunday. Esperanza’s work is characterized by heavy brush strokes, dynamic compositions, and expressive details, which bring stories to life in a way that engages young readers.