Book Review | Tommy James The Littlest Cowboy in Reckon

Book Review | Tommy James The Littlest Cowboy in Reckon

• 4.10.2017

The author of this cute children's picture book, Maria Ashworth, asked me to review and answer the following questions: 

1. How did you feel about Tommy James?

2. Did you like how the problem was solved, why?

3. Did you like the moral of the story?

4. Can you make it a teaching moment?

5. Did your child/children enjoy it and why?

6. How did you fella bout the illustrations?

7. Are you interested in the next book in the series?

So, after reading this book to my sweet little, here is my initial reaction and the responses to her questions: 

I thought this story was super cute -- especially for little boys.
I really liked that the main character Tommy faced bullying with brave and kind words, even when he was unsure of himself.
I also really liked the ending when Tommy finds out that he doesn't need to be anyone but himself.
It's a super sweet story, with an adorable main character and great moral.

The illustrations are great too -- vivid colors and great pictures!

Initial Reaction:  I thought it was a super cute story about being yourself even when others look down on you. The story isn't too long and the read is quick and simple. It has some "cowboy language" to it, so if your kiddo likes you to read in character voices, get that rootin tootin voice ready!

I thought this story was super cute -- especially for little boys.
I really liked that the main character Tommy faced bullying with brave and kind words, even when he was unsure of himself.
I also really liked the ending when Tommy finds out that he doesn't need to be anyone but himself.
It's a super sweet story, with an adorable main character and great moral.

The illustrations are great too -- vivid colors and great pictures!

1. How do I feel about Tommy James (the main character): I thought Tommy was a cute character. I will say that I was disappointed that Tommy felt so pressured by the bully to dress like someone he wasn't, but I thought that the character growth in the story was excellent. 

2. Did you like how the problem was solved, why? I though the ending was good because Tommy was still humble and sweet even when he was the hero of the town -- opting to work with the bully to make amends all while doing the job was cute. 

3. Did you like the moral of the story? Yes. I thought the fact that Tommy went back to his true character and saved the day while being himself was a good moral. You don't have to be someone else because others bully you. I really liked that part.

4. Can you make it a teaching moment? Yes. I think that the story was written with the idea of having that teaching moment in mind. I really thought it was a cute story that you can have a "what did we learn" discussion with your child after the story is over.

5. Did your child/children enjoy it and why? My little is only 6 months, but he seemed to enjoy it. It may have been because I was doing character voices and he thought that was silly I think this is a good book to read to children 4+ years of age because they'll be more invested in the story as well as more engaged. I plan on reading this to my little when he is a bit older, so I can interact with him

6. How did you fella bout the illustrations? My little one loved the pictures. The vivid colors really kept his interest. He kept grasping at the pages. I thought the illustrations were excellent as well!

7. Are you interested in the next book in the series? Yes! Looks like a cute little series that has great life lessons weaved into the stories! 

If you're curious about this book, you can find (& purchase) it online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

---

NOTE: 

I was given a READERS COPY of this book for FREE in exchange for my honest review.

ALL comments in this review are MY OWN PERSONAL & HONEST OPINION.