Cowgirl Kate and her cow horse, Cocoa, are ready to ride in this first book in a dynamic new easy reader series. Illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Betsy Lewin.

Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa is a winner of a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor award, meaning it was the most distinguished American book for beginning readers published in English in the United States. This book is wonderful for transitioning into shorter chapter books, since the story is divided into four chapters with a paragraph of large text per page, accompanied by smaller pictures. The pictures are hand drawn in bold black pen and water-colored in, against mostly a white background. Chapter One tells the story of how Kate and Cocoa came to be partners and best friends; Cocoa learns the consequences of being stubborn in Chapter 2; the cowgirl and cowhorse learn that they work best as a team in Chapter 3; and Chapter 4 shows the unconditional love and tenderness between the two best friends.

The dialogue exchange  between Kate and Cocoa provides ample opportunities for added humor while reading this aloud to your child. Not only can Cocoa the cowhorse talk, but he likes to argue with Cowgirl Kate the way only best friends do. Does your child have a sibling or best friend whom they love, but sometimes still argue with? Kate originally picked Cocoa to be her horse because Cocoa was the colors of her favorite candy; his coat was chocolate brown and his main was the color of caramel. Kate introduced herself, "I am a cowgirl from the boots up," and Cocoa responded, "Well, I am a cowhorse from the mane down." Once they were paired up, Kate continues to show great responsibility in caring for Cocoa. She feeds and brushes him, cleans his hooves, assures his water bucket says full, and even fluffs his straw at night. More than anything, she loves him unconditionally.