Clarence Goes Out West & Meets a Purple Horse

by Jean Ekman Adams and Amparo Ortiz

Book Overview

While visiting a western ranch, Clarence the pig plays cards, line dances, plays the washtub in a cowboy band, and reads stories at bedtime with his new friend Smoky the purple horse.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0873587537
• ISBN13: 9780873587532
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Cooper Square Pub
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.3" x 10.9"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

A Special Tale of Love and Friendship.....

Clarence, a city dwelling little pig, sets out on his first big vacation to a dude ranch, out west. After a long and interesting bus ride, he arrives and meets Smoky, a very large and friendly purple horse who introduces him to all the pleasures of western ways. Smoky takes him on long rides through the mountains and canyons, teaches Clarence to play cards with the boys, line dance, and perform on the washtub in a cowboy band. They eat, nap, and even read stories together. It's a wonderful week. But as his vacation comes to an end, Smoky tells Clarence he's getting too old to work on the ranch anymore, and is going to be sold. Best friends are hard to come by, and Clarence can't stand the thought of never seeing his favorite horse again. So he uses all his bus money to buy Smoky, and together they begin the long ride back to the city. It may take years, but as long as they're together, they have all the time in the world..... Jean Ekman Adams has written a delightful story with a gentle message about loyalty, compassion, and friendship, that won't be lost on young readers. Her simple and engaging text, with its satisfying, happily ever after ending, is beautifully enhanced by her charming, bold, and vibrant illustrations, full of endearing ranch characters, and subtle, humorous detail. Perfect for youngsters 3-7, Clarence Goes Out West And Meets A Purple Horse, is a sweet and entertaining, feel good story, that is sure to put a smile on everyone's face. This soon-to-be classic, is a picture book youngsters will beg to read again and again.

Fun life lessons

Not only does my daughter thoroughly enjoy Clarence & Smoky & the colorful illustrations, but I like the idea that she's getting fun lessons on compassion, friendship & priorities. Having lived in the big city & now finding myself in "the West," I truly enjoy this book myself. (Or perhaps it's my similar tendencies to pack my favorite snacks & not enough clothes when I travel...)This is one of the few books I don't mind reading 4 times before bed!

Lesson of Compassion

The story of Clarence and Smoky is one of love, friendship, and compassion. It captured the whimsical nature of the west with fabulous illustrations and an adorable story of a small pig visiting a dude ranch and making an unlikely friend. The humor is subtle and gentle. Being a school librarian and appreciating the love of reading, I thoroughly enjoyed Smoky reading to Clarence. I plan to recommend this book to all my students and friends!

Clarence Goes Out West and Meets a Purple Horse

A charming story of a unique friendship between a pig and a horse. The illustrations are delightful and funny. Children and adults will enjoy the humor in the detailed pictures of Clarence and Smoky having a siesta in the canyon, or line dancing, or playing cards. Lots of fun.

Charming, charming, charming!

How can you not fall in love with a city pig that sleeps in a cloud hat and rescues a purple horse? Author/illustrator, Jean Ekman Adams, has written a winner. A delightful story with endearing illustrations. This heart-warming tale transcends all age boundaries and will keep you smiling from ear to ear and perhaps shedding a tear or two. City pig, Clarence, takes a bus trip out west to a dude ranch looking for adventure. He meets Smoky, a big purple horse, who teaches him to line dance and snooze in the canyon. Smoky has a secret, though, and Clarence's heart-tugging solution will have everyone pulling this book to their chest and sighing! One of the best picture books to come down the pike in a long time.