Smoky, the Cow Horse

By Will James

Book Overview

"Smoky, the Cow Horse" by Will James is a timeless Western tale of the bond between a boy and his horse. This classic of juvenile fiction explores themes of friendship and coming of age against the backdrop of the American West. A compelling animal story, "Smoky" tells of a horse's life and experiences. First published in 1926, it offers a glimpse into a bygone era, capturing the spirit of the West. This carefully prepared print edition preserves the original text, allowing readers to experience Will James's beloved story as it was originally intended. A cherished story for anyone who loves horses and the American West.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1023431580
• ISBN13: 9781023431583
• Release Date: March 2025
• Publisher: Anson Street Press
• Length: 188 Pages
• Weight: 0.97 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Black Beauty = Smoky

This is one of the best books that I have ever read. When I first checked it out of the library I thought it might be a boring book, but I was wrong. This book is a real page-turner. The grammar may be horrible, but it adds to the setting, and it makes you feel like you're actually in the old west. Will James did a great job with the characters too. It makes you feel like you know the characters, and you feel what they're feeling and everything. It is a layered book that is similar to Black Beauty, and if you liked that story, you will definitely like this. You may not have even liked Black Beauty, but if you like horses, stories of the old west, Spaghetti Westerns, and anything of the sort, you will definitely love this book. It keeps you on your toes, always wondering what will happen next. Will James wrote this book very well, and it deserved a newbery medal, five stars, ten out of ten, 100%, and I really think a movie should be made about it.

Smokin' Smoky

I found this book in the library and checked it out because I thought the name was funny. I was a bit afraid to read it, though, because I thought it might be a boring book. I was wrong. This book fully deserved the Newbery medal, and I laughed about 20 times just when I was starting it. This book is equivalent to Black Beauty, it has a similar storyline with tales of thieving, rodeos, and a love for horses. I liked it even more when I found out how old it was. I had just read an antique! The story had plenty of twists and turns, with loyalty, grief and happiness. I highly recommend this book

The best cowboy book ever!

My dad bought me this book in 1954. It continues to be one of my favorites. Will James was the original cowboy author-illustrator and excellent at both. I can feel Smoky's hide under my hand and taste the dust of the great open spaces. A truly great read...and not just for the younger set!

The Best Horse Book In The World!

If you like horse stories, this one has got to be the best one there ever was! It is my absolute favorite book! It is about a cowboy named Clint, and his favorite cowpunchin' pony called Smokey. It starts out when Smokey is born, and about his life when he is younger. Then Smokey is rounded up, branded, broken in to using a saddle, and ready to start his career as a cow horse. He is assigned to the Rocking R, a cow outfit in the open west. In time, Smokey becomes the best cow pony in the whole cow outfit. Smokey and Clint become the best man/horse team, and they are inseperable. When the Rocking R breaks during the winter, Smokey is turned loose to roam free on the plains with the other cow ponies. In the middle of a snowstorm, a horse russler comes and drives Smokey and his herd far away from Clint and the cow outfit. Will Smokey ever get to see his master again? Well I aint about to spoil it for you, you're gonna have to read it to find out what happens next. Im sure you'll love it!

An absolutely fabulous horse story, with stunning sketches!

Will James obviously knows horses inside and out.Inside of a horse: James manages to put the reader right into Smokey's head throughout his adventures. Smokey is a bright and beautiful wild "mustang", who is caught and barely half-broke by a cowboy to work range cattle. He and the cowboy, Clint, develop a special partnership, and Smokey becomes a minor legend among the local cowboys as the savviest cowhorse out there. Then fate takes a downturn when Smokey is stolen, and an outraged and heartsore Clint searches for his horse. Outside of a horse: Will James drawings of Smokey are more alive than most living horses! They are loaded with action, personality, emotion, and the perfectly true portrayal of a horse in motion. As good as the book is - and it is wonderful - the sketches and paintings are perhaps even better!This is a story of hard work and good fun, courage, trust, affection and loyalty. It's a great book for kids and adults alike.