Rosie's Wild Ride - by Paige Murray

About the Book

From Paige Murray, debut author and wife of 9-time World Champion Cowboy Ty Murray, comes a rodeo adventure for every child (and horse) who has big dreams and dares to ask, "What if I can?"

Book Synopsis

Will Rogers Medallion Award Winner

Meet Rosie, the big horse with even bigger dreams! In Rosie's Wild Ride, Clydesdale horse Rosie and her cowgirl friend Oakley want to be rodeo stars, but what happens when the competition doesn't quite go as planned? In this beautiful, inspiring picture book, readers will learn the importance of teamwork, chasing their dreams, and daring to ask, "What if I can?"

Rosie the Clydesdale is a BIG horse. She likes her life on the ranch and helping the farmer with his chores, but she also has a secret dream: she wants to be a rodeo star. She finally gets her chance when she teams up with a plucky cowgirl named Oakley, but the rodeo events aren't designed for a big horse like Rosie. When a rogue bull disrupts the competition, though, Rosie and Oakley might be the only ones big and brave enough to stop him.

From debut children's author Paige Murray comes a rodeo adventure complete with roping, riding, and racing--based on real animals from her own Texas ranch.

This picture book for ages 4-8:

• Is an inspiring, animal-filled story of resilience and self-confidence
• Features beautiful, engaging artwork and photos of the real-life Rosie and Oakley
• Includes fun horse and rodeo facts in the back matter
• Is written by Paige Murray, debut author and wife of nine-time World Champion Cowboy Ty Murray

Review Quotes

Gr 1-3--Rosie is a Clydesdale, with hooves so big they make 'Horse Thunder.' A work horse on a farm, she dreams of being a rodeo horse, but Thumbs, the barn cat, points out she is too big to rodeo. Oakley, the farmer's daughter, wants to be a 'rodeo star, ' but her parents want her to find 'a gentle horse.' Rosie and Oakley realize they make a great team and start training. At the rodeo, they are eager to achieve their mutual dream, but it is quickly dashed when Rosie's size prevents them from succeeding. The crowd boos their efforts, and Rosie realizes she really is 'too big.' When it is announced that a bull is on the loose, Rosie and Oakley ride to the rescue and become the stars of the rodeo. The pastel-hued illustrations fill each page, with panels of pictures on some of these. Rosie stands out with her brown coat and white feathering. The people and animals have a slightly animated feel with Oakley, Rosie, and other characters in the foreground and detailed, while people in the background are vague. The text is integrated into the illustrations, with some terms bolded for emphasis. The last page includes pictures of the author's daughter and a Clydesdale, and brief facts on Clydesdale horses and rodeoing. VERDICT This cotton candy confection of a big horse and a little girl will have broad appeal. Strong first buy.--Tamara Saarinen, School Library Journal--School Library Journal

Oh my! I'm wiping happy tears. What an inspiring story of Big Dreams and Perseverance. I could feel the encouragement, the challenges and pride of accomplishment as Oakley and Rosie tackled the events. Great lessons of teamwork for youngsters and good reminders for adults to keep believing!----Pam Minick, National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, Gentle Giants Television Host, First woman to announce a major professional rodeo

This is a book of hope, strength and the power partnership. Rosie and Oakley beautifully capture the type of relationship that is built on support, challenge and dreams. This is a book I wish I read when I was a kid. Bravo.----Michael Gervais, PhD, High Performance Psychologist, Finding Mastery Podcast Host