Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers

[larsenreviews]

Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers
By Ralph Moody

“Son, there are times a man has to do things he doesn’t like to, in order to protect his family.”

In this autobiography that’s anything but dry or textbook-ish, Ralph Moody begins the story of his childhood. His unique story-telling voice is authentic and appealing, drawing both young and old in. The emotions conveyed throughout these pages are compelling–surprisingly so since it’s told from a young boy’s perspective.

The account begins in 1906, and Ralph’s family has just moved from the East Coast to a Colorado ranch in hopes of improving Ralph’s father’s health. Using both the risks and the excitement of their new ranching lifestyle, Ralph’s father teaches his eight-year-old son the weighty principals of integrity, courage, and upright character.

“A man’s character is like his house. If he tears boards off his house and burns them to keep himself warm and comfortable, his house soon becomes a ruin. If he tells lies to be able to do the things he shouldn’t do but wants to, his character will soon become a ruin. A man with a ruined character is a shame on the face of the earth,” his father explains.

Ralph and his family encounter a variety of exciting events during their first few years in Colorado: tornados, school fights, rodeos, auctions, personal tragedies, roundups, and trick riding, to name a few. Each new experience increases the father-son bond and puts Ralph one step closer to manhood. But don’t let me deceive you into assuming this book is all seriousness; there are plenty of hearty laughs to be had along the way!

While Ralph’s story may be especially appreciated by those with a soft spot for cowboys, it is also sure to be thoroughly enjoyed by practically anyone who loves family or has been a child once himself. The tenderness, joys, humor, and heartaches conveyed within Father and I Were Ranchers are universal experiences that we can all, at least to a certain extent, relate to. And I raise an skeptical eyebrow toward anyone who won’t admit to shedding genuine tears by the end of this, the first book in the Little Britches series.

There is some mild language throughout the book. Though not without its flaws, Father and I Were Ranchers provides excellent springboards for discussion on many important life issues.

Recommended read-aloud age: all ages
Recommended read-alone age: 12 and up (due to reading level)