Littlest Cowboy's Christmas

Children's Literature - Sheilah Egan

The lush illustrations of this Christmas Eve memory set the right tone with their easy approach to the scenery, "just outside of Aspen, CO." The author and his son, Preston, greatly enjoy snowplowing—especially in places that really do not need to be plowed—just for the joy of being together outside in the snow. One day they plow down an old snow-choked road to discover that a remote cabin is now occupied by a "fellow" who is doing some writing: "songs, and books. And cowboy poetry." Joe Henry's brilliant smile is a true reflection of his delight that Preston and his dad are out plowing "just for the fun of it." Joe invites Preston and his dad to join him as he presents Lefty, his horse, with a special carrot and oat pie for a Christmas treat. He tells them that another "fellow and his son" will also be there. The working barn has been rearranged when everyone arrives: bales of hay have been dragged together to provide a place to sit and a Christmas tree has been put up near Lefty's stall. The other boy and his dad, carrying a guitar, arrive at the old barn. Introductions are short and the fellows settle down to sing seasonal songs together. As Lefty munches his wonderful pie, the only sounds are of his chewing and the low notes of "Silent Night" strummed on the guitar. The author goes on to describe his sense of "...true peace...boundless joy...utter humility...friendship...and the meaning of Christmas." No glittering trappings intrude on the moment, and the fellows are aware that they shared a deeply emotional experience. Later, Preston's inquiry as to the identity of the "guitar man" is answered by his father with "The guitar fella's name is John." The illustrator hascarefully configured the scenes with John in them so that we only see his back. But the last page has a lovingly limned portrait of John Denver—no surprise to those who noted the CD inclusion notice on the front cover, but a touching sight for those of us who did not. This book will inspire retrospection and reflection on one's own special Christmas Eve memories.