Howdy, I'm John Ware

Written by Ayesha Clough

Illustrated by Hugh Rookwood

Howdy Books (Red Barn Books)

978-1-9991087-8-6

48 pp.

Ages 6-11

January 2020

John Ware, born into slavery around 1850, was a man of strong character and fortitude, who parlayed hard work and his skills as a cowboy into a life of accomplishment in present-day Alberta.

From Howdy, I'm John Ware by Ayesha Clough, illus. by Hugh Rockwood

Though accounts of John Ware's early life are spotty, it is known that, after the abolition of slavery, he was hired on as a ranch hand, earning a reputation as a hard worker. Working as a cowboy on cattle drives, John Ware helped move cattle from the southern US to the north. It was one drive in 1882 that brought cattle from Idaho to the foothills near Calgary and landed John Ware north of the border and into the country that would become his home.

From Howdy, I'm John Ware by Ayesha Clough, illus. by Hugh Rockwood

Regardless of his accomplishments as a cowboy, John Ware still suffered the discrimination of a black man in the predominantly white world of ranching. Nevertheless, his skills and good nature would ultimately win over those who'd seen only his skin colour, recognizing him as an outstanding man of integrity and determination.

From Howdy, I'm John Ware by Ayesha Clough, illus. by Hugh Rockwood

There are stories of extraordinary courage and strength and the legends about John Ware covered everything from wrestling steers, lifting a cow, walking on the backs of bulls and be able to ride anything. In addition to John Ware's accomplishments as a cowboy, he became a rancher, starting with a small herd, marrying, and growing his family and his ranch into a fine life. Upon his death, his funeral was "the largest that young city (Calgary) had ever seen" with ranchers calling him the finest gentleman, a good soul and an incredible horseman.

From Howdy, I'm John Ware by Ayesha Clough, illus. by Hugh Rockwood

Ayesha Clough tells John Ware's story as he might recount it, sharing how others saw him or what they knew of him while expressing his own surprise, pleasure and sadness with life's milestones. His attitude to the animals is especially poignant.

     I connected with animals. Like me, they had to work for a master. But there was no need for fear and violence.

     I cared about them, showed them love and respect. They, in turn, gave their best for me. (pg. 23)

Appended with photos, a timeline and notes for educators, Ayesha Clough helps ensure that John Ware's story is remembered. Though his accomplishments have been recognized with a number of place names like Mount Ware and John Ware Ridge as well as several buildings, this picture book will serve to introduce him to young children.  He achieved so much as a cowboy and, with decency and hard work, created a life of goodness for himself and his family and, with comic book artist Hugh Rookwood's illustrations to focus on the occasions of the cowboy's life, both challenging and impressive, John Ware's story becomes accessible to all young readers. 

It is fitting that two Albertans, Ayesha Clough and Hugh Rookwood, should honour another Albertan, John Ware, a cowboy who dealt with racial discrimination and achieved respect and admiration from all, by telling his story in Howdy, I'm John Ware. It's a story I hope all will read.

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Giveaway!

I have a free copy of Howdy, I'm John Ware for giveaway from publisher Red Barn Books. 

For your chance at this giveaway,
just leave a comment below about why you'd like a copy of the book.
I'll do a random draw at 6 p.m. EST on June 29, 2020.

Good luck, readers! 

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Rocky Mountain Rangers: Guardians of the Wild

Based on the song of The Wardens

Illustrated by Lia Golemba

Red Barn Books

978-1-9991087-0-0

24 pp.

Ages 4+

August 2019 

Rocky Mountain Rangers: Guardians of the Wild is an Albertan labour of love. Red Barn Books is a new publisher out of Carstairs, The Wardens are based in Banff, and illustrator Lia Golemba hails from Airdrie. It's not surprising that the picture book has a regional flavour of the mountains and the West, though outdoor lovers everywhere will be intrigued by the story, and the artwork and cowboy fans will be charmed.

From Rocky Mountain Rangers: Guardians of the Wild, based on the song of The Wardens, illus. by Lia Golemba

Based on the song "Government Cowboy," The Wardens, a trio of musician-wardens Scott Ward, Bradley Bischoff and Ray Schmidt, recount in ballad storytelling the life of national park wardens. From preparing their horses to helping with search-and-rescues and monitoring wildlife and the natural wonders of our mountain parks, these Rocky Mountain Rangers tell of the complexity and affection they have for their vocation. Though the story's text, a version of The Wardens's song, is explicit in colourful details of their daily activities, the story is appended with a description of the nature of their jobs, a list of expressions used, a picture glossary of mountain flora and fauna, and a map of the parks of the Canadian Rockies. Rocky Mountain Rangers: Guardians of the Wild is a complete package of narrative and learning.

From Rocky Mountain Rangers: Guardians of the Wild, based on the song of The Wardens, illus. by Lia Golemba

The artwork of Rocky Mountain Rangers: Guardians of the Wild by illustrator Lia Golemba exemplifies the ruggedness of the song and terrain, blending earthy colours and strong lines and shapes, with textures of wood grain and twisted rope across many double-spreads. Based on her lino block prints which are then digitally remastered, Lia Golemba instills the story with another layer of organic storytelling. I love the choice of colours and the integration of cragginess with softness, mirroring the hard and dangerous work with the affection the cowboys have for their endeavours.

While some may see Rocky Mountain Rangers: Guardians of the Wild as a regional story depicting a landscape of and a pursuit embedded in the Rockies, it is more than that. It's a Canadian story of a land to be guarded by those who understand its heartbeat so that it may be sustained for all who live on it and those fortunate to visit.