"Father and I Were Ranchers (Little Britches, #1)" By Ralph Moody

"Father and I Were Ranchers" by Ralph Moody is the first book in the Little Britches series. The book is a memoir of Ralph Moody's early life, and it describes the challenges that he and his family faced while living on a ranch in Colorado in the early 1900s. The story is told from the perspective of Ralph, who is just eight years old when the book begins.The book starts with Ralph and his family leaving their home in New Hampshire and traveling to Colorado to start a new life on a ranch. Ralph's father is an experienced rancher, and he hopes to make a living by raising cattle and horses. However, when they arrive in Colorado, they find that their new home is in disrepair, and they have to work hard to make it habitable.One of the themes of the book is hard work. Ralph and his family have to work hard to make a living on the ranch. They have to repair fences, build new buildings, and care for the animals. Ralph's father is a strict but fair boss, and he expects his children to work as hard as he does. Ralph learns the value of hard work and develops a strong work ethic at a young age.Another theme of the book is the importance of family. Ralph's family is close-knit, and they rely on each other to get through the tough times. They work together to make a life on the ranch, and they support each other through the ups and downs. Ralph's father is a strong and loving presence in his life, and Ralph learns a lot from him about how to be a good person and a good rancher.The book also explores the relationship between humans and animals. Ralph and his family care for the animals on the ranch, and they learn to respect and appreciate them. Ralph develops a strong bond with a horse named Sky High, and he learns a lot about himself and his own strengths through his interactions with the horse. The book shows how animals can teach us important lessons and help us grow as people.One of the most interesting aspects of the book is the way it portrays life in the early 1900s. Ralph's family has to deal with many challenges that we take for granted today. For example, they have to travel long distances to get supplies, and they have to rely on horses and wagons to do so. They also have to deal with harsh weather conditions, such as blizzards and droughts, which can make life on the ranch very difficult.The book is written in a simple, straightforward style that is easy to read. Ralph's voice is authentic and engaging, and he describes his experiences in a way that makes the reader feel like they are right there with him. The book is a great choice for young readers who are interested in history, as it provides a vivid and compelling look at life in the early 1900s.Overall, "Father and I Were Ranchers" is a well-written and engaging memoir that explores themes of hard work, family, and the relationship between humans and animals. It provides a fascinating look at life in the early 1900s and offers valuable lessons for readers of all ages.