In this children’s picture book and seventh book in our ‘Shadow and Friends Series’, Shadow and Friends Celebrate Ellsworth, KS, 150th Birthday, two dogs and a family of squirrels decide to help Ellsworth celebrate the 150th birthday of the town’s history. This book coincides with the actual 150th birthday of Ellsworth in the summer of 2017. Illustrations are found on each page, most of them painted. Big Whitey tells the history of Ellsworth, and Fort Harker, with historical buildings, notable landmarks, and scenes painted by the author. At the end of this story, Little Whitey asks his father if they can re-enact the old west, dress like cowboys, and do a pretend cattle drive just like Ellsworth, KS. The squirrels dress in cowboy and cowgirl gear, and they even have a chuck wagon cook. They herd longhorn cattle, sing the state song of Kansas, and have lots of fun during their re-enactment. At the end of the story, they enjoyed a barn dance, celebrated the 150th birthday of Ellsworth, and Uncle Stubby took pictures and ‘selfies’. Children will love seeing the old west come alive with two dogs and a family of squirrels dressed in western attire, and using a small amount of cowboy slang. This delightful and funny book for children, targeted at ages 4-8, is easy to read and perfect for home or classroom. The story illustrates how cattle drives worked, the long dusty trails, life in the old west, and illustrations that produce pure imagination in children. Note: Actual gunfights and ‘adult type’ history were left out in this wild western history of Ellsworth, KS.
“Shadow and Friends Celebrate Ellsworth, KS, 150th Birthday” is a wonderful and fun children’s book that both children and adults will enjoy. The story hits the targeted age range of 4–8. The painted illustrations provided are a delight, and my grandchildren loved them. Who would have thought to write a book using dogs and squirrels as friends, and the old west thrown in? This book is perfect for home, schools, and libraries. I highly recommend this book.” ~ Susan Vance, Author and Realtor
Reviews
From Literary Titan
Shadow and Friends Celebrate Ellsworth KS 150th Birthday, written by S. Jackson and A. Raymond, is a tale of animal friends who are preparing for a very special birthday- the 150th celebration of their town. The animals gather round whilst Big Whitey takes a trip down history lane where he tells his friends about the importance of Ellsworth and how the town was first established. Prepare to be thrown into a wild world of cowboys, railroaders, and sheriffs as you learn the fortunes and misfortunes the town has endured to finally reach its 150th birthday. After the history lesson, the animals then begin the celebrations and re-enactments, songs, and poems will entertain them all.
children and adults alike. Even though it is a children’s story, the plot line contains depth and interesting information about life in the old west that will entertain both children and adults. It’s a fun and light-hearted way to explore history and has the perfect mix of education and entertainment.The illustrations throughout the story were bright and colorful and will be sure to grab the attention of all children as they eagerly learn about the toShadow and Friends Celebrate Ellsworth KS 150th Birthday is a very special children’s book that delves into the history of Fort Ellsworth in an exciting celebration with animals, cowboys, and Indians.Legendary historical characters of Ellsworth come together in lessons on cattle pens, dusty trails and important landmarks. Authors S. Jackson and A.Raymond are able to beautifully paint a picture of the wild west through incorporating animals and history in a playful and engaging story. The storytellers are dogs and squirrels which give the book an animal twist- something which will be sure to spark the imagination of all children. The animals towards the end of the story throw a fabulous re-enactment of history and will encourage children to consider their own town’s history and how they too could get involved with historical celebrations of their town.Travel through time as Big Whitey takes you on a history lesson that begins in the 1800’s and finishes in the present day. The once wild cow town starts with Indians and Cowboys that made homes out of bluffs and built their town through supplying to the military. I loved reading the small excerpts of cowboy slang which gave the story more authenticity and character.I enjoyed how the story had a taste of the old and the new twisted together for a fun-loving plot line. One moment you were in the wild wild west and the next you were taking selfies with animals which are sure to delight both wn’s history. I particularly enjoyed the animals dressed up in cowboy outfits and old saloon style dresses and how they rode the buggy. The illustrations will only serve to ignite the imagination of the children reading the story and compliment the history lesson perfectly. I would recommend this for children who enjoy stories about cowboys and animals.
Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite
Shadow and Friends Celebrate Ellsworth, KS 150th Birthday is an historical adventure storybook for children written by S. Jackson, A. Raymond and M. Schmidt. Shadow, Max and all the other animals who lived in and around Ellsworth, Kansas were understandably excited about the town’s upcoming festivities. Ellsworth was celebrating its 150th birthday! This was a big event for a small town, but Ellsworth actually had quite a rich and illustrious history. It was originally known as Fort Ellsworth and was situated on the border of the frontier in 1864. The Fort would later be renamed as Fort Harker and then Ellsworth City. A railroad was built nearby, and slowly the town grew bigger and bigger. Cowboys flocked to Ellsworth and helped it earn a reputation as the “Wickedest cow town in Kansas!”
S. Jackson, A. Raymond and M. Schmidt’s historical adventure storybook for children, Shadow and Friends Celebrate Ellsworth, KS 150th Birthday, is an entertaining and educational book that examines the rich history of the town as seen through the eyes of the animals who live there. The illustrations are fun and help recreate the town from its beginnings as a fort to its current state where old West reenactments are offered once a year for all to enjoy. The authors worked with the Ellsworth County Historical Society in creating this book, and the knowledge imparted will thrill both children and any adult caregivers who are lucky enough to read this during storytime. It’s also written in language that is basic enough to allow it to be used as a primer for young readers. Shadow and Friends Celebrate Ellsworth, KS 150th Birthday is most highly recommended.
“Shadow and Friends Celebrate Ellsworth, KS, 150th Birthday” is a wonderful and fun children’s book that both children and adults will enjoy. The story hits the targeted age range of 4–8. The painted illustrations provided are a delight, and my grandchildren loved them. Who would have thought to write a book using dogs and squirrels as friends, and the old west thrown in? This book is perfect for home, schools, and libraries. I highly recommend this book.” ~ Susan Vance, Author and Realtor
Awards
2017 Gold First Place Medal Literary Titan
2017 Five Star Reader’s Favorite
When Angels Fly 