Janeczko Poetry

Home on the Range: Cowboy Poetry

Selected By: Paul B. Janeczko

Pictures By: Bernie Fuchs

Janecko, Paul B. 1997. Home on the Range: Cowboy Poetry. Ill. by Bernie Fuchs. New York, NY: Dial Books.

ISBN: 0803719116

Home on the Range is a collection of 19 cowboy poems.  All the poems in the collection were selected by Paul Janeczko.  Jeneczko uses many different poetic elements throughout the book.  Rhyming words are used in many of the poems.  "You Probably Know This Guy" uses lots of rhyming words.  This particular poem was my favorite.  This poem talks about a farmer and his morning routine of getting up and feeding and taking care of his cows.  "Hayin" is another very enjoyable poem that uses rhyming words.  It is about hay seasons and their workers.  Some of the poems are written in free verse.  "Sold Out" and "Range Cow in Winter" are examples of poems that are written in free verse.

All of the poems fit well together and are about cowboys and cowgirls and the type of work they do.  The poems further the readers knowledge about the hard work these people do.  Cowboys is a very interesting topic that children love to read and learn about.  The poems talk about cowboys who drove cattle and cowboys who work on a ranch or farm.  Janecko has done a wonderful job of selecting poems from a wide range of authors, including both men and women.  

Bernie Fuchs has provided beautiful and captivating paintings.  There is one poem on every page and an illustration to go with the poem.  Fuchs blends colors such as brown, purple, yellow, orange, and black to represent the American cowboy.

Home on the Range is a terrific book to add to any poetry collection.  The book is educational and fun.  It provides a deeper look into the lives of interesting people and the work they do.

You Probably Know This Guy

He gets up in the mornin', way before dawn,

Feeds the wood heater, turns a pot of coffee on,

Tunes in the radio for the market report.

He could stay in bed, but he's just not that sort.

He scrambles some eggs, while his family sleeps upstairs.

Thinks over coffee 'til first light appears.

He climbs into his coveralls when it's light enough to feed.

Some folks wait 'til it's warmer, but he's not of that breed.

Activity: This is a great poem to teach younger children about rhyming words.  First complete a brief mini lesson over rhyming words, explaining and brainstorming what they are.  Next read the poem to the students out loud 2 times through.  After reading the poem divide the students into small groups and give a copy of the poem to each group.  Let students underline each set of rhyming words in different colors.  When each group is finished allow them to share with the whole group some of the rhyming words their group found.