Gail Hamilton (CM Magazine, June 23, 2000 (Vol. VI, No. 21))
In typical Bobbie Kalman fashion, this series of books describes the opening and settlement of the old west from the 1820s to the late 1800s. The series is comprised of 11 titles, each of which has between 11 and 15 chapters. To distinguish one book from the other, the covers are different colours, but similar in format - the front cover, with its embossed border, displays a painting which matches the title; on the back cover is a list of titles in the series. All books include a table of contents, a glossary and an index as well as abundant colour and black-and-white photographs, diagrams and paintings depicting the lives and times of the many people who were responsible for the settlement of the west and its ultimate prosperity. Some of the photographs are taken from old picture albums, an approach which lends authenticity to the illustrations. Each page is surrounded by a decorative border, unifying the books. The text uses fairly simple language and is easy for readers to understand. (However, the book on the life of a miner is the most difficult of the set due to its detailed explanations of the workings of a mine and an ore refinery.) Topics covered are ones with which most people are somewhat familiar. Though most of the material is American-based, there are several references to the settlement of the Canadian west, the Hudson's Bay Company and the Klondike Gold Rush. Bandannas, Chaps and Ten Gallon Hats describes the many practical, ingenious fashions, designed to protect their wearers from dust, prickly cacti, cold, heat and rain. Levi's jeans were invented during the days of the cowboys and have become a staple in everyone's wardrobe ever since. Boots, spurs, gloves, saddles, women's dress and Native Americans' clothing are all featured in this book. The introduction of the mail-order catalogue occurred at this time. Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley, two Wild West "fashion plates," are mentioned in the final section of the book. Generally, this series is very interesting, informative and entertaining. Recommended. Rating: *** /4. Grades 3-5. (Life in the Old West) 1999, Crabtree Publishing, 32 pp, pbk. & cl., $8.96 (pbk.) and $18.36 (cl.). Ages 8 to 10.