Conrad and the Cowgirl Next Door by Denette Fretz Illustrated by Gene Barretta

"Seems to me that bein' a cowboy is mostly about heart." Uncle Clint says.  "And your heart knew one of the most important cowboy rules."

"Which rule is that?"

"Forgive your enemies.  It messes up their heads."

-excerpt from Conrad and the Cowgirl Next Door

Based on Matthew 5:43-47, author Denette Fretz has written a parable for children about loving their enemies.  In the story, Conrad and the Cowgirl Next Door, Conrad goes to his Uncle Clint's ranch for cowboy training for the summer, and encounters an enemy in the form of a little red-headed girl named Imogene Louise Lathrop.  There on the ranch, Conrad learns some serious cowboy rules, but he also learns about being nice to those who may not at first be nice to you.

This is a really cute book.  The story is unique and fun for little boys and girls.  The main characters are energetic and adventurous which always makes for a good children's book.  The illustrations are also very unique and entertaining for the eyes.  I like the little boy's personality.  He is kind and forgiving.  The little girl is cute.  She is kind of mischievous and has red curly hair.  She is also bossy, which reminds me of myself a little bit.  Haha!

I think it is also important to note that at the end of the book, the author has included different kind of poetry about cowboy stuff by one of the characters named Giddy.  I thought that was a really neat element to add to the book.

I liked this book.  I like that the author taught in parable form, because much of Jesus' teaching was using parables to communicate an important truth.  I mentioned Matthew 5 earlier, but she also reminds us of Romans 12:17-21 in the parents page/guide in the back of the book.  

I recommend this book to parents looking for Christian literature for their children.  This is a fun book to add to teaching tools, and it really is just a fun book to read.  Children who are interested in ranch life, horses, and cowboys would especially enjoy this book I believe.

Many blessings to you as you read!

~Beth

To learn more about Denette Fretz and Conrad and the Cowgirl Next Door, please visit her at her blog, denettefretz.com.

Disclaimer:  I received this book free from Book Look Bloggers in exchange for a review. I was not required to give a favorable review.  The thoughts and opinions her are entirely my own.