Former AgWired contributor and current daily blog editor for BEEF Magazine Amanda Radke is now a published author of a new book for kids.
“I’m pleased to announce the release of “Levi’s Lost Calf” (ISBN 1463514425), an illustrated children’s book that offers young readers a glimpse of life on a working cattle ranch,” Amanda said in an email to friends this weekend.
When a young boy, Levi, rides out one autumn morning with his family to roundup the cattle and bring them home from the pasture he quickly sees a number of familiar faces. But, Levi was surprised to learn that one calf was missing – Little Red, his favorite red heifer calf. Determined to find the calf and prove his independence, he begins to search with his horse Pepper and trusty dog Gus. In his hunt for Little Red, Levi discovers a whole world of fun, playful animals living on the ranch, and Levi invites the reader to help find the baby calf before the sun goes down.
In a time where today’s consumers are three generations removed from the family farm, this book will introduce kids to ranchers who serve as stewards of the land and the caregivers to the many animals. Readers will get to experience a real-life cowboy adventure, complete with horses, cattle and a new understanding for where our food comes from. Parents will enjoy the positive message of the book and might be reminded of the good old days when they may have visited Grandpa’s farm.
Featuring original illustrations by cattle rancher Michelle Weber, the book is intended to inform and entertain young readers while helping them to understand what life is like on a cattle ranch. The book also features a kid-friendly recipe for “Hungry Cowboy Tin Foil Dinner and Dessert” and a glossary to help explain ranch terminology. “Levi’s Lost Calf” is available for sale online at Amazon.com and other channels.
Amanda will be on a book signing tour starting this month at Dakotafest in her home town of Mitchell, SD. You can order the book on-line here.
Congrats, Amanda – this is so cool!