HITCHIN’ POST
and the Tornado Twistin’
4th of July Celebration
illustrated by Carolyn Altman
Hitch’s brothers come to visit for the annual 4th of July rodeo and dance, but they get much more than a long-awaited visit with their brother. When a giant tornado threatens to cut their Independence Day celebration short, Hitchin’ Post, his brothers, and the rest of the cowboys have to work hard to save the ranch and the celebration. Hitchin’ Post shows that even though he is just a small jackrabbit, he has the courage it takes to bring everyone together to rebuild what the tornado destroyed. Because of old Hitch being a great leader, the 6Bs’ 4th of July celebration will go on! PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:
Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration is a brilliantly woven story with a strong plot that will easily entertain anyone. The illustrations by Carolyn Altman are fun and engaging, complementing the story. I love how Barker has written an interesting story that will teach kids how working together as a team makes the hard work a whole lot lighter and much more rewarding. – Readers’ Favorite, 5 STARS
Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration is a sweet tale about courage and teamwork. When a twister threatens the Fourth of July Celebration, everyone must first weather the storm and then work together to rebuild. While this children’s story is naturally uncomplicated, the message is a tall one. No one is too small to do big things, and teamwork gets the job done so much faster and easier than working alone.
The story offers a bit of tension when an ornery bull puts up a fight and when the actual twister bears down on the big red barn, tumbling chickens and making a mess. Both children and adults will appreciate the satisfaction of hard work and camaraderie as the characters interact before the storm, help out after the storm, and then join in the festivities during the Fourth of July rodeo.
Julie Barker’s sentence structure is unique because while it has some rhyming, it feels more like prose than verse, providing an easy-to-read story with enough substance to keep both younger and older readers engaged.
Carolyn Altman’s illustrations are eye catching and appealing because they are simplistic yet detailed, varied, colorful, and quite fun. Hitch’s rather long ears and the tumbling chickens will elicit a few giggles, to be sure.
When things look bleak, too difficult, or too scary, we can all learn a lesson from Hitch and his brothers and friends that everything will be all right as long as we have confidence in ourselves and in each other.
Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a signed copy of Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration by Julie Barker, illustrated by Carolyn Altman.
Julie Barker is the author of Hitchin’ Post, her debut children’s storybook. With inspiration from her West Texas roots and being surrounded by the ranching heritage, Julie is fulfilling her dream of becoming a children’s author. Along with the encouragement and beautiful illustrations from her mother and artist, Carolyn Altman, the story of Hitchin’ Post the cowboy jackrabbit was born and is now officially a series. The second book, Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration, was released September 2018.
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Loved the first Hitchin’ Post book and this one looks like a charmer, too. Thanks for the great review!
You’re welcome! Such an adorable book!