Cowboy Troubadour Writes for Children

This Okanagan author, poet, singer, and storyteller now calls Vernon his home. From here he shares his love of the cowboy life with children of all ages. Jake Conkin has written two children's stories featuring the character of little Jake and his experiences growing up on the Double C Ranch in the Nicola Valley. The Double C Ranch is a fictional neighbour to one of the world's largest cattle ranches - the Douglas Lake Cattle Company, a ranch where Jake Conkin has spent many happy hours in the company of working cowboys. As children read about Jake's family (mom and grandpa Jake) and enjoy his adventures they are learning about the skills necessary to survive and be successful in the real cowboy world. They are also learning about the values of friendship, honesty and loyalty that will travel with them into their world. The first book in the series, 'Little Jake's Cowdog' tells the wonderfully humorous tale of how Little Jake, having been denied a dog of his own, finds a special 'cowdog' and how the pair of them impresses the working cowboys on the ranch. Children will enjoy reading the adventurous tale and will love the hilarious illustrations, by Ben Crane. The expressions he draws on the faces of horses, cows, dogs and bears tell a story themselves. Jake says that the incidents in the book concerning coyotes and bears, among other things, are all based on true events, modified to suit children. He began to write stories for his own grandchildren, wanting to share with them his love of the outdoors and the cowboy life. He wanted to teach them the skills of the true cowboy, learned on ranches across western Canada, before these skills disappeared forever. Jake, and his wife Carol believe there is a bit of cowboy in the heart of every child. The second book, just out now, is "Little Jake and the Intruder". It will be officially launched on Fathers' Day, at The O'Keefe Ranch, in Vernon. Drop by to meet Jake and Carol, and get an autographed copy. This book continues to follow Jake's 'growing pains' on the ranch, while the third book, due out soon, is "Little Jake and Many Skies Strike Gold". This one will weave in the great tales of Billy Miner, the BC Train Robber, and his missing loot. What child could resist that! Jake's wife, Carol, shares his love of the cowboy life and the two of them are now using the skills learned in a lifetime of teaching, to entertain and instruct children in the music and skills of the cowboy/cowgirl life. Their interactive children's show, " The Buckaroo Jake and Calico Carol Show' has played to enthusiastic audiences at elementary schools, libraries, rec centers, Children's Festivals, the O'Keefe Ranch, etc. Their hour-long performance features rope tricks, tall tales, poetry and puppets. Carol's talents as a musician and ventriloquist bring Annabelle, the yodeling cow, to life as she helps to teach their young audience songs of the cowboy/cowgirl life. If you would like the schedule of future shows, or information on where to find these great books, call Jake or Carol at 250-260-5860.    2005-06

 

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