Once there was a rancher who married for his second wife the orneriest woman west of the Mississippi. She was meaner than a rattlesnake, and she had two daughters who were the spitting image of her. The rancher also had a daughter, who was just as sweet and gentle as could be. Her name was Cindy Ellen.

Cindy Ellen is one of the best cowgirls for miles around, but her mean old stepmother and stepsisters make sure she does nothing but dirty work around the ranch all day long. When the biggest Cattle King for miles around sends out an invitation for a two-day rodeo celebration, it's time for a fast-talkin' Fairy Godmother to teach Cindy Ellen a little something about gumption. After Cindy Ellen lassoes first place at the rodeo and ties up the heartstrings of Joe Prince, all she has to do is gallop home before midnight. The classic tale resumes when what's left behind is one diamond spur, and one prince's determination to find the cowgirl it fits.

Author Biography:

Susan Lowell's family has lived in the American West since Gold Rush days. She is the author of several picture books for children, including The Three Little Javelinas, a Reading Rainbow Book, and The Bookmaker and the Elves, winner of a Spur Award from the Western Writers of America. Her novels for older children are I Am Lavina Cumming and The Boy with the Paper Wings. She and her husband and their two daughters divide their time between Tucson, AZ, and a ranch near the Mexican border.