Adventures on the Circle Star Ranch

Adventures on the Circle Star Ranch, a chapter book, offers a view of life on a cattle ranch through the eyes of nine-year-old Ben who lives with his family consisting of Mom, Dad, and eleven-year-old sister Sarah. The story opens with Ben and his dad riding off to save a newborn calf from a spring blizzard that is fast approaching.

Later in the spring, the children find a stray dog when they are out riding. How did it get there? The dog must have been abandoned by someone. It was hungry and scruffy and clearly did not get there by itself. This was another unanswered question to add to the mystery of the disappearance of some cows and calves. The grownups talk about the possibility of cattle rustlers but change the topic of conversation when the children are around. In the meantime, there is always some excitement on the ranch. One day the cattle are acting strangely, circling the calves and pawing the ground. The reason turns out to be a cougar nearby.

The highlight of the spring is the cattle drive to relocate the herd to the summer pasture. The anticipation, the gathering of family and neighbours, and the logistics of moving the herd are well-described. When the cattle drive is finished, the group enjoys a delicious supper and a bonfire, storytelling, singing, dancing, and music provided by the cowboys.

Out on a ride and picnic by the creek, Ben and Sarah stumble upon cattle rustlers midway through their theft. The children are careful, keep hidden, and contact their mother by phone to explain the situation. Soon the authorities come by to arrest the rustlers.

Adventures on the Circle Star Ranch gives readers a very good look at how life is conducted on a cattle ranch in Canada. The black and white realistic drawings interspersed through the book support the text. Children who live on a farm/ranch can relate to many of Ben’s adventures, and children who have no experience with rural life can get a glimpse into living on a farm/ranch.

Teachers can use Adventures on the Circle Star Ranch when teaching units of study about different types of communities in Canada. Young readers will enjoy the story and how the mystery is solved.