Buster was nervous about going away to cowboy camp while brown shoes went away for a few days. He did not know anyone and was very scared the first day he arrived there. That night, he was homesick. He couldn't get comfortable or relax to go to sleep. Before he knew it, it was the next morning, Buster and the other dogs ate breakfast together and then they all went to look for red boots. Red boots unleashed balls for the dogs to play with and Buster said he was not good at games. Then Buster opened his mouth to bark at red boots and he caught the ball! He was excited and after all he was good at games if he just tried. This was a good children's book. It can show kids that you won't be good at anything unless you try and practice it. ( )

Buster is a dog who is nervous about going to the kennel while his owner goes out of town for a few days. He quickly learns that cowboy camp is a ton of fun, and his time there flies by. The book teaches children that it is ok to be nervous about going somewhere without mom and dad. This book is great for young children just starting school because they may experience some of the same feelings as Buster. ( )

This book tells the story of Buster, a dog that goes to cowboy camp because everyone else has went elsewhere for the time being. Buster is upset and after getting to cowboy camp he gets home sick. However, he finds new friends and things to keep him busy and in the end enjoys his trip and has learned how to be a cowboy.

This is a fantasy book. Buster is a dog who was left at "Cowboy Camp" by his owner, Brown Shoes. Buster starts out very homesick; like a lot of us are in new places. Eventually, Buster adjusts to this place. This book reminds me of anyone who is in a new place, scared and alone. Eventually, we all find our niches though. ( )

Kids will easily relate to Buster's fears as his beloved owner, Brown Shoes, leaves the dog at "Cowboy Camp" - a cross between a kennel and a day camp. While Buster is homesick at first, he slowly adjusts to the new place and people. Fleming illustrated the book herself by pouring colored cotton fibers through hand-cut stencils. Her color choices evoke the desert feeling of the West.

Used for July 2009 Western themed Tons of Fun program for 2nd and 3rd graders. ( )