THE COWBOY'S HANDBOOK

A compendium of information and tidbits about cowboys, including full-color and black-and-white photographs and drawings. Subjects include information about gear, life on the trail, songs, slang, rodeos, cowboys in movies, and famous peacekeepers and bandits. There are also lessons for making chaps, chili, brands (with potato stamps), and a sheriff's star, as well as for throwing a lariat and braiding. A lot of fascinating information is packed into relatively few pages; the crisp layout, varied pacing, and wide range of lore should keep readers enthralled. Everything from cowboy cures to tracking, from dude ranches to hand signals, is covered briefly, and may send cowboy wannabes scurrying for more in-depth information on their favorite topics. Some of the instructions are a little hard to follow, but the three-bean vegetarian chili recipe will be easy for children to make. The ``Code of the West,'' a list of cowboy etiquette, has the potential to improve any community with its commonsense admonishments. The author, a descendent of Buffalo Bill, brings an enthusiasm to his subject that is perfectly attuned to the curiosity of young readers. (Nonfiction. 7-10)