Cardboard Cowboys

Brian Conaghan's first book for 10+ readers is a future classic brimming with humor and heart. It follows the story of Lenny, who is a massive legend, and Bruce, who lives in a cardboard home hidden away by the banks.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Multi-award-winning author Brian Conaghan's first book for 10+ readers is a future classic brimming with humor and heart. Even though I found him living in a house made of cardboard, Bruce is a massive legend. FACT. So this mine and Bruces story. You don't have to believe it happened, but it did. All of it. Nobody at school can see past Lennys size to the person within. So when lessons get too tough, Lenny always goes to his bench to think. At least there, no one can see him. Then one day, midway through lobbing his empty can of Irn-Bru into the canal, he's stopped by Bruce. Bruce lives in a cardboard home hidden away by the banks, and he doesn't approve of kids messing up his front lawn. But a bumpy start soon gives way to an unexpected friendship – and an epic road trip – that will change both of them for life.

Lenny is a 12-year-old boy who lives in a cardboard house by the banks of a canal. He is often bullied at school for his size, and he finds solace in sitting on his bench in the school courtyard. One day, while throwing his empty can of Irn-Bru into the canal, he is stopped by Bruce, who lives in a cardboard home hidden away by the banks. Bruce is a grumpy old man who doesn't like kids messing up his lawn, but he surprises Lenny by offering him a ride home.

At first, Lenny is hesitant to accept Bruce's offer, but he soon realizes that Bruce is a kind and interesting man. Over time, they develop an unexpected friendship, and Bruce teaches Lenny about the world around them. He introduces him to music, literature, and nature, and he helps Lenny to see the beauty in the world that he had previously overlooked.

As their friendship grows, Bruce and Lenny decide to embark on an epic road trip together. They travel across Scotland, visiting different cities and landmarks, and meeting new people along the way. Along the way, they learn about themselves and each other, and they develop a deeper understanding of the world.

The road trip is not without its challenges, however. They encounter a variety of obstacles, including bad weather, mechanical problems, and unexpected setbacks. But they persevere, and they eventually make it to the coast, where they watch the sunset together and reflect on their journey.

When they return home, Lenny is a different boy. He is more confident, more outgoing, and more appreciative of the world around him. He has learned to see past his own insecurities and to appreciate the beauty in the people and the places around him. Bruce, too, has changed. He is no longer grumpy and isolated, but he has found a new purpose in life by sharing his knowledge and experiences with Lenny.

The road trip that Bruce and Lenny take together is a transformative experience for both of them. It teaches them about friendship, resilience, and the importance of appreciating the world around us. It is a story that will inspire and uplift readers of all ages, and it is a testament to the power of human connection and the ability to change our lives through unexpected friendships.

Weight: 248g
Dimension: 197 x 129 x 50 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526628602