The Ranch Coin
In a town where the Buffalo Nickel Ranch stands tall and mysterious, twelve-year-old Stella finds herself captivated by the beauty and history of the land, the majestic longhorns, and the unseen stories that shape its existence. But as she embarks on her journey, both at the ranch and in life, Stella faces a challenge she didn’t expect—growing up. Her friendships feel fragile, and she’s struggling to find her place in a world that seems to be changing faster than she can keep up.
Will Stella find the strength she needs to face her challenges? Can the lessons from the ranch, her father’s wisdom, and the stories of the buffalo nickel help her unlock the courage to understand life’s deeper meanings?
This heartwarming adventure teaches that life, much like the Buffalo Nickel Ranch, has hidden layers, and sometimes, the smallest things hold the biggest stories. Perfect for readers who love stories of friendship, resilience, and finding unexpected wisdom in the simplest moments.
Discover the magic of seeing beyond the surface—one adventure at a time.
Buggy Rides
Stella’s dad, JW, gets a much-needed new job at the Buffalo Nickel Ranch, owned by the kind but no-nonsense Mr. Mike. After struggling with reduced hours at his previous job, JW is grateful for the opportunity, and so is Stella—though for a very different reason. For Stella, the best part of the ranch is the buggy rides. However, her excitement turns to fear on her first ride when the rattling and bumps make her nervous.
Determined not to let fear win, Stella begins repeating, "I love buggy rides!"—to herself and anyone who will listen. Although the next few rides are still scary, Stella discovers that the more she says it, the more she starts to believe it. Over time, her fears melt away, and she comes to genuinely love the rides.
Through her experience, Stella learns an important life lesson: bravery doesn’t mean being unafraid, but facing fears head-on and transforming them into strengths. With the support of her dad, her new friend Gemma, and the ranch's nurturing environment, Stella realizes that confidence grows when you choose courage in the face of challenges. This is a heartfelt story about resilience and the transformative power of your words.
The Great Goatsby
In The Great Goatsby, a young girl named Stella spends her summer at Buffalo Nickel Ranch, where her father works as the foreman. Stella forms a deep bond with a blind and resilient goat named Goatsby, who overcame incredible odds after a traumatic injury at birth. Through their adventures, Stella learns the value of responsibility, honesty, and owning her actions, even when it’s hard.
When a simple mistake leads to Goatsby wandering off and throwing the ranch into chaos, Stella faces her fear and steps forward to admit her error. Inspired by her mother’s mantra—"Own your own when it’s easy, own your own when it’s hard, own your own on the outside, and especially in your heart"—Stella demonstrates courage and maturity beyond her years, earning the respect of the ranch owner and workers.
As the summer progresses, Stella’s sense of accountability transforms not only her own habits but also the culture of the ranch. Her honesty inspires the adults around her to reflect on their own choices and pass the lesson of personal responsibility to their families.
Stella and Goatsby’s story is a heartfelt journey of growth, resilience, and the unshakable bond between a girl and her goat. Together, they remind readers of the power of accountability and the importance of doing what’s right, even when it’s not easy.
The Cookie Tree
The Cookie Tree by Randi Whitney is a captivating and heartfelt story about family, tradition, and the power of hope. Set on the beautiful Buffalo Nickel Ranch during the Christmas season, the book follows Stella, a young girl experiencing her first holiday on the ranch. At the heart of the story is the Annual Cookie Tree, a towering evergreen chosen each year to serve as both a holiday centerpiece and a symbol of growth and renewal. As Stella becomes immersed in the ranch’s unique traditions, she learns about the cookie ornaments—wooden disks made from the previous year’s tree, each engraved with the Buffalo Nickel Ranch logo on one side and a personal goal on the other. The family and guests write their aspirations on these ornaments, which are then hung on the tree, creating a tapestry of dreams and intentions. For Stella, writing her first goal—“Be brave and try new things”—becomes the start of a year-long journey of self-discovery. Through her experiences, Stella begins to understand the deeper meaning of the Annual Cookie Tree. It’s more than just a festive ritual; it’s a way to bring people together, honor the earth, and reflect on personal growth. The story beautifully weaves together themes of environmental stewardship, as the tree is carefully preserved and transformed into ornaments for the next year, and family connection, as Stella’s relatives support one another in achieving their goals. From Cowboy Kevin’s heartfelt efforts to serve the community to Sterling’s desire to make others smile, every character’s journey adds richness to the narrative. The following Christmas, as the family gathers once again to reflect on the past year and set new intentions, Stella realizes how much she has grown. The Cookie Tree stands as a living symbol of resilience, unity, and the promise of a better future. With vivid descriptions, touching moments, and a powerful message about the importance of tradition, The Cookie Tree is a story that will inspire readers of all ages to cherish their goals, nurture their dreams, and create lasting connections. This unforgettable tale invites readers to imagine how small acts—like planting a tree, setting a goal, or helping a friend—can create ripples of change that last a lifetime. Perfect for fans of heartwarming holiday stories, The Cookie Tree will leave you reflecting on your own hopes and dreams long after you’ve turned the final page. Themes in The Cookie Tree Tradition and Continuity: The Annual Cookie Tree represents the importance of honoring the past while looking forward to the future. Personal Growth: Stella’s journey of self-discovery is central to the story, highlighting the courage it takes to set and pursue meaningful goals. Community and Connection: The book emphasizes the strength found in family and the collective effort to support one another’s aspirations. Environmental Stewardship: Through its focus on sustainability and respect for nature, the story encourages readers to cherish and protect the environment. Resilience and Hope: The cycle of the tree—growing, fulfilling its purpose, and being transformed into ornaments—mirrors the characters’ journeys of perseverance and renewal.