Bud & Me : The True Adventures of the Abernathy Boys

This is the most incredible story of two young boys I have ever read, written by the wife of one of them. They were the sons of "Catch 'em Alive" Jack Abernathy, a friend of Theodore Roosevelt and they covered thousands of miles ALONE from coast to coast, mostly on horseback, but sometimes driving a small car that their father bought for them! This could never happen today, two little boys riding into town and checking themselves into a hotel, but their story is absolutely mesmerizing and fit for children and entertaining enough for adults as well. There are some narrow escapes but also some wonderful moments, like being given a tour of the Wright Brothers factory by one of the brothers. And best of all, it is all TRUE! I can't remember a book I have read lately that was as engrossing as this one!

A very cute, true story, told in a light way without too much detail. Would have liked more in depth details, but it's told from a grandpa-by-the-fireplace perspective. I enjoyed listening to it while traveling, but not worth the super high prices that the actual out of print books were going for. The audio book was the only decent price at $24+postage at the time of purchase. Worth that, but not more IMHO.

This my is second copy of this book. I read it to my grandchildren and they liked it so much I gave them the first one so I had to buy another because I will read it again and again? Also this book shows how wonderful life can be without the propaganda and bs of television could anyone you know even an adult that could do such a thing these days? Another book I highly recommend is Shadows on the Koyukok by Sidney Huntington another well written spellbinding true life story. Mr. Huntington died at 96 in 2015.

Read the story earlier so I sent this one as a gift. A very interesting story about 2 brothers, nine and five, and their trip by themselves by horseback from Oklahoma territory to Santa Fe,Nm. Was this irresponsible parenting. Read it yourself and make your mind up.

Any age of readers will enjoy this story of two brave and adventuresome young boys who traveled across the country at a very early age! That would never happen in this day when many parents don't even allow their kids to play outside by themselves!

Wonderful story of John Abernathy's sons who were as adventurous as their father. A time during which children were allowed to be free to experience life, sustain themselves and know the parents were certain children were mature enough to handle all situations.

I found a flyer at a local diner for this book and purchased it. My husband and I devoured it. Its lost history, an amazing story, and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Temple and Louis "Bud" Abernathy set out on adventures...alone. At first I was rather horrified at this, until you read the story and realized, there is much more to the story than appears. To under the rest of the story, buy Catch Em Alive Jack, (ignore the foreword, its horrible), and read about Jack Abernathy, Bud and Temple's father. There are some small differences in the stories, which will just result in more interesting conversation over the dinner table. I hope they make a movie out of this book... and a sequel about Jack.

I think most listeners' first reaction is that this story couldn't possibly be true. The second reaction will likely be "How could any father allow this?!" Today Dad would likely be charged with neglect and the boys put in foster care, and many readers may be disturbed that Dad allowed it a century ago. Whatever we think about Dad's parenting, his sons had great adventures, well worth listening to. I also bought the book as a gift, and the newspaper photos and captions reproduced in it will take away any doubts that this is a true tale.

This was the best book I've read in a long time. Talk about a parent letting his children fly from the nest! And the boys at such young ages being so responsible, adventurous and courageous. This totally amazed me in a generation when children expect to be entertained without taking responsibility for keeping themselves gainfully occupied. This was a birthday present to our older son who is reading it to his 3 sons. He says all of them are enjoying it! Can't say enough good about this book!

My eight year old grandson loved this adventure. We would report the father if this happened today. It was a different world then.

This is the most incredible story of two young boys I have ever read, written by the wife of one of them. They were the sons of "Catch 'em Alive" Jack Abernathy, a friend of Theodore Roosevelt and they covered thousands of miles ALONE from coast to coast, mostly on horseback, but sometimes driving a small car that their father bought for them! This could never happen today, two little boys riding into town and checking themselves into a hotel, but their story is absolutely mesmerizing and fit for children and entertaining enough for adults as well. There are some narrow escapes but also some wonderful moments, like being given a tour of the Wright Brothers factory by one of the brothers. And best of all, it is all TRUE! I can't remember a book I have read lately that was as engrossing as this one!

A very cute, true story, told in a light way without too much detail. Would have liked more in depth details, but it's told from a grandpa-by-the-fireplace perspective. I enjoyed listening to it while traveling, but not worth the super high prices that the actual out of print books were going for. The audio book was the only decent price at $24+postage at the time of purchase. Worth that, but not more IMHO.

This my is second copy of this book. I read it to my grandchildren and they liked it so much I gave them the first one so I had to buy another because I will read it again and again? Also this book shows how wonderful life can be without the propaganda and bs of television could anyone you know even an adult that could do such a thing these days? Another book I highly recommend is Shadows on the Koyukok by Sidney Huntington another well written spellbinding true life story. Mr. Huntington died at 96 in 2015.

Read the story earlier so I sent this one as a gift. A very interesting story about 2 brothers, nine and five, and their trip by themselves by horseback from Oklahoma territory to Santa Fe,Nm. Was this irresponsible parenting. Read it yourself and make your mind up.

Any age of readers will enjoy this story of two brave and adventuresome young boys who traveled across the country at a very early age! That would never happen in this day when many parents don't even allow their kids to play outside by themselves!

Wonderful story of John Abernathy's sons who were as adventurous as their father. A time during which children were allowed to be free to experience life, sustain themselves and know the parents were certain children were mature enough to handle all situations.

I found a flyer at a local diner for this book and purchased it. My husband and I devoured it. Its lost history, an amazing story, and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Temple and Louis "Bud" Abernathy set out on adventures...alone. At first I was rather horrified at this, until you read the story and realized, there is much more to the story than appears. To under the rest of the story, buy Catch Em Alive Jack, (ignore the foreword, its horrible), and read about Jack Abernathy, Bud and Temple's father. There are some small differences in the stories, which will just result in more interesting conversation over the dinner table. I hope they make a movie out of this book... and a sequel about Jack.

I think most listeners' first reaction is that this story couldn't possibly be true. The second reaction will likely be "How could any father allow this?!" Today Dad would likely be charged with neglect and the boys put in foster care, and many readers may be disturbed that Dad allowed it a century ago. Whatever we think about Dad's parenting, his sons had great adventures, well worth listening to. I also bought the book as a gift, and the newspaper photos and captions reproduced in it will take away any doubts that this is a true tale.

This was the best book I've read in a long time. Talk about a parent letting his children fly from the nest! And the boys at such young ages being so responsible, adventurous and courageous. This totally amazed me in a generation when children expect to be entertained without taking responsibility for keeping themselves gainfully occupied. This was a birthday present to our older son who is reading it to his 3 sons. He says all of them are enjoying it! Can't say enough good about this book!

My eight year old grandson loved this adventure. We would report the father if this happened today. It was a different world then.

I liked this book. Well written and tells a great story of forgotten times.

Loved this book! TRUE STORY. 2 Very YOUNG BROTHERS, Horseback. Cross country, riding adventures in the early west timeframe!

I loved this book! It's a quick read and certainly entertaining.

Wonderful book! Few copies available. Thank you!

This is an extraordinary saga of two boys who travel by horse and by car across the country in the early years of the 20th century, alone and very young, with the full approval of their father. Their adventures leads them to Theodore Roosevelt and people greeting them along the way as if they were celebrities. You'll have to read this book to understand what a delightful surprise the Abernathy boys are to the modern audience. Well worth the read!

Book is in perfect. Has all the illustrations I wanted.

This true story is fascinating from the first page. It illustrates just how our world has changed in a few decades. Any parent who would allow his young boys to take any of these trips alone would be arrested for child endangerment today. Amazingly these young boys were able to take care of themselves and their animals. I loved this book and the story it tells.. It is a truly uplifting one.

This is a fun read. True story. Cute and funny.

If you haven't read about these boys, you really need to do that. Both my husband and I enjoyed the book and we plan to share it with our young grandson's.

This is the best book I've read in a long time. The story was so good and the story teller really brought it alive.

This should be mandatory reading in school! Unbelievable! eye popping adventure. I read it and passed it to my daughter, she couldn’t put it down. Thank you

Excellent rendition of the true adventure these boys experienced . I recommend this book to all history lovers.

What an exceptional story. My kids loved listening to this, even bought another as a gift for an old cowboy I love. Full of adventure and danger and laughs. Good for the whole family on a rode trip.

Fun book about the Abernathy Boys’ adventures

An outstanding story about two very young boys in the early 1900's riding their horses to far off cities. It would be impossible this day and time but was a real adventure then. The book also illustrates just how much things have changed in just over a hundred years.

Yes, it is a different time than it was when the Abernathy brothers rode but there are lessons to be learned here. First, that we should teach our kids to dream, to explore, and to face fears. Second, history hold surprising stories that will amaze you! My kids were jazzed from reading this and now use the Abernathy brothers as a point of reference every time they face a daunting or scary task!

Fantastic story of 2 very young boys and their adventures a horseback. They enjoyed a freedom that you can only read about now, never to be enjoyed again. recommended read for all ages.

Great read. True story. There really is a difference in kids today!

bought this for my grandpa, he really loved it

Loved this true story. This is a true adventure everyone loves. Great story in rural America. Two brothers who trust each other as they brave the unknown

Quick read. High interest.

This is a GREAT book for young and old alike! What adventurous and brave boys and even a brave father! This is a true story and therefore a must read for all!

True Story Amazing, Bronze Statue in Courtyard of Fredrick, Oklahoma today.

Unbelievable! I loved the 6 year olds comments !

My favorite book! Hard to believe if it weren't for the copies of newspaper clippings about the Abernathy boys. As an adventurer, I love the stories and admire these boys in amazing wonder and awe. As a mom, what was their father thinking??

This would definitely be a national case of child neglect with every paper screaming about it today. Instead these little boys were a case for hero worship right up to President Theodore Roosevelt. An 8 & 5 year old traveling a1000 miles alone. I loved it!

We should have bought shares in this book. We have purchased several for our friends. Good read!

Unbelievable, amazing story. Would demand this book to anyone of any age.

Great book. Glad that someone recorded an extraordinary adventure.

Classic book - I have bought many copies for gifts. They don't make 'em like that anymore

Ever boy should read this book .adventure, excitement. Those were the days when adventure was adventure not computers. Should be required for Boy Scouts.

An absolutely captivating story. Would recommend to everyone, of all ages, 5 years to 105 years. A story you will never forget.

Such a great story and provides many great conversations to have with my kids.

Very entertaining and fun read for kids.

very well written. true story.

This is a great book wonderful and true. Great to know that it is in print. It should be required reading for the schools children. They would learn a lot from these boys of old.

Very interesting story

Fascinating, hard-to-believe, but true story!

Great story!

This is a great and delightful story which is true. I loved reading it and have passed it on to others who appreciated this amazing account.

A simple and great American adventure. 2 children travel across this great country of ours in the early 1900's and live to tell their story.

Unbelievable story of two young boys

I thought it was a very interesting book. It was easy to read but I would have enjoyed knowing what happened later in his life.

Such a fun story about these brothers. A very fun read.

Amazing story and really interesting about early life in OKLAHOMA. Hard to imagine such young children traveling alone and going so far.

Great story of adventure and purseverance. Did have a few surprises in the volume or recording quality.

Excellent Book. Unbelievable that two little boys could ride all over the country on horseback. What an adventure and an exciting life in those days.

Great customer service! I had a problem with my order and they went over and beyond to satisfy me. Highly recommend this vendor

Absolutely loved it. Sent copies to friends for their grandchildren. Much positive feedback.

a GREAT read!

Great story to be read aloud!

This is a truly amazing book! It relates one of those stories which make me think, "Why have I never heard of this before?" For sheer remarkableness and fun it deserves a wide circulation. The author, Alta Abernathy, is the wife of Temple Abernathy who is the "Me" of the book's title. Mrs. Abernathy has put in print the story as told by her husband, and we are deeply in her debt for doing so. The book tells the story of 5 main journey/adventures of these two boys. On their first journey, in 1909, when the boys were five and nine years old, the boys rode horseback, alone, from their home in Frederick, OK to Santa Fe and back- a trip of over 1000 miles! The next year, again alone, they rode horseback from their home in OK to New York City! Then, having met up with their father in New York and seen Teddy Roosevelt, they drove a car (a new thing at the time, and before laws about age limits for driving) from NY back to OK. The following year, the boys (now ages 7 & 11) were challenged to make the trip from NY to San Francisco on horseback in 60 days. A prize of $10,000 was offered if they were successful. The boys and their father were drawn by the challenge, but quickly stated they would not ride on Sunday. So, the days would have to be calculated without including Sundays. Also, the boys were not allowed to eat or sleep under a roof on the journey! In the end it took them 62 days! Not a bad "failure." This is a wonderful book for reading to boys!

Between 1909 and 1913 brothers Louis (Bud) and Temple Abernathy completed six cross-country journeys on horseback, automobile, donkey, elephant, and motorcycle. Bud and Me is an exciting narrative of these adventurous journeys. In their travels, the boys met Comanche chief Quanah Parker, President William Howard Taft, and President Theodore Roosevelt (who was a friend of Jack Abernathy, the father of Louis and Temple). The boys also encountered difficulties on their journeys such as hailstorms, fast-moving rivers, searing heat, the death of one of their horses, and illness. Through it all, the boys maintained a positive outlook. One thing that struck me was how obsessed Temple was with automobiles; this made me think of the character Mr. Toad in the 1908 classic The Wind in the Willows. Author Alta Abernathy is the wife of Temple Abernathy; the story is told from the perspective of Temple who was the younger brother. I liked this book a great deal as it presents a unique slice of American life from a more genteel time in our history. Highly recommended.

My son LOVED this audio book. The adventures of the two young brothers are hard to believe. I got a kick out of the youngest Abernathy brother, and how feisty he could be. I could really identify with the mother in the tale who screamed out loud in horror that two motherless boys, so young, were allowed to roam the country by themselves. But the account of their roaming sure makes for an exciting story! I also liked the fact that we were learning history. This was well done!

Wonderful story! What a Great adventure for these two little guys! Really shows the difference in society at the turn of the century when most people were trustworthy as a-posed to now when hardly anyone is trustworthy! Great History Lesson for American children. Should be required reading in grade school.

We absolutely enjoyed this story and audio presentation of the book! Our young sons were inspired to get out an atlas of the USA and start planning a trip via train. They thought we (parents) could follow along behind, but they wanted us to let them try to get across the country themselves! It's hard to imagine a time in our country when people had this much freedom and trust in each other. I can't recommend this product enough.

I normally don't take the time to write reviews. Bud and Me is something you don't want to miss out on. Beautifully written, Superbly executed, mind blowing adventures. Our children love it, but my husband and I are the ones that never tire of listening to it. These boys truly grew up in a unique time in our country's history, and had amazing opportunities. GET IT! We are going to buy the book next.

In today's culture, it is hard to imagine two boys accomplishing everything that Bud and Temple Abernathy did. But they did do some wonderful things, and along the way became young ambassadors for the Southwest in 1910. It is great reading if you are 8 or 80. The book also gives readers a concept of what life was like at the beginning of this century as times changed before their eyes with each mile. The boys meet representatives of the old ways (Chief Quannah Parker) and the new (The Wright Brothers.) Just to name a few. Very enjoyable reading just by yourself and/or a book that you will want to read over and over to your children.

From horses to automobiles to President Teddy Roosevelt, an incredible, true account of a couple of very young boys having freedoms not normally given to such young un's and how they handled it. We read it as a family and all of us enjoyed it.

Best Non-fiction historical accounts published for children of all ages! I'm captivated by the fame and polarity these two boys had on thier adventures in the Old West! They had quite a few famous friends, including Teddy Roosevelt! A fun filled little boy's dream come true in all accounts!

this was such a great book to listen to in the car. I love the story and the history behind their whole family! my boys are 4 and 7 when we listened to it and they were hoping it would never end! It took us on a journey and the long car ride we had was forgotten....and we were all on the trail with the Abernathy boys!