“We can always use a brand new legend in this old world and now we have one – The Calico Buffalo”
Liz Smith, syndicated columnist
SYNOPSIS
When the firstborn son to the Queen of all buffalo arrives covered, nose-tip to tail, with the spots of a calico kitten, the Queen, her Chief and the entire buffalo nation are sent tumbling into the adventure of a lifetime.
PAGE SAMPLES
(DIGITAL EDITION)
INDUSTRY REVIEWS
“We can always use a brand new legend in this old world and now we have one- ‘The Calico Buffalo’. Combining a kind of Native American aura with a fable of the newborn who is different from the rest of the herd or tribe. This is a charmingly painted story punctuated with beautiful poetry. It is a life lesson calling us to decency and tolerance and the right to be or look or feel odd and strange. ‘The Calico Buffalo’ will clutch your heart even as its villain, Thorn, catches your imagination.
Bravo to EJ Stapleton!”
“A magical, profound fable told in rhyme, The Calico Buffalo contains powerful, important messages for young and old alike. Universal and timeless issues of ignorance, prejudice, tolerance, diversity, forgiveness, wisdom and much more, this recommendation is essential for the world we live in. Perfectly complemented by expressive, beautiful illustrations, The Calico Buffalo is a MUST-READ.”
EJ Stapleton’s ‘The Calico Buffalo’ is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and intelligently written children’s books I’ve seen since the writings of Shel Silverstein. This carefully crafted book holds the capability of opening both the minds and hearts of children and adults alike. ‘The Calico Buffalo makes an invaluable contribution to our society. It calls its readers to a higher plane of social and ethical consciousness without a trace of tedious moralizing.
Five Stars! “Very highly recommended”
“Your extraordinary fable, The Calico Buffalo, is a soul-warming book that intuitively draws adults and children into the land that “is, was, and can be.” I enjoyed the journey and the celebration of life and diversity that was at the heart of your beautiful story.”
“It’s Marvelous! Surely a classic in the making”
“A modern day Aesop’s for children!”
“The Calico Buffalo is an uplifting literary experience”
“Five Stars! A very delightful fable of love and acceptance.”
“A pleasure to behold”
NAUTILUS AWARD FINALIST
“The Calico Buffalo- A Tiny Champion for All People!”
“Stapleton’s book ‘The Calico Buffalo’ will give you hope and fill you with joy. I loved it.”
“Truly a rare find in the world of children’s literature.”
“The Calico Buffalo… I’s just grand!”
“A WHACKING GOOD TALE”
“Never has such a serious and vital topic been explored in such a beautiful way. The Calico Buffalo is exquisitely presented in verse and illustration.”
“The wisdom in “The Calico Buffalo” is directly applicable to the place we find ourselves after the events of September 11, 2001”
“Truly magical. A lyrical pleasure.”
The writing, from one verse to the next, is a lyrical pleasure whether read aloud or silently. The content captures the attention of child and adult alike and rewards the reader with a meaningful ending. The evildoer is not banished or punished as is common in such tales. Instead, he is transformed by the lessons he learns into a compassionate member of the clan. In the modern world, that would surely be a happy ending.
Kathleen Orosz, Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database
THE INSPIRITION
The inspiration for the Calico Buffalo came straight out of a dream. A dream in which I was taken for a sunrise ride, by two enormous animals, across what appeared to me to be the Painted Desert. With ribs pressed together, the two ran side-by-side. I rode stretched out, lying on their rib cages with one arm around each neck. As they ran, the colors flew by. Overhead, beneath us and directly into our faces. We moved with lightning speed. When we reached the edge of the desert, I stood between them, staring up at these giants. They were two massive buffalo. Each with nostrils pulsing out clouds of iced breath. Each covered, head to hoof, with white, orange and black spots.
At the breakfast table the next morning, I told the story to Jan who said, “Leave it to you to dream of calico buffalo”. The rhyme immediately caught my ear. As children, we were taught that rhyming was the language of the angels and the fairies. By the end of the day, the first three pages of ‘The Calico Buffalo’ rested on my nightstand. XOX
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
The Calico Buffalo was recommended to me by a friend who couldn’t stop raving about it. I began reading the digital version with my children on our iPad. This wonderful, poetic tale is strikingly illustrated, so much so that it became necessary for me to start reading it from my computer monitor so we could all view it a bit more comfortably. Although, I have to admit, it was pretty cool to see the kids jockeying for position around the iPad. I am excited to have this gem that captures their attention. It’s a lengthy book which gave me the opportunity to create our own Calico Buffalo reading time each night. The kids take turns telling me where we left off the night before and off we go. One night, my daughter commented that this book is “like reading a movie”. You know what? She’s right. Next step, of course, was to put it on the TV screen. Thank you EJ Stapleton for creating our ‘movie night’ with such a meaningful message of acceptance. What a thrill it is to make the popcorn, gather the kids around the TV and listen to their comments about the story as we fall into your absolutely beautiful illustrations. All the best to you!
Camille – August 25, 2017 – Kindle Edition
The Calico Buffalo is a celebration of cultural diversity, a timely lesson in these troubling times. Beautiful illustrations complement the text…I wish there were more!
Paul Williams – November 19, 2001 – Paperback Edition
The illustrations in the updated Kindle version of Stapleton’s beloved tale seem to glow. Vivid and vibrant, each page draws the reader deeper into a magical story that celebrates acceptance. I’ve rarely seen a Kindle book that so brilliantly captures a ” storybook ” feeling. A visual delight for adults and a spell-binding book to be shared with younger just-learning-to-readers.
Brooklyn Red – August 05, 2017 – Kindle Edition
The Calico Buffalo is a beautifully written story with a much needed message. The illustrations are an added special touch. E.J.Stapleton is a gifted writer!
Priscilla B Jordan – November 02, 2016 – Kindle Edition
My love for this book and deep respect and admiration for the writer, EJ Stapleton, will forever burn bright. This deeply written, compassionate fable expands the hearts and the minds of everyone who reads it. The vivid illustrations capture the essence of every character, especially the precious Calico. No stone is left unturned as EJ brilliantly brings his readers to a place of innocence, integrity, and conviction.
Jennifer Vinklarek – August 06, 2017 – Kindle Edition
The Calico Buffalo is a wonderful story, with a timeless and important message for young and old. It is written as poetry which children will enjoy hearing from a parent or can easily read themselves. The illustrations are beautiful works of art. This book offers an opportunity to discuss issues such as being different, bullying, consequences of our actions, and being true to oneself…any of which may be affecting or could affect your child in the future. This book is a must for every child.
Happy Camper – April 10, 2012 – Paperback Edition
This is the most wonderful book!! It is a modern fable appropriate for young and old alike. The illustrations really compliment the delightful story and the universal moral. Everyone should have this book!
P Ritz – December 28, 2010 – Paperback Edition
This is a beautiful tale for children and adults alike, with illustrations that draw you into the story.
DivaDuse – August 18, 2017 – Kindle Edition
If you have not seen this, you’re in for a treat. The Calico Buffalo is a charming little book, that, while written for children, speaks to every age. Get this for the child in your house, or the child in you.
Jean B. – December 15, 2010 – Paperback Edition
A wonderful fable in rhyme about diversity. Great for kids maybe age 8-10 and up, but also for adults. It reminded me that the world is made up of all kinds of people…and that’s just as it should be!
Susan Mahan – February 05, 2013 – Paperback Edition
A truly wonderful book, gorgeous to look at, uplifting in its message, and suitable for all ages. If you’ve ever felt even a little bit “different” and felt the need to conform, this timeless fable will touch you in more ways than I can mention here. THE CALICO BUFFALO is an essential part of every child’s bookshelf.
Bernadette Nason (Author) – June 18, 2017 – Kindle Edition
Calico Buffalo teaches a great lesson to youngsters and also serves as a wonderful reminder to adults that it is ok to be different and to embrace the differences in others…
Chris – June 18, 2017 – Kindle Edition
A heart warming story and a great read at any age! I first read it in my late twenties and it remains one of my favorites. Beautifully told with wonderful illustration, Stapleton has truly created a gem in this one!
Bentol888 – October 06, 2010 – Paperback Edition
Lovely story, pertinent with an important message. The illustrations are luscious pieces are art in their own right. Highly recommend for children and adults of any age; timeless.
K. Evasic – March 10, 2017 – Kindle Edition
The Calico Buffalo, a work by EJ Stapleton, provides a timely lesson for kids from 9 to 99! The story of a “horse of a different color” reminds us to look inside ourselves for the love and forgiveness that lives within all of us. Even the devious character, Thorn, finds a space in the heart of this little buffalo who is guilty only of looking different from the rest. The perfect story for parents wanting to teach their kids tolerance and love of others. And for adults who are so jaded by everyday life that they often forget that beauty is only skin deep. A must for everyone on your Christmas list this year. A rip-roaring rollercoaster of a ride and we are all better at the end for having bought a ticket.
Joe Buccio, Jr – October 21, 2001 – Paperback Edition
ABOUT the AUTHOR
EJ Stapleton, the second of five children, was born in Boston, Massachusetts. There is a story of a babysitter walking in to find him, at two years old, standing in his crib, drawing all over his bedroom wall. Not much has changed since then. He still writes or draws on anything that doesn’t move.
EJ was educated through the Boston Public School system and spent most of his time there searching for whatever information he could gather about art and the people who generate it. In 1971, he left for a two-week trip to Italy. He returned in 1973. This began what continues today to be a lifetime of learning, handshake by handshake, the true heart of the human tribe.
In the mid-1970’s EJ was lucky enough to find himself in the company of Joseph Solman, one of the founders of the American Expressionist movement. Until his death in 2008 at age ninety-nine, Mr. Solman was a steadfast source of influence and inspiration to all facets of EJ’s work.
In 2012, EJ, along with Grammy-award winning composer, Peter Stopschinski and NY director Craig J. George, began work on an adaptation of The Calico Buffalo for musical theater. The Calico Buffalo Musical was first presented as part of the 2015 New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) where the show enjoyed full houses, an extended run and took home the coveted Audience Award, ‘BEST of FEST’. Their work on the musical continues.
Thank you for visiting!
all material copyright of EJ Stapleton
CONTACT: info@calicobuffalo.com