About the Art and Verse Picture Book Series

John S. Polk, was a talented visual artist from Hot Springs, Arkansas, who exhibited a gift for art in his childhood but perfected his craft late in life.

Specializing in watercolor, oil paint, and charcoal, John’s subject matter ranged from portraits and landscapes to animals and architecture. After John’s death in 2020, his only child, Susan Polk Van Dusen, inherited hundreds of his beautiful paintings and drawings.

A long-time professional writer, Susan developed the idea to incorporate her dad’s art into a children’s picture book series. The first book — What’s so Special About a Tree? — includes 14 paintings and drawings of both realistic and fanciful trees, along with a gentle rhyming verse tying them together.

The second book in the series — Our Friend The Cowboy: A Wild West Hero — uses original art and memorable verse to take young kids on a spirited ride through the life of a hardworking cowboy.

With the belief that even the youngest child can appreciate the beauty of original art, Susan hopes that the Art and Verse picture book series will inspire art lovers and budding artists of all ages.

View the series on Bookshop.org and see more of John’s art at PolkFineArt.Pixels.com.