2026 Will Rogers Medallion Award Winner

Who is that man with the hat and the horse?
Do you know his name?
He’s a cowboy, of course!

Giddyup and lasso a copy of this delightful picture book featuring the author’s memorable rhymes paired with her late father’s original watercolor paintings and drawings.

Part of the Art and Verse picture book series, this 32-page book will ignite your child’s imagination and instill an appreciation for the American West and its legendary heroes. 

After inheriting her father’s art collection, the author selected 13 of his Western-themed pieces to incorporate into a children’s picture book. The result takes young readers into the daily life of rugged cowboys as they ride horses, herd cattle, and act as a friendly neighbor to all.

Perfect for introducing young kids to the beauty of original artwork, this enchanting book also inspires a connection to American history and an appreciation of hardworking cowboys and Western life.  

The one-of-a-kind art includes watercolors and pencil drawings, along with a list of titles and media designed to inspire young artists to create their own cowboy-inspired artwork.

So jump in the saddle and take a trip to the American West with Our Friend The Cowboy!

Also available from Amazon, Bookshop.org, and other online booksellers. Or order from your favorite local independent bookstore!

Available from Ingram Content Group for retailers and librarians.
ISBN: 979-8-9902951-4-8 (Paperback), 979-8-9902951-5-5 (Hardcover)

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Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Review

“Our Friend the Cowboy: A Wild West Hero by Susan Polk Van Dusen reads like a praise poem for the enduring myth of this iconic American archetype. As such, it offers a glimpse into the world of the cowboy, his honest values, and his daily chores on the ranch. The rhyming text charms through its simplicity. But don’t be too surprised if these words linger in the minds of your little ones. Certain words are highlighted through the use of special fonts or contrasting colors. It works incredibly well here because it has been so well integrated into the story.

The illustrations were sourced from a series of drawings and watercolor paintings by the author’s father, John S. Polk. These works capture the essence of cowboys: their patched jeans, creased boots, and their wise, weary eyes.

“You can’t just look at this book once.
The artwork has a hypnotic flow that makes each
illustration uniquely compelling.”

— Readers’ Favorite

You can’t just look at this book once. The artwork has a hypnotic flow that makes each illustration uniquely compelling. Here’s one cowboy, raising his hat in cheerful triumph as his equine partner helps to bring the herd together. There, two shadowy cowboys share a moment that could be a casual instruction or a serious conversation. Who knows? Yet another cowboy meets your gaze with just a hint of amusement, his loyal horse hovering in the background. These are all individuals, bound by their creed and their profession.

But as cowboys form a nostalgic bridge between past and present, so too the text and images of Our Friend the Cowboy reflect an intimate conversation on heritage and the importance of honoring your own. And therein lies its most important lesson – the unity of family. By creating this beautiful memorial to her father’s talent, Susan Polk Van Dusen shows how what we do here on Earth matters, not only to ourselves but also to future generations.”

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What People are Saying

“Visually and lyrically engaging, this beautiful book introduces young children to cowboys and the work they do on the range. The gentle verse and colorful art make it a perfect book to read before bedtime.” — Shirley Wimbish Gray, writer and retired instructor of composition, University of Mississippi 

“The paintings in this book are joyous.” — 5-star verified Amazon review

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Watch the Read-along video