Our Friend The Cowboy:
A Wild West Hero

2026 Will Rogers Medallion Award Winner

By Susan Polk Van Dusen
Art by John S. Polk
Van Dusen Books
Part of the Art and Verse series
Hardcover ISBN: 979-8-9902951-5-5
Paperback ISBN: 979-8-9902951-4-8
Available through Ingram Content Group.

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

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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!