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Reviewed by Carine Engelbrecht for Readers' Favorite
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. 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.
