SPECIAL POST: 10th Book Birthday of The Seagoing Cowboy

March 31 marks the 10th anniversary of the release of my children’s picture book The Seagoing Cowboy published by Brethren Press in 2016.

The book has sold well for this small publishing house and continues to sell. It is beautifully illustrated by the wonderful Claire Ewart of Fort Wayne, Indiana. It’s available here through Brethren Press.

I have fond memories of our April 2, 2016, book release party, captured in the images below.

Peggy and Claire pose in the life preserver of the SS Woodstock Victory, the ship depicted in the book. Photo by Abbie Miller.
Peggy reads the book to children present. Photo by Abbie Miller.
Peggy with grandsons Alten and Isaac Royer-Miller to whom the book is dedicated. Photo by Abbie Miller.
Peggy autographs a book for Sally Glick whose father Hank Weaver was a seagoing cowboy. Photo by Abbie Miller.
Claire talks with the real cowboy John, John Nunemaker, on whom the character John in the book is based. Cowboys Walter Hostetler and Al Meyer enjoy the exchange. Photo by Abbie Miller.
Peggy with her TaleBlazers writing group: Mary Ann Moore, Judith Roth, Katie Mitschelen, Karen Kulinski, and Fred Longenecker. Photo by Abbie Miller.

This is what some folks have said about the book:

“What a compelling story and so beautifully illustrated. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you made the trip yourself, it is so accurate and has so much ‘feeling’ in it with so little commentary.” The late Ken Frantz, seagoing cowboy in June 1945

“I hope you all get a chance to read The Seagoing Cowboy. Wonderful story! And I’ve seen the good work of the Heifer Project in many countries of the world. A great organization.” Ambassador and former Congressman Tony Hall

“The illustrations capture the mood, setting, and challenges described in Miller’s simple rhythmic text…. When the problems of the world loom so overwhelming that hopelessness rears its head, books like this one remind us that problems are solved one person at a time.” Sandy Brehl, Unpacking the Power of Picture Books blog

Listen to the author read the book here. Enjoy!

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