SPECIAL POST: 10th Book Birthday of The Seagoing Cowboy

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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!

Presentation on the Origin Story of Heifer International

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I had the honor on March 21 to deliver an illustrated presentation to supporters of the award-winning development organization Heifer International about their origin story. It always gives me great joy to share this early history of what began as the Heifer Project. Today the organization transforms entire communities with their “locally led, globally connected” program that lifts people out of poverty into sustainable, environmentally-sound enterprises. My videotaped presentation is posted on Heifer’s YouTube channel. Anyone interested in watching it can do so here.

SS Battle Creek Victory podcast

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I’m happy to share with you today an interview with me by Michael Delaware for his podcast “Tales of Southwest Michigan.” Many Victory ships built during World War II were named after cities, including the city of Battle Creek, Michigan. The Battle Creek Regional History Museum  was recently given the bell and wheel of the SS Battle Creek Victory.  This ship was one of many Victory ships used by the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration for transporting livestock to Europe after the war to help devastated countries rebuild. Michael found a photo of the ship that I had posted on my seagoing cowboys blog and contacted me for more information. He invited me to be a guest on his podcast. Here’s the link. Enjoy!

The SS Battle Creek Victory docked in Greece, 1946. Photo by Wayne Silvius.

Congratulations, Judith L. Roth!

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I celebrate the book release this week of my dear sister writing friend Judith L. Roth. Click here for a great description of VENETIAN LULLABY, of Judy’s origin story about the book, info on the illustrator (pictured in the link)–and if you are so inclined an opportunity to win a free copy.