Will James

Born Joseph Ernest Nephtali Dufault in Quebec, Canada, Will James moved to the United States as a teenager and adopted the persona of a cowboy. He worked as a ranch hand, rodeo rider, and horse trainer, experiences that deeply informed his writing and illustration. James published several books and short stories celebrating Western life, with his masterpiece "Smoky the Cowhorse" (1926) earning the Newbery Medal. The novel follows the life of a horse from colt to wild mustang to cowhorse, capturing the bond between animal and rider. James also wrote and illustrated "Lone Cowboy" (1930), an autobiographical account. His work is noted for its authentic detail, dynamic illustrations, and respect for the natural world. James died in 1942, leaving a legacy as a chronicler of the vanishing frontier and a significant figure in children's and Western literature.