Our Story
The Rusty’s Reading Remuda Children’s Book Series is created way out west by this mother and daughter team. We have a passion to share all the things we have learned from the many horses and characters we have loved. We know the power of storytelling and how it changes hearts and builds character in our own lives.
Many ask where the name Rusty’s Reading Remuda comes from? Rusty is one of our favorite horses we had the pleasure of knowing and we are honored to share a little bit of life through his eyes. We chose the word Remuda to represent our series because of its wonderful meaning. It is a Spanish word that means “a herd of working horses that the cowboys chose a mount from for the day.” We love the idea of a herd of kids who love to read getting smarter every day through their love of stories. Our goal is to make it onto their list of favorite books.
Mom Mary writes the words, while daughter Rozlyn illustrates in bold watercolor. When you read for the brand with Rusty’s Reading Remuda you will be inspired and entertained about all things western. Each tale holds a valuable lesson about riding the trail and features a special character from the herd. The brilliant pictures captivate all ages; the authentic western rhyme is fun and educational. Mary and Rozlyn hope to share their passion for the west and horses with readers all over the world!
You are cordially invited to join the Remuda and read for the brand!
Author
Mary Fichtner
Mary grew up under the big western skies roping and riding all over the west. Rodeo was her sport growing up through college. As a kid she didn’t realize the impact it was having on her and how her strong western roots would help her face the many challenges life always presents. As an Army wife and mother of four she has always used her cowgirl courage to make the best life possible. She was raised by parents who knew many fascinating Wild West characters and were incredible storytellers. This gave Mary a passion for sharing stories. She writes the Rusty’s Remuda Children’s Book series in rhyme; each one with a life lesson. “Rhyming is so much more fun to read for parents and kids and is essential to learning language and sounds”. According to Mary’s family if she can get your attention long enough she will tell you a story!
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Listen to Mary read the Rusty's Remuda books in her Story Time videos!
Illustrator
Rozlyn Fichtner
Rozlyn was raised under the same beautiful western skies. She developed her own passion for all things equine and has competed in everything from rodeo to jumping to showmanship. Rozlyn’s current focus is roping on her favorite black rope horse, Gunner. Her love of horses along her natural talent in art made her the obvious choice for illustrator. The bright colors and fun characters mesmerize little ones who love the stories. Rozlyn is attending the University of Wyoming where she is studying to become an elementary school art teacher.
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Check out the Activities Corral for free downloadable kids' activities!
Giving Back
10% of our sales go to charity
10% of our sales are given to Dr.Donny MacDougall, DVM (Mary’s brother) for his Christian Veterinary Mission!
Animals are a bridge to relationships. Whether at a clinic in urban America, a veterinary school in Bolivia, the countryside of Mongolia or serving the Cherokee Nation, relationships are formed over the care of an animal. Trust is built, hearts are shared, and a seed is planted for the Kingdom of Christ.
The mission of CVM is to walk alongside Christians in the veterinary community whose desire is to bring glory to God through the use of their professional skills. It is our honor and privilege to pray with, talk with, encourage, equip, mentor and provide resources and opportunities for men and women to follow God’s call in their life, whether serving in their own community or cross-culturally.
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*The two raccoons in the photo are still alseep after being neutered for the local zoo.
