Books published by Mary Fichtner

Cowgirl is a spirit; an attitude. The choice of a life lived with courage, conviction, faith and intention. Cowgirls wish on stars and dandelions but then get to work to make them happen. The cowgirl takes care of her animals, helps friends, takes care of others, offers wisdom, rides her horse; and her little white dog can be found on every page. She trusts that all things work together for the good of all. The Heart of a Cowgirl is based on Proverbs 31 and as you read about the cowgirl may the words encourage you to keep saddling up and roping your dreams!

Have you ever wondered if there really is a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow? Many have raced to that magical place to find out. Join Rusty and his cowboy on grand adventure to where the beautiful colors touch the landscape. Will they find a pot of gold or a dream come true? Or will they discover an unexpected treasure that has been there all along? A real ranch horse teaches us to count our blessings in this whimsical rhyming tale. It was created out under the beautiful skies of Wyoming by a mother and daughter team. Get your copy of Rusty and the Pot of Gold and don't ever miss another treasure in life!

Rivers are vital to our country's health and leisure. They provide fresh water for our agriculture and most of our drinking water. The calming sound of the moving water and the landscape it is embellished with are magical. Rusty the Ranch Horse lives in one of the most beautiful places in the west next to the Platte River. It is a very busy place that changes with all four of the seasons and is home to many critters. Enjoy the scenery as you read why Rusty loves the river. The beautiful bold watercolor illustrations and rhyming words are created way out west in Wyoming. Get your copy of Rusty and the River and be inspired to seek out a river near you.This book was chosen by the Wyoming State Library to represent Wyoming at the National Book Festival in Washington DC in 2019.

Experience the West at one of the world's greatest western celebrations! Join Rusty the Ranch Horse and his cowboy at Frontier Days as they have a day full of adventure and excitement. Rusty and his cowboy dream of the big win at the world's largest outdoor rodeo, "The Daddy of 'em All!" They compete in the steer wrestling along with enjoying a parade, the carnival, the rodeo and the Indian Village. The cow dog is along for the adventure too and can be found on every page, always up to something as any good cow dog would be. This story is written in rhyme with authentic western verbiage and bold watercolor illustrations. It was created way out west by a mother and daughter team in collaboration with Rusty and the cow dog. Get your copy of Rusty Goes to Frontier Days so you can always remember to chase your dreams and ride for the brand!

Rusty's and His Saddle are vital to his cowboy's work. It is very important that the saddle fits both horse and cowboy. Rusty's saddle is not as nice as the other horse's saddles that he works with but Rusty teaches them that what really matter is character, choices, and how we ride the trail. The Code of the West, which Wyoming wrote into our legislature in 2010, is included in the back of the book. The cowdog highlights an attribute from the code on each page. The rhyming, authentic, western lingo and watercolor illustrations are created way out west by a mother~daughter team.

Rusty the Ranch Horse Tale shares a true life, whimsical, rhyming story of a real horse brought to life in bold watercolors. The first in a series of six, this story ideal for children ages 3 years old and up teaches us many things about how horses live and respond to life. They heal broken hearts and can be a mirror into our souls. Rusty Under the Western Sky teaches us how to live in the moment, take life as it comes, pause for all the blessings, and dance in our storms. The story and pictures were created way out under the western skies with love for the western lifestyle. The author and illustrator are mother and daughter and currently live in Wyoming where they embrace the western lifestyle. Rusty has lived in their pasture for many years and has inspired them to share him with children around the world. Their hope is that the readers will love Rusty as much as they do.

Have you ever wondered what your purpose is or for what you were made? Does it ever feel like you are supposed to look a certain way or be something you aren't? Even when our calling is right before us, we may still need the time and courage to see it. Learn from Rusty that through faith and trust we can all find our place! Rusty is a Wyoming native and registered paint horse. He was a big surprise when he was born without any of his parents fancy painted spots or coloring. He grew into the most gentle and honest gelding, much more important traits than his coloring! He has been loved by hundreds and taught many lessons to those who have known him. This is his story!

Cowboys are heroes and icons of the American West! They live by The Code of the West and have a strong culture. Their lifestyle has purpose and meaning representing all they do and believe. Living each day with courage, taking pride in their work, and finishing what they start are just a few of the ethics they choose to live by. As you read about the cowboy you will learn why the world needs more cowboys!

Thunder is a miniature horse that lives in a herd of horses under the big beautiful skies of Wyoming. Being smaller he sometimes get pushed aside and has to wait his turn. He struggles to be patient as he finds his place in line. Waiting can be such a challenge as it causes frustration, boredom and worry. But what if we can learn that there are hidden blessings in the wait if we choose to look for them? Can we learn from Thunder to find what is good in the waiting? Read along and see if Thunder can win the waiting battle!

One little horse. One gigantic problem. Can Thunder find a way to help when he's so very small?Thunder the horse wishes he was born a mighty Clydesdale. Being too little to work around the ranch can't help but make him sad. Worried that he's good for nothing, he wonders what a tiny horse like him can contribute.But while he's busy fretting about the things he can't do, he overlooks his own gifts! Will Thunder learn the courage he needs to see what's truly makes him special?The Big Battle of Thunder the Smallest War Horse is a beautifully-illustrated children's book for ages 3 and up. If you and your child like wild Western settings, whimsical characters, and bedtime stories with a message, then you'll love this tale of self-acceptance.Buy The Big Battle to share a smile with your child today!