Read more
A long time ago, Life Magazine published an article with a photo of a large white horse, and its rider, leaping over a monstrous seven-foot fence. The image stayed with Mona Marshall for years, and became the inspiration for the story of Dusty. Snowman, the horse in the photo, was purchased for $80 by Harry de Layer, off the back of a slaughterhouse truck. Their success is legendary in show jumping circles.
With illustrations reminiscent of the beloved story of Ferdinand the Bull, and a poetic flair reaching back to the days of Dr. Seuss, Mona Marshall has written and illustrated a heartwarming vintage style book, with a timeless message.
As a member of the Minnesota White Earth Ojibwe tribe, Mona has truly lived the message of her book, and it is her dream that this beautiful read-aloud story will inspire a new generation of children to dream big, work hard, overcome obstacles, and succeed.
About the author
Mona Marshall, is a self taught artist and writer who enjoys crafting stories about horses and dogs. She attributes her love of nature and animals to her Native American heritage and is an enrolled member of the Minnesota White Earth Ojibwe Tribe.
Her parents encouraged Mona's artistic ability by building a three by eight foot bulletin board, which hung in a prominent hallway in their home, to display all the artwork she and her siblings produced. It was quite a conversation piece and told all the kid's of their parent's pride in all of them.
The story of Dusty was originally intended to be given to Mona's daughter Wenonah on her eighth birthday. Instead, Dusty was filed away unfinished, then pulled out years later, the illustrations completed at last . . . and Dusty was presented to Wenonah's daughter, Lydia, on her eighth birthday.
Mona has been a dog obedience instructor and exhibitor, a pet portrait artist, and a professional pet sitter. She is also the founder and CEO of The American Mixed Breed Obedience Registration (AMBOR).
She resides in Little Falls Minnesota with her two dogs, Bodie and Willie.
