Will James

Will James (June 6, 1892 – September 3, 1942) was an artist and writer of the American West. He is known for his cowboy stories and was also an accomplished illustrator. Born in Quebec, Canada, as Joseph Ernest Nephtali Dufault, he later changed his name to Will James and claimed to be a native-born American. He became famous for his books and stories about cowboys and horses, including the classic 'Smoky the Cowhorse,' which won the Newbery Medal in 1927. His works reflect his own experiences as a cowboy and ranch hand in the western United States.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Smoky the Cowhorse

    "Smoky the Cowhorse" is a captivating tale about a mouse-colored horse named Smoky who is born in the wild but captured and trained as a cowhorse. The story follows Smoky's life journey, from his early days running free in the West, through his time as a working cowhorse, to his cruel treatment at the hands of a harsh owner, and finally his rescue and rehabilitation by a kind cowboy. The book offers a realistic portrayal of the life of a working horse in the American West, highlighting both the harsh realities and the deep bonds formed between horse and rider.