Life is full of storms, storms of weather and storms of life. Rusty the Ranch Horse chooses to dance in his pasture during a storm instead of going in the barn. This whimsical, rhyming story of a real horse is brought to life in bold watercolors. It is ideal for children ages infant to 10 years old. Metaphors help describe the smells, sounds and feelings of a storm. Kids love finding the meadowlark on every page. As we all face storms in life, 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 by a mother-daughter team. Rusty lived in their pasture for many years and has inspired them to share a little of life through his eyes with children around the world. Their hope is that the readers will love Rusty as much as they do. Reviewed By Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite Rusty Under the Western Skies: A Rusty the Horse Ranch Tale by Mary Fichtner begins with Rusty grazing quietly as the blue sky is turning gray. Rusty could sense the storm and the scent of the storm gave him a tickle. He could smell the fragrance in the soft wind and Rusty got pleasure in those smells. The crazy colors of the clouds began to unfold and they resembled a painting. Rain was hammering down and it soaked Rusty's shiny brown coat. When the rain stopped and the sky was clear, Rusty saw a beautiful rainbow which touched each side of the valley. The story is enchanting and magical, written in rhyming verses that add to the poetic and lyrical quality of the story. The watercolor sketches are fabulous and they make the story lively and colorful. The subtle messages woven through the story are palpable while one is reading the book. Rusty shows everyone how to live in the moment and dance through the storms in life. Rusty will help readers look at life with a different perspective, and the book also throws light on the way of living in the West. The story will encourage children in many ways; paint, try their hand at writing rhyming verses, and most importantly how to look at life with a positive outlook. Hence this story should be read out in classrooms and school libraries, and parents of small children can keep it in their personal collections because of its motivational content. Meet Rusty the Ranch Horse in this whimsical tale about a real horse who chooses to dance in his pasture during a storm instead of going in the barn. See a little bit of life through the eyes of a horse and learn to live in the moment, take life as it comes, pause for the blessings and dance in life's storms. Mary grew up in the west roping and riding which gave her a bold western identity.  She is a graduate of the University of Wyoming and her cowgirl spirit has grown stronger through life experiences and living in the cowboy state.  The strong roots of the western lifestyle and horses has given her the character to manage the challenges and change required for a military wife and mother of four.   "Horses truly teach us about ourselves and others and heal broken hearts."  To be able to share her love of horses and have her daughter illustrate her tales is the grandest adventure.  Her hope is that you will laugh and smile as you see a little bit of life through a horse's eyes and learn to dance in your storms.