About

Our Author & Illustrator

Molly Combs, Illustrator (left) & Eileen Stamper, Author (right)

Each picture in “The Adventures of Willy Buck” series, is hand-drawn and painted with loving care. Molly incorporates her knowledge of ranching and rodeo from a lifetime of working with horses and cattle in Canada, California and Oregon; as well as her daily experience on her Oklahoma ranch, with her husband, John.

Eileen’s stories are woven from real life experience ranching and rodeoing with family and friends. She and her husband, Jody, share a passion for good horses and being responsible stewards of the land.

Molly and Eileen are close friends, and are always creating new memories together on their neighboring Oklahoma ranches.

The Adventures of Willy Buck are inspired by real-life events and characters such as an orphaned bucking calf that was adopted by our family, and eventually named Willy Buck!

Willy was a calf that was born with a crooked face, making it very hard for him to nurse his mother. However, he could latch on to a ridge nipple on a bottle by biting down on the nipple with the side of his mouth. He was very determined to survive, and to keep his tummy full. Therefore, we made the decision to be his adopted mommas, and keep him in the barnyard, near us.

Rodeo ranch kids often take part in feeding orphaned calves, helping in the practice pen, and traveling to bull riding events with their parents. Molly and my kids were no different, and helped with daily chores. We were originally told that a bottle-fed calf would probably not develop into a successful bucking bull. Everyone wondered if Willy would buck.

Molly’s son feeding a bottle calf names “Peanut” 1971

When Willy was ready, he was turned out with the other rodeo bulls. He had to adjust from his life in the barnyard, to living with the group of young bulls, and it wasn’t easy for him. But he seemed very determined to be a member of the “Rodeo Squad”.

A group of typical “Rodeo Squad” hopefuls. Much like the young bulls in “The Adventures of Willy Buck”

Rodeo life is a unique and wonderful life. A riding/bucking career begins at an early age for kids and calves alike.

And, just as rodeo kids progress in their sport as they grow in stature; so do the rodeo bulls. Kids who wish to learn how to ride bulls, often start early in life by riding sheep, then calves, then steers, and on to bulls.

Eileen’s son riding a sheep at the Elko PRCA Rodeo when he was 4 years old.

Molly’s son riding a calf when he was a young boy.

Eileen’s son riding an older more experienced bull at the Red Lodge PRCA Rodeo. It was his first time riding am actual bull. He was 13 years old.

Bucking bulls often begin their rodeo careers in futurities, with a remote-release “dummy”. If they potential, they can them move on to carrying an actual bull rider, at a rodeo!

I knew in my heart, that the story of Willy Buck could be very inspiring to anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed with challenges, or has felt as an outsider. Willy always did his very best, every day. He had a quiet confidence in how he walked around the barnyard. I think he believed in himself.

Be like Willy! Believe!

Books by Illustrator Mollie Combs