What can you say about Slim Randles? He competed in the Iditarod, shoots, hunts, fishes, was a journalist in Alaska, California, and New Mexico, and now an author here. He is one of our shining lights and always makes us laugh. Slim has also won a lot of awards for his books – we like that.

After he wrote three adult books for us, I said he had to write a kid’s book. Slim was kicking and screaming but he did it. It was good. And it won awards too! Ol’ Jimmy Dollar is a fun gift for kids. And who can resist those dogs?

So, I asked Slim to write a Cowboy Bucket List book. When I got the manuscript, some of the items were longer than a page – our standard for the series. I said I can edit them with no problem. After I read them I didn’t want to touch them. Slim’s stories ran a little long and who cares? They still are good.

Slim in now working on a Fly Fishing Bucket List book for the spring. He fits that writing in with his syndicated newspaper column and syndicated radio show.

— Barbe Awalt