UA Little Rock Alumna Publishes First Children’s Book

Susan Polk Van Dusen, a UA Little Rock alumna and adjunct professor, has published her first children’s book, “What’s So Special About a Tree?”

The rhyming book is written for children ages 4-8 and features original artwork by her father, the late John Polk.

“My dad was a very talented artist who left behind hundreds of paintings when he passed away four years ago,” Van Dusen said. “I was inspired to incorporate some of his work into a children’s book that I hope will bring joy both to children and the adults who love them.”

The 32-page book features 14 paintings and drawings of both realistic and whimsical trees, along with a list of the artwork’s titles and media. Most of the works were completed in recent years, with the exception of one dated from 1970.

“I was a baby when my dad completed that piece and thought it would be special to include it along with the ones he did later in life,” she said.

The book’s gentle rhymes are ideal for beginning readers, as a story for families to share together, or to encourage classroom learning.

“Reading to children is such an important bonding experience,” Van Dusen said. “I hope this book will hold a special place in the hearts of parents and kids, as well as inspire them to appreciate the beauty and value of trees in our world.”

The book is available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book and can be purchased on VanDusenBooks.com, Amazon, Bookshop.org, and other sites where books are sold.

Van Dusen, who lives in Sherwood, earned a master’s degree in professional and technical writing and a graduate certificate in online writing instruction from UA Little Rock. She previously taught online courses in both the Department of Rhetoric and Writing and the School of Mass Communication. She is currently working on her second book, which will be out this fall.