Malcom bison ranch owner releases children’s book

MALCOM — A new children’s book, “Buffalo in the Bucket,” is a true story of courage, compassion and one very strong-willed calf named Daisy.

Written by Bethany Kriegel, owner of Sunset Hills Bison Ranch near Malcom, the children’s book was born out of a real life experience of a daring skid loader rescue and late-night bottle feedings of a baby bison calf that had been abandoned by its mama.

“Set on Sunset Hills Bison Ranch, this heartwarming tale reminds us that family isn’t just who we’re born to, it’s who shows up and stays,” said Kriegel. “This sweet story touches on adoption, prayer, faith, bison ranching, farming, family, love and acceptance.”

Kriegel owns the ranch with her husband, Carl, and several family members.

After the rescue, Kriegel said she realized that experience was wild and unbelievable for anyone who has never experienced it.

“I thought it would make for a great story and book,” said Kriegel.

The rescue took place in April, and Kriegel didn’t let any grass grow under her feet. She wrote the book and then used current technology to illustrate the book and create a cover.

“I used AI to create images, and I edited them using computer software,” noted Kriegel of the book. “With that being said, I think I could create a picture book consisting of a lot of AI fails!”

The book is 27 pages, including some bonus pages.

Kreigel said the book is geared for ages 5 — 13, but readers of all ages have loved the story and the short book.

When asked what it means to write a book and share a story from her buffalo ranch, Kriegel said bison have such a special place in her life and heart.

“I love to relate life issues and experience to bison,” she said. “This story is about a baby buffalo that was abandoned, but it has a sweet spirit of adoption, faith and perseverance. I have two very important people in my life that have been adopted. I still don’t know what my God-given purpose is, but I feel like sharing stories of hope and resilience while educating about bison may have a place in my purpose.”

The new children’s book was released on June 1.

“Only a few of my family members knew about it and I gave the very first printed copy to my niece, Lydia, for her first birthday

“That is how the rest of the family found out about this project,” said Kriegel.

The book was published through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).

“Anyone can publish a book these days,” noted Kriegel.

The new book is available on Amazon and at Sunset Hills Bison Ranch Retail Store for $14.99.

For more information on Sunset Hills Bison Ranch, visit sunsethills.life.