Books by Christy Cones
These titles are available exclusively on Amazon!
Six titles that extend the work of Austin Fusion Art Gallery and the Kalos Agathos Foundation into the written word:
Old Bones, Better Together, Rosie Goatie, and Barney and Bessie — beautifully illustrated children’s stories that explore themes of friendship, resilience, and personal courage. These tales are written in the spirit of the foundation’s long-standing dedication to youth empowerment and cultural enrichment.
Honky Tonk — a detailed historical exploration of the honky-tonk tradition in American country music, analyzing how this unique cultural form develops, transforms, and maintains its relevance today.
The Hopping Files — a multi-volume nonfiction series sourced from the life and private archives of Bruce Hopping, a WWII and Korean War veteran, Olympic judge, and founder of the Kalos Kagathos Foundation.
These six volumes protect and convey a significant personal and institutional history. Gathered together, these books mirror the core values of the gallery: meaningful storytelling, the preservation of cultural memory, and the philosophy that depth is found when legacy and modern life enter into an active dialogue.
Old Bones, Wild Wisdom Tales – Book 1
Old Bones is a heartwarming children’s picture book about never giving up, even when everything seems hopeless. When young Tommy and his mother face losing their home after hard times hit their little farm, all they have left is one very old, very skinny mule named Old Bones. Everyone says the mule is too weak and bony to be any help. But Tommy refuses to give up on his faithful friend. With courage and a little unexpected help, Tommy enters Old Bones in a big horse race. What happens next surprises everyone — and teaches a powerful lesson about believing in yourself and never losing hope. Perfect for ages 4–8, Old Bones is a touching story about resilience, kindness, and the special bond between a boy and his animal friend. It’s ideal for bedtime reading, classroom discussions about perseverance, or as a meaningful gift for any child who needs a reminder that it’s never too late to try.. Wild Wisdom Tales – Book 1
Honky Tonk: From Bawdy Bars to Cultural Icon
The honky-tonk is more than a bar. It is the beating heart of American culture. From smoky Texas dance halls and border cantinas to its golden age, urban reinventions, and global reach, the honky-tonk has endured as one of America’s most powerful cultural archetypes — a democratic refuge where ordinary people find catharsis, community, and honest expression. In this compelling cultural history, Christy Cones, PhD, reveals how the honky-tonk evolved from rough frontier gathering places into a living symbol of resilience, authenticity, and the belief that every story deserves to be heard. Exploring themes of love and loss, rowdiness and redemption, gender dynamics, and the rich inter-poetic dialogue across regions and genres, this book shows why the honky-tonk spirit continues to resonate in the twenty-first century. Whether you are a lifelong country music fan, a Texas music enthusiast, or simply curious about an iconic piece of American culture, Honky Tonk invites you to step inside, listen closely, and feel the heartbeat that has kept this tradition alive for more than a century.
Better Together, Wild Wisdom Tales – Book 3
Better Together is a heartwarming children’s picture book about cooperation, friendship, and learning to work with others — even when you don’t always agree. In a sunny meadow, a stubborn donkey and a proud elephant have been grumpy neighbors for years. Each believes the other once took something that belonged to them. They stay apart and avoid each other at all costs. But when a big storm causes a landslide that traps them both and blocks their only path to food, they are forced to work together to save themselves. Through this gentle adventure, the two unlikely friends discover that cooperation is always better than staying divided. Perfect for teaching young children the value of teamwork, getting along with others, and solving problems together. Ideal for ages 4–8, Better Together is a wonderful read-aloud story that sparks meaningful conversations about friendship, differences, and working as a team. A beautiful addition to any child’s bookshelf and a thoughtful gift for birthdays, classrooms, or family reading time. Wild Wisdom Series • Book 3
The Hopping Files: Rebel in Search of a Cause – Vol. 1
A privileged son. A defiant sailor. A lifelong fight for justice. In The Hopping Files: Rebel in Search of a Cause, author Christy Cones, PhD, presents the riveting first volume of Bruce Stewart Hopping’s remarkable life story. Born into wealth and privilege in 1921, Bruce repeatedly defied expectations—from failing high school two times to clashing with military hierarchy during World War II and the Korean War. From his transformative years at Culver Military Academy, through his service as an Army Air Forces liaison pilot and a harrowing 20-day survival tale in the Pacific, to his explosive protests at Bainbridge and the highly publicized court-martial aboard the USS Reclaimer, Bruce emerged as a self-described “traitor to his class.” His courageous stand against naval authority made national headlines and sparked a decades-long crusade to reform the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Drawing from extensive personal archives, letters, military records, and firsthand accounts, this meticulously researched biography reveals how early struggles and institutional resistance forged a man of unyielding principle. Bruce’s story is one of resilience, idealism, and the power of turning personal setbacks into a lifetime of service. The Hopping Files: Rebel in Search of a Cause is essential reading for fans of military history, civil-military relations, World War II and Korean War narratives, and inspiring stories of philanthropy and reform. The first volume of a multi-volume series, it sets the stage for Bruce’s later work with the New Jersey Committee, Olympic swimming judging, and the founding of the Kalos Kagathos Foundation. Discover the man who fed the seagulls for fifty-seven years—and the experiences that shaped one of the 20th century’s most unlikely champions of the underdog.
Rosie Goatie
In the high mountains, a young goat named Rosie struggles to climb like the others. While the billies and nannies leap from rock to rock with ease, Rosie’s legs wobble and her steps are slow. The other young goats laugh. Rosie begins to wonder if she will ever belong.
Then one day, danger comes to the mountain.
When a wolf appears and an avalanche threatens the herd, Rosie must find the courage she never knew she had. In a moment of true need, the goat who was always last becomes the one who helps the most.
Rosie Goatie is a heartwarming story about believing in yourself, the quiet strength of kindness, and how character is revealed when the path is steep.
Perfect for children ages 4–8, this gentle tale encourages young readers to see that being different can be a strength — and that true bravery often looks like helping others.
Rosie Goatie is Book 4 in the Wild Wisdom Series by Christy Cones, a collection of warm, meaningful stories that help children discover courage, kindness, and the quiet strengths already inside them.
Barney and Bessie: A Wild Wisdom Story About Sharing and the River (Wild Wisdom Tales)
Barney and Bessie is a charming Wild Wisdom Tale about two beavers living along a busy river. When resources become scarce and the river changes, Barney and Bessie must learn that hoarding isn't the answer. Through a series of gentle challenges, they discover that sharing their space and working with their neighbors actually leads to a stronger dam and a happier community. This beautifully illustrated story explores themes of generosity, environmental stewardship, and the simple truth that wisdom is often found in the act of giving. Perfect for ages 4-8, it serves as a wonderful reminder that we are all connected by the same waters.