Polson resident Joye Albert has realized a dream come true with the publication of her children's book, “The Fair Sombrero.”

Based on a true incident from her childhood, the brightly illustrated book tells the story of an encounter with a Brahma bull, who chased her across a field into which she had unwittingly wandered on the way to a friend's house.

Albert will sign copies of her book from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Costco in Kalispell.

Much of the story is centered around the Northwest Montana Fair and fairgrounds of the 1950s. The young heroine, Ann, and her best friend ride their horses in a parade down Main Street, past landmarks with which locals will be familiar. Flathead Lake and the Whitefish River also factor into the story, which is a spine-tingling adventure that challenges Ann’s courage and stamina.

"The story ends happily, and even humorously, with an unexpected twist, but is pulse-stopping, nonetheless," publisher Ellen Traylor says.

Albert has wanted to share this story in print for a long time. Her opportunity came when she heard of Traylor’s company, Port Hole Publications, which specializes in a broad range of topics, especially family-friendly material.

The book is illustrated with colorful, child-engaging pictures by Leah Miller, of Manhattan.

As part of the publisher's imprint, "A Learn to Grow Book," the story is followed by discussion questions and a glossary of terms which many children might need to understand.

"City children might not know what a 'rodeo' is, or even a 'chore,'" Traylor says. "Rural children can benefit from the thought-provoking questions, such as, 'Have you ever made a decision that put you in danger? How could you have avoided it?'"

For more information, visit www.portholepublications.com.