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Grit, Courage, and Heart

Al Leal Author Interview

Alex the Bull Rider-Riding Bulls from A – Z follows a fearless young rider who takes on a thrilling bull-riding adventure filled with challenges tied to the letters A to Z. What was the inspiration for your story?

The inspiration came from several places that are close to my heart: my love for storytelling, my respect for the Western way of life, and my nephew, Alex, who inspired the character himself. Alex has always had this outgoing personality and a rambunctious spirit about him. He’s curious, fearless, full of energy, and the kind of kid who isn’t afraid to jump into something new. Watching him grow and seeing that spark in him became a big part of the motivation behind these books. I wanted to create a character that captured that same spirit. At the same time, I’ve always admired the grit, courage, and heart of bull riders. Bringing those worlds together felt natural. This book became a way to combine adventure, learning, and life lessons into a story kids could connect with, while also honoring the spirit of a young boy who helped inspire it all.

Each bull represents a different letter. Was it challenging to match names, personalities, and visuals to every letter?

Absolutely, it was a challenge, but honestly, it was one of the most enjoyable parts of creating the book. I didn’t want the bulls to just be names on a page. I wanted each one to have its own personality, attitude, and presence, almost like they were characters of their own. Some letters came easily, while others made me sit back and really think. I’d ask myself, What kind of bull would this letter be? Would he be wild, smart, stubborn, explosive? Bringing each bull to life with a name, look, and personality took time, but that creative process is what made the story special.

Alex falls, gets back up, and keeps trying. How important was it to include that message for young readers?

That message was probably the most important part of the entire book. Life is going to knock all of us down at some point, kids included. I’ve lived enough life to know that success usually doesn’t come without setbacks, failures, and moments where you question yourself. But what defines us isn’t the fall, it’s the decision to get back up. I wanted kids to see that Alex isn’t fearless because he never falls. He’s brave because he keeps climbing back on. If a child reads this book and walks away believing they can keep going after a hard day, then I’ve done my job as an author.

I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?

Without giving away too much, I can say Alex’s journey is far from over. My vision for this series has always been bigger than one book. I want to take young readers on adventures that entertain them, teach them, and open their imaginations. Alex may step into new worlds, whether that’s the circus, the ocean, the skies, or even becoming a young detective solving mysteries. Wherever he goes, one thing will stay the same: Alex will keep showing kids the value of courage, curiosity, character, and believing in themselves. That’s the heart of every story I plan to tell.

Author Links: Facebook | Website

Alex the Bull Rider-Riding Bulls from A – Z

Alex the Bull Rider introduces readers to a young boy named Alex as he takes part in an exciting bull-riding event while also learning the ABCs. The story begins with a bull named Ace and ends with a bull named Zeus, taking readers on an entertaining alphabetical journey through Alex’s adventurous experience. This clever structure gives the book both educational value and a strong sense of momentum, making it easy for young readers to stay engaged from beginning to end.

Written by Al Leal, Alex the Bull Rider is an energetic and imaginative book filled with bright, eye-catching illustrations. One of the most enjoyable parts of the story is the way each bull’s name matches a different letter of the alphabet. That detail feels fresh and creative, and it adds an interactive element that helps hold a child’s attention. Each bull also has a distinct look and personality, which makes every page feel lively and new. The illustrations invite readers to pause, observe, and talk about what they see, adding even more value to the reading experience.

Alex is portrayed as courageous and determined throughout the book. Bull riding is an intense sport, so his willingness to keep trying stands out. I especially liked that Alex took breaks when needed and continued even after falling off the bull more than once. That part of the story offers an important message for young readers about perseverance, resilience, and not giving up after setbacks. It also shows that competition can be enjoyable and rewarding.

Another fun feature is the bonus material at the end of the book, including a word search and a maze. These activities add to the overall appeal and make the book even more engaging for children. I highly recommend Alex the Bull Rider for young readers who enjoy action, adventure, and creative learning.

Pages: 40 | ISBN : 979-8-9951169-0-5