14 Cows For America is a picture book based on a true story. It was written by Carmen Agra Deedy in collaboration with Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah, whom the story is about. It was illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez and published just this year (2009) by Peachtree Publishers. This story is about Wilson, a member of the Maasai tribe in Kenya. He was in New York City on September 11, 2001 when the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center occurred. He brought the news back to his people who blessed and offered 14 of their sacred cows to help heal the hearts of Americans.  There is a note written by Wilson at the end of the book that details more about him, his tribe, and the ceremony that took place in June of 2002.   14 Cows For America is a deeply touching story about a connection between two cultures that are a half a world away from each other. The illustrations, done in pastels, colored pencil and airbrush, are vivid and realistic and denote a feeling of movement. I felt like I could reach out and touch the soft noses of the cows.