The wild ponies of Assateague Island capture the imagination of nature artist Arnosky (Turtle in the Sea, p. 948, etc.), who describes these beautiful creatures from sunrise to sunset using handsome double-paged acrylic paintings and a nearly rhyming text. Though rhymes are sometimes near misses (sea and breeze) and verses are rather trite: “On Assateague Island / out in the sea, / a mare tends her foal / in the shade of a tree,” the overall effect of the peaceful text and the softly painted illustrations of multi-colored horses and foals “having some wild pony fun” will appeal to young listeners. It might even prove useful as a goodnight story. Arnosky continues to experiment with his art and to perfect his craft; he really is unmatched in his approach to sharing nature with young children. His love and appreciation of the natural world are very evident in this title; he just needs someone to help him with his words. (Picture book. 3-6)
