FLY-BY-NIGHT

Very British, very horsy, not too plausible. Almost twelve, Ruth Hollins would do anything for a horse, so when Dad gives his permission she withdraws her savings and brings Fly-By-Night to the backyard. Brother Ted and his friend Ron are sympathetic and helpful but Ruth must supply Fly's feed (money from a paper route) and train him on her own. She also considers butterfly hunting to meet Peter McNair, a nearby equestrian and lepidopterist. Dad keeps muttering about money problems (new house) and mother takes on a new foster child--none other than much-admired Peter who has rejected his home because his father forces him to care for their horses. Then Mr. Hollins decides they have to return to an apartment, which makes things look glum for Fly. In a matter of a few (too few) chapters, all the loose ends are tied, and it sounds like someone's pulling strings: Peter gets a new mother, who transforms his father and fits the boy's specifications; a neighbor dies and the Hollinses buy his less expensive house, so Ruth can keep her horse; and she wins a prize in her first horse show and the opportunity to trot around--and stick around--with Peter. Breakaway beginning, routine finish.