SWAMPFIRE

A full blooded, fiery Arabian horse roaming the Great Dismal Swamp is an apparition worthy of anyone's summer vacation fantasies, and Sally has good company in her science-minded brother Andrew and the part Indian local boy Robin for her attempt to lead the lost horse away from a pursuing game warden and his hounds. Between the title and Cousin Anne's dire warnings on the first night of the children's visit, the climactic swampfire scene should surprise no one. But Sally's heroism in rescuing the boys from behind the fire line is gratifying (especially considering her previous refusal to clean a fish), and the mosquitoes, snakes and scratchy thickets the kids encounter have a convincing enough sting. Strictly back porch reading.