Horse-loving kids will read this novel and recognize a kindred spirit.
In Count’s middle-grade series starter, 12-year-old Abby grows close to a pony destined to be sold to someone else.
A pony named Glory is a handful—so beautiful that she looks like a mythical creature and sweet and loving when she wants to be, but she also possesses a naughty streak that causes trouble. Abby and Glory have a special bond; Abby understands the pony better than anyone, and the time they get to spend together at the equestrian center is precious. Unfortunately, Abby’s family can’t afford to buy her a pony of her own, so it’s only a matter of time before Glory will be sold to another family. As the pair grow closer, Abby wrestles with whether she should enjoy the time she has with Glory or try to protect herself from the pain of watching her bond with another rider. Time and time again, Abby draws upon her good common sense and her belief that things always happen for a reason, and each time, the day she’ll have to say goodbye to Glory grows closer. Young horse aficionados will fall in love with this story, which does a marvelous job of teaching readers all about equestrian care and training as well as providing an excellent role model in Abby and other strong female characters. This is a Christian-centered book featuring quotes such as “If things aren’t going as planned, it’s because God has a better plan,” but the focus is on values that transcend specific religions, such as believing in yourself and being honest, generous, and kind, even toward people whom you envy. As a result, readers of all faiths will likely feel at home in Abby’s world. In addition, the author includes extras that horse-riding fans will appreciate, including a glossary of equestrian terms, a recipe for carrot treats, and equestrian diagrams.
Horse-loving kids will read this novel and recognize a kindred spirit.Pub Date: Sept. 19, 2022
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: 113
Publisher: Hastings Creation Group
Review Posted Online: Sept. 15, 2022
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Hugely entertaining, timely, and triumphant.
Robot Roz undertakes an unusual ocean journey to save her adopted island home in this third series entry.
When a poison tide flowing across the ocean threatens their island, Roz works with the resident creatures to ensure that they will have clean water, but the destruction of vegetation and crowding of habitats jeopardize everyone’s survival. Brown’s tale of environmental depredation and turmoil is by turns poignant, graceful, endearing, and inspiring, with his (mostly) gentle robot protagonist at its heart. Though Roz is different from the creatures she lives with or encounters—including her son, Brightbill the goose, and his new mate, Glimmerwing—she makes connections through her versatile communication abilities and her desire to understand and help others. When Roz accidentally discovers that the replacement body given to her by Dr. Molovo is waterproof, she sets out to seek help and discovers the human-engineered source of the toxic tide. Brown’s rich descriptions of undersea landscapes, entertaining conversations between Roz and wild creatures, and concise yet powerful explanations of the effect of the poison tide on the ecology of the island are superb. Simple, spare illustrations offer just enough glimpses of Roz and her surroundings to spark the imagination. The climactic confrontation pits oceangoing mammals, seabirds, fish, and even zooplankton against hardware and technology in a nicely choreographed battle. But it is Roz’s heroism and peacemaking that save the day.
Hugely entertaining, timely, and triumphant. (author’s note) (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 26, 2023
ISBN: 9780316669412
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Aug. 26, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
The whimsy is slight—the story is not—and both its interest and its vocabulary are for the youngest members of this age...
Beverly Cleary has written all kinds of books (the most successful ones about the irrepressible Henry Huggins) but this is her first fantasy.
Actually it's plain clothes fantasy grounded in the everyday—except for the original conceit of a mouse who can talk and ride a motorcycle. A toy motorcycle, which belongs to Keith, a youngster, who comes to the hotel where Ralph lives with his family; Ralph and Keith become friends, Keith gives him a peanut butter sandwich, but finally Ralph loses the motorcycle—it goes out with the dirty linen. Both feel dreadfully; it was their favorite toy; but after Keith gets sick, and Ralph manages to find an aspirin for him in a nearby room, and the motorcycle is returned, it is left with Ralph....
The whimsy is slight—the story is not—and both its interest and its vocabulary are for the youngest members of this age group. (Fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 22, 1965
ISBN: 0380709244
Page Count: 180
Publisher: Morrow/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Oct. 16, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1965
BOOK TO SCREEN
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