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
Quirky and imaginative—postmodern storytelling at its best.
Friendly curiosity and a gift for naming earn a polar bear an assortment of (mostly animal) friends, adventures, mishaps, and discoveries.
Arriving at a northern ocean, Duane spies a shipwreck. Swimming out to investigate, he meets its lone occupant, C.C., a learned snowy owl whose noble goal is acquiring knowledge to apply “toward the benefit of all.” Informing Duane that he’s a polar bear, she points out a nearby cave that might suit him—it even has a mattress. Adding furnishings from the wreck—the grandfather clock’s handless, but who needs to tell time when it’s always now?—he meets a self-involved musk ox, entranced by his own reflection, who’s delighted when Duane names him “Handsome.” As he comes to understand, then appreciate their considerable diversity, Duane brings out the best in his new friends. C.C., who has difficulty reading emotions and dislikes being touched, evokes the autism spectrum. Magic, a bouncy, impulsive arctic fox, manifests ADHD. Major Puff, whose proud puffin ancestry involves courageous retreats from danger, finds a perfect companion in Twitch, a risk-aware, common-sensical hare. As illustrated, Sun Girl, a human child, appears vaguely Native, and Squint, a painter, white, but they’re sui generis: The Canadian author avoids referencing human culture. The art conveys warmth in an icy setting; animal characters suggest beloved stuffed toys, gently reinforcing the message that friendship founded on tolerance breeds comfort and safety.
Quirky and imaginative—postmodern storytelling at its best. (Animal fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 10, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-5344-3341-0
Page Count: 272
Publisher: Atheneum
Review Posted Online: May 7, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2019
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