Reviews (142)

Classic stories of a rural boy's life
John Steinbeck's "The Red Pony" is a group of four interconnected stories: "The Gift," "The Great Mountains," "The Promise," and "The Leader of the People." Each story focuses on Jody Tiflin, a 10-year old boy growing up on a ranch on the west coast of the United States. The other main characters are Jody's parents and the ranch hand Billy Buck. Also frequently appearing are the ranch dogs, Doubletree Mutt and Smasher.

"The Red Pony" is not a novel, so readers expecting the cohesion and unity of a novel will be disappointed. The book should, in my opinion, be evaluated for what it is. And once you appreciate its own peculiar structure, you may, as I did, acknowledge "The Red Pony" as a powerful and beautiful work of art.

Steinbeck masterfully captures the cycles of life, death, and renewal in the lives of both his human and animal characters. He creates vivid, often visceral scenes, that are written in a quietly powerful language. There are moving moments of joy, horror, and heartbreak. "The Red Pony" is a significant achievement by one of America's enduring literary giants.

A SOURCE OF SERIOUS CHILDHOOD TRAUMA
Seriously, I don't know how this can be considerd an appropriate book for a kid. It was assigned reading when I was 12, and I was utterly traumatized to this day (20 years later) by "The Gift." I remember graphic descriptions of pus and the sadistic delight Steinbeck took in detailed accounts of the home surgeries on the horse, a bloody tracheotomy and especially the image of the buzzard eating the pony's eye, his beak dripping with thick, dark blood. What kind of crazy person gives this to a kid? I cried for hours upon hours and I have never, never forgiven Steinbeck, nor have I been able to make myself read Steinbeck again. Too bad. I hear he's a decent wrier.

Apology
I have never read the book and never wrote the above review.

Steinbeck is a master American novelist
I believe you just don't like to read if you don't enjoy Steinbeck's novels. He is the best author I have ever read and this book does nothing to dimish that accolade. Life in those times, on a farm, kid growing up, learning life/death, how to take care of animals is all addressed in this novel as themes. I think this book should be read by all junior high school students. Students in the city will probably have a hard time relating but that is the best thing in a novel where it will take you places and times that you don't normally get an experience in.

sucks
SUCKS BIG BANANAS.... the book should never be read again, it has no poit to it , the book was poorley writen and everyone should burn the book if thay have a copy. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Impressive, but lacking...
I personally feel that this book is for the established artist who knows his basic concepts in art. For the newbie, this might not be the one for you. The drawings within are definitely for those of a slightly higher level.

However, if you are looking to pratice your equine drawings, this is the way to go. The step-by-step drawings are easily to follow, and the guidelines at the beginning of the book serve as a reminder to improve on your drawing skills.

This is truly a good book for practice. If you need the basics, look somewhere else.

This book makes it so easy to draw good horses!
I love this book! I gives really easy instructions so you can draw really good horses, even if you couldn't before. It even tells you what kind of pencils and supplies you should have if you want to draw.

drawing
Makes it much easier for my daughter to draw her favorite animal...the horse of course!

great book!
We were very pleased with this book. The book gives simple yet accurate "how-to"s. A wonderful book.

great for beginners
This book really helps people who want to learn how to draw horses. It has good step by step illustrations of how to do it. ... Read more

Book Description

A fanciful foray into the imagination of a child can be found in the delightfully written and dazzlingly illustrated new children's book, The Sleep Ponies. Author/illustrator Gudrun Ongman, a professional sculptor and painter, has transformed her mother's bedtime tale into a lyrical myth about magic ponies that carry children away to golden fields of dreams. The sweet story, the evocative, description prose, and the warm, soft watercolors all combine to captivate both parent and child as they journey together to the land of The Sleep Ponies. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Enchanting Naptime Story
I love reading this book to my sons. They seemed to be almost eager for their nap the first time they heard of the little girl who closed her eyes and met the Sleep Ponies. The words and pictures make the story come alive. We never get tired of this one.

Beautiful and accomplished watercolor illustrations
The Sleep Ponies by Gudrun Ongman is the deftly woven and highly recommended picture book story of a little girl who learns from her grandmother how to call her "sleep ponies" into her dreams. Ongman's beautiful and accomplished watercolor illustrations superbly enhance this gentle and touching children's picture book.

wonderful , beautiful story!
Loved it from start to finish. Illustrations were beautifully done and the story, it makes you feel has if your there in a dream. A wonderful book for all ages.

Surely a "Classic"
Magic? Intrigue? Charming story-telling? No I'm not talking about the popular Harry Potter series. I'm referring to writer and illustrator, Gudrun Ongman's new book, The Sleep Ponies. As the book jacket suggests, it's for readers ages four and up. I've just finished reading The Sleep Ponies for at least the fifth time. A few weeks ago, I shared the book with my 89-year-old mother who praised it for its creativity and wonderment. I sent a copy as a birthday present to my sister-in-law and her daughter knowing their shared love of horses. Gudrun has been doing readings at various book stores and the book is well-received by younger audiences. An eighth grade student of mine thoroughly enjoyed The Sleep Ponies as it tapped into her love of horses. Through the poetic prose and beautiful illustrations, Gudrun Ongman has captured the essence of a child's dream of being with horses. The watercolor and pastel pictures are poetic in themselves. Surely, the book is a contender for a Caldecott Award. The Sleep Ponies promises to be a classic passed from generation to generation. Read, relax, and you too may enter the delightful world of the The Sleep Ponies.

The Sleep Ponies
If you are looking for the perfect book to read to or with a young reader, look no further! The Sleep Ponies is superbly illustrated with charming,bright colored drawings that immediately set the mood for the beautiful story.Each page is a work of art in and of itself. The story is about a young girl who is taught by her grandmother to call The Sleep Ponies.They take her on magical adventures during her naptimes.The writing style is soft and poetical, creating a restful,dreamy mood.For any child who loves horses or any adult who remembers their own youthful daydreams,this is a wonderful experience to share. It is one book that you will not mind hearing over and over again. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Nobody could capture the Phantom. She was the wildest mare on Assateague Island. They said she was likethe wind, that the white "map" on her shoulders was her mark of freedom.

Paul and Maureen Beebe had their hearts set on owning her. They were itching to buy and tame her; andworked hard to earn the money she would cost. But the roundup men had tried to capture her and for twoyears she had escaped them....

Pony Penning Day holds a surprise for everyone, for Paul not only brings in the Phantom, but hernewborn colt as well. Can Paul and Maureen possibly earn enough to buy them both? ... Read more

Reviews (48)

Misty of Chincoteague/bunny
Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry was published in 1947. The main characters are Pual, Maureen,a hose named The Phantom, and Phantom's colt Misty.Paul and Maureen buy Misty and her mother at Pony Penning Day ,when men from Chincoteague go up and try to get wild ponies Assateague Island. Pual and Maureen raise Misty and the Phantom on their own. Their grandpa didn't think that they could raise both of the horses on their own because they were just kids.They proved him wrong by giving a lot of their time to train them.They had to work hard on the Phantom because she was wild.Tthe two kids learned that hard work pays off.Both Pual and Maureen changed in the story.In the end the kids are more resposible and work harder.I like this book because it shows that can do things that grown-ups usuay do. I rate this book five out of five stars.

A basic for the horse-lover's library
If you have a child that loves horses, you've probably already seen this book.......either brought home from the library... or in their own collection. This is one of the staples of any horse-lover's collection.

The story of Misty, a wild pony from Assateague Island off the coast of Virginia who is captured as a foal and adopted by Paul and Maureen Beebe. True story of a truly wonderful foal and her family. This story sparked three sequels that still sell millions of copies around the world.

Misty of Chincoteague
Misty of Chincoteague is a wonderful book for all ages. The Phantom is the wildest horse on the Island of Assateague. The "map" of the United States on her whithers and the fact that she ran like the wind made the lead mare of the Pied Piper's herd the most desirable horse on the entire island. Paul and Maureen Beebe want the Phantom, and work hard to earn the hundred dollars to buy her if she is caught. But no one can catch the Phantom, right?
Surprises are in store for the young reader, and old friends will enjoy coming back time and time again to this book for all, Misty of Chincoteague.

ANIMAL lovers this is the book
Misty of the Chincoteague is about the Phantom, a horse that is wild and free. Little does the Phantom know that there is a dream of a little girl and boy? The boy's name is Paul and the girl's name is Maureen they are brother and sister that have the same dream to buy the Phantom. Their grandpa owns a horse farm where a whole bunch of people go out and capture horses to sell them. So Paul and Maureen start working because they want that horse so bad. They're going to do anything to get the Phantom. Does Paul and Maureen's dream come true?
Misty was one of the best stories I have ever read! If you are a horse lover then this book is for you! This is all thumbs up. An animal lover out there if you are looking for a magnificent irresistible wonderful book to read this book is for you!

Great book for pony lovers!
This is one of our daughter's favorite pony books and a classic story. As a publisher of another children's pony book, "Mint's Christmas Message" we think "Misty" is the standard against which other children's pony books should be measured. ... Read more

Book Description

I want a pony. I want a pony more than anything in the world. At the heart of Susan Jeffers's exquisite picture book lies the idea that in her imagination, a child can journey anywhere and do anything-even fly through the stars on her very own pony. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Perfect Book For Horse Lovers Of All Ages
Beautiful illustrations and nice story too. Little girl in
story longs for a horse. Gets one in her dreams. Author's
own childhood desire for a horse was the inspiration for
her artistic talent at drawing horses. She states that she
now owns horses and tries to ride every day. Inspiring
message for horse lovers. Never give up on dreams!

Delightful, One I don't mind reading every night
My Pony/horse obsessed 3 yr-old daughter received this on Christmas eve from her Aunt and just loves it. It is one of those books that is just mesmerizing to her. It has also been helpful in showing her that she can have "her pony" in her imagination as well. It is really a sweet tale that has already been described in detail so I will simply leave it at that.

A wonderful book for horse lovers, young and old alike
My Pony is a wonderfully enchanting story of a young girl's dream of having her own pony. Each night when the young girl is supposed to be doing her homework, she dreams of riding her pony. The pony, Silver, comes to life when the young girl draws the beautiful dapples and shiny coat. Together at last, the girl and Silver ride the clouds and visit a fantasy world.
Susan Jeffers' latest story is beautifully illustrated and eloquently narrated. The words of the story combined with awesome illustrations seem to drip like honey off of the pages of this book. Jeffers' has done a spectacular job. This book is filled with whimsical fantasy allowing the reader to escape to a world filled with beauty and wonder.
This book is told from the young girl's point of view and the reader will quickly become lost in the story. Even though this book is keyed to young girls, 'old girls' are sure to revel in it as well. This book would be highly recommended and considered a valuable addition to any children's library. The breathtaking illustrations, done in fine line pen and watercolor, make a significant contribution to be viewed as an example of art for children. ... Read more

Book Description

First published in 1941, Walter Farley'sbest-selling novel for young readers is the triumphant tale of a boy and a wild horse. From Alec Ramsay and the Black's first meeting on an ill-fated ship to their adventures on a desert island and their eventual rescue, this beloved story will hold the rapt attention of readers new and old.
... Read more

Reviews (75)

If you like horse books you will love this one
I liked this book because it was exciting and to read. It has a great ending. Something new always happens that you would not expect. It has a good plot. It is suspenseful. You will want to know what happens next in the story.
Black Stallion is about a boy named Alec who finds and owns a black stallion. They get ship wrecked with no other living thing on the island. He has to find food for both himself and the stallion. The stallion is a big strong horse with a lot of speed and ability to run in a race. Their shelter caught on fire and burnt down. A ship saw the smoke and rescued them.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes horse books. It's fun to read. I would recommend it to fifth through seventh graders. It's an easy book to read. It's a great book with excitement and it is fun to read.

You Would Never Believe How Many times I've Read it!!!!!!!!!
This is a story about a boy named Alec who first sees a savage, yet beautiful horse led onto his ship. Alec secretly befriends him. Then there is a terrible storm and the ship is sinking.Alec lets the Black go and he plunges into the sea with Alec. A day later They have reached land but for the better or worse?

Alec and The Black are finally rescued and Alec joins forces with an ex trainer named Henry Dailey. They plan to make Black a famous race horse but will the Black Stallion ever be truly tamed?

This was a beautifully well written story full of adventure and heart. If you don't try it then you will really be missing out.

A classic
Although the copy sitting on my shelf is the dog-eared Scholastic version of my youth, not this new edition, I feel that every child who has ever looked at a horse with wonder, seen it as a thing of beauty and nobility, or dreamed of having a horse of his or her own, should read this excellent series, beginning with this very book.

A fascinating and fantastical story of sea rescue, perseverance, and courage, as well as a peek into the world of horse racing half a century ago, these stories, despite being written in 1941, have a timeless quality that will always capture the heart of any adventurer.

The Heart of a Horse
This book is spetacular!!! Its one of the greatest books I have read in years. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put the book down. It was about a young boy, named Alec, who finds himself and a black horse to be the only survivors of a shipwreck. Alec soon learns that he owe his life to this black horse whom saved his life, by dragging him to an island. They soon learn they must depend on each other in order to survive on the island, and because of Alec's love for horses, he learns how to become the horse's friend and he starts a type of speacial bond between the horse and himself.

One of my reasons why I liked this book is, because it always gives me that feeling of whats going to happen next. Its just that the book is so full of excitment. Every time Alec rides the black horse, the author makes it seem that Alec is always risking his life. Every once in a while the author, Walter Farley, would write an event where it seems Alec could loss his life. Such as this, "A few minutes later Henry and Jake ran up to them, and Alec weakly climbed down from the saddle. Henry took the reins- they were sticky and wet with blood."

Another reason why I liked this book is, it has just the right level of vocabulary. Sometimes when you choose a book and it turns out to be something a little too easy or a little too hard, that you can't understand what the book is really talking about. Such as this sentence, "The next day Alec set out to obtain more of the carragheen" or this sentence, "he remebered the deep gully that was there.

My most favorite part of this book was, when Alec and the black horse gets rescued from the island they were stranded on, and when Alec finally gets to see his family for the first time in many months. The reason why I like this part is, it's full of happiness. Alec had never seen his family in about five months, and he thought that he was going to die on that island with the horse.

Whoa, SeaBiscuit!
I first read THE BLACK STALLION when I was 9 - and I became hooked and read several of the books that followed in the series. None held up to this first book - but they were consistent and I still have them.

With the book first being published in 1941 - I wonder now how much of this story was influenced by the SeaBiscuit story?

Anyway - this is one of those books that I remember wishing with all my heart and soul I could be Alec, alone on the island in the sun with that horse. Just riding. And having no other thoughts in the world.

And sometimes, after a particularly bad week, this book is one of those that I scoop up to smooth my edges. ... Read more

Book Description

Four times the magic makes four times the fun! Now four of Roald Dahl's most beloved, best-selling books are together in one box! Mr. Fox, Charlie and Willy Wonka, and even James and his peach are available in this beautifully packaged gift set. All of the books are charmingly illustrated by Quentin Blake. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

A "1st Place" horse coloring book
This was the first of the Dover coloring books I purchased for my four year old daughter. It features not only realistic drawings but some instructional/informational text about horse breeds, horse care, horsemanship and riding styles. The rider, both adult and child, are included in the images. My daughter liked it so much we ended up buying all the horse/pony titles by John Green we could find on Amazon including "Horses of the World" and "Ponies of the World". Mr. Green, please do more horse/pony books!

My son love it!!
It is a great book...with many drawings that help a 3 years old kid to paint it and the kids love it....my son doesn't know to read but the detailed explanations help us (parents) to explain him what is going on in each page and to create bed stories for him...
Excellent book for a kid who loves animals and horses.

Great Coloring Book For All Horse Fans
This coloring books was fun for my kids and I to color. We spent a couple hours coloring. The picture weren't too detailed for my kids to enjoy. It is great for the millions of horse lovers out there. ... Read more

Book Description

Ponies love parties!

Join in the fun with this book filled with beautiful scenes from Ponyville for you to color. It's packed with stickers of all your pony friends.

Book Description

When Amy finds out her sister, Lou, is trying to get in touch with their estranged father, she doesn¹t know what to do. She isn¹t willing to let her father into her life again. Forcing herself to forget about it, Amy focuses her attention on the new horse, Melody. But when complications develop with Melody¹s unborn foal, it takes nothing short of a miracle to help Amy realize that life is not about the pain you¹ve felt in the past, but the hope you hold for the future. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Another Hit from Lauren Brooke!
This once again is a great hit! I love it! This time Amy is faced with more emotional pain. Lou is trying to get in touch with their father! Amy kinda FREAKS OUT! And I would too! But she is forced to put that behind her. One horse named Melody is pregnant and she must deal with it, but after an accident once she arrives happens, Melody or her baby may be hurt, badly. But once again Amy comes through, but you will have to find out how. It's a great book! Read it!

Wow! Great Book!
Since Amy's sister Lou has been trying to contact her longlost father, Amy has been trying to concentrate. With a pregnant mare named Melody in the barn and a newborn foal coming soon, Amy has alot to deal with. But when the foal is being born, it develops complications. Amy has to believe miracles can happen at Heartland. Will she let her faraway father come into her life again? Or will the newborn foal be ok? Read this great book by Lauren Brooke, Come What May.

Come what May is really really coool !
I really like Heartland because it's about Amy just trying to get by in life with the help of her best friends and family . I like Come what May because Amy's trying to help a pregnant mare named Melody,but Melody starts having problembs with her pregnancy and Amy doesn't know what do exept comfort her , it's a good book .

A awsome book!
I read this book 2 times and I love this bookincluding the end where Daybreak( the foal) is born alive if anyone hasn't read this book read all the 4 books 'cause this book is awsome and cool!

Horse Book
"Come What May" was a GREAT book! It continued the life of a 15-year old girl named Amy who's Mom died about 6 weeks ago. It goes through only a little bit of adventure but still was worth reading. I got the whole set of books from #1-5 for Christmas and I'm hoping to get the books #6 and 7 for my 10th birthday. Lauren Brook is the author of these GREAT series and I hope she will continue her series of books throughout her life. I think what brought her to the passion of writing these books were because she might of went through what happened to Amy throughout her childhood and wanted to tell people something similar to her life. These books are great for kids and teens! ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Reviews (8)

yet agien a great book!!!
I love all heartland books!!
Also try phantom stallion booksand chicken soup for the horselover's soul

A little tip
Hey first i LOVE this book so much but I love the whole series i just wanna say to Hannah Hogarth I live in England too but if u go on amazon.co.uk u can order it and its around £5 (inc posting) i always order mine early off the net hope this helps u get the book you'll love it it's fantastic!!!!!!!!!! BYE!!!!!

Holding Fast
Holding fast was a great book! Heartland has a new horse named Venture to heal. He was damaged in the same storm that Ty was in! The remedies that never fail are having no effect on poor venture and amy loses faith in herself as well. Lou is upset about having her wedding without her mother there and when Nancy buts in Lou freaks out! She later finds out that Nancy had a duaghter who died. She then realizes that Nancy was only trying to help her and she feels guilty for yelling at her. Heartland is desperate when the turn to the new stable hand's mother ( BEN LEFT!!:< )who is a vet. They try a new method on Venture but you'll have to read to find out what. Sorry that i spoiled it for you people who havent read it but it was so0o0o good. i love the heartland series!!!!!!!!!

good book
it took me a while 2 get into this book,but im soooooo glad i read it.ok so 1rst amy cant seem 2 get any where with the new arrival venture,and then she finds out that ben is leaving heartland.lou begins 2 get irritated at nancy but no one knows why until amy talks 2 her.and then a new stable hand joni comes 2 take bens place.she fits in really well and even manges 2 give amy some ideas on how 2 help venture.

Help!
hi my name is hannah and i live in england. this book isn't out in england 4 ages so i would appreciate it if sum 1 cud type the paragraph that it has on the bk of the book on here 4 me plz ... Read more

Reviews (1)

WOW!!!!!
This book is great! All sorts of beautiful posters of various horse breeds fill it's spine! Buy it for your horse crazy daughters or nieces---they can decorate their whole room with the book! All sorts of wonderful information about some of our favorite breeds! The only down side that I can see is that the posters just slide out if you're looking in the book. Overall, a fantastic collection of posters! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Well worth the price!
24 stickers in all, one each of different breeds. The color is nice and they're decent sized. It's well worth the price. ... Read more

Book Description

Amy¹s life has drastically changed. She¹s found herself taking on the huge responsibility of running Heartland, the horse refuge that was her mother¹s life work. The one constant for Amy has been her friendship with Ty, Heartland¹s 17-year-old stable hand. But the arrival of a new hand, Ben, throws everything off balance. By the time Amy realizes she¹s taken Ty for granted, it could be too late. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Another wonderful Heartland book!
Taking Chances is really good, with a beautiful grey Thoroughbred gelding as one of the characters. Amy finds that things go terribly wrong when she is asked to keep a secret about Heartland's new stable hand from everyone - even Ty! This is a REALLY good book!

heartland
Heartland is one of my favorite series. If u are a horse lover, u would definately like this book. The author wrote about how Amy hires Ben to help out at the barn. But Ben never actually helps Amy and Ty out, he just makes more work for them to do. He spends all his time training his horse for the horse show. Ty starts getting irritated because ben gets his horse very exshasted by training him too hard. Even though his horse was sweating and panting like crazy, Ben still kept on working his horse. Ty has tried to tell Ben to stop before he gets his horse sick, but Ben wouldn't listen and told ty to stop telling him how to train his own horse. Amy can tell that ty doesn't like ben much but what could she do. Ben's aunt was a costumer that helped them out when they didn't have any money. How could she even think about firing him. Amy hears ty talking about leaving heartland on the phone. What was Amy to do now? This is one of the best books that lauren brooke has written!

I knew it!
At the time I read this book, I thought that this would be a romance, but it was nothing like that, just dramatic. This book is about Amy, still trying to get over her mothers death, has had one person to always lean on, Ty, the stable boy, but everything just gets thrown! A new stable boy (Ben) comes to Heartland to help Ty out but that doesn't happen. Between Ben beating his horse and Ty anger against Ben nature, Amy is forced to be an enemy to Ty because of the secret that Ty shouldn't know about Ben's life. Amy knows that her relationship with Ty is burning and she never realized before how much she took him for granted. Read and find out what Amy should do!

heartland; 4
when in book 3 amy cures Lisa stillmans horse promise ,she sends her nephew ben to help at heartland .He has a faboulos show jummper RED he has to come to with ben ,ben takes things to far as working him to much ,when ty sees him he goes mad and trys to get him sent back but amy woun't tell lou becaues she knows bens dark secert which ty doen't near the end amy goes past the kitchen and hears ty on the phone to ashleys mum who owns the ruivel stable asking about a job ,amy walks away and trys carries on like normal ty sees something s wrond she start shouting i hate you and storms out,.later s out inthe traing ring with red geting angery now AMY had enough she jumps out in fornt of a jump to stop him then ty grabs red andstops him .fealing ashamed of him self ben takes red back but some things the mater with red,will amy help red or will ty leave heartland for good youll have to read it to find out

By far, One of the Best!
When Amy finds out that the new stable hand named Ben would be comming, she was very exited. But, she loses her exitement when she finds out that Ben won't do any work. Then Ty is offered a job at Green Briar, the owner is one of Amy's class mates mom's who trains her horses and ponies to be 'push button'. Ty, who is now upset over the work that Ben is doing almost decides to even leave Heartland. Will Ty leave and be a stable hand at the famous Green Briar? To find out, read this fantastic novel, Taking Chances by Lauren Brooke. I'd highly reccomend it to anyone, even those who aren't really into horses. 5 stars. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

darkest hour
Woo-hoo! Lauren brooke has made quite a come-back now hasn't she? I thought the last few books in the heartland series were, umm, to say the least, not quite as good as the first few. I couldn't put this one down. When Candy starts to show flu symptoms, things at heartland get tough. Ty, Ben and Amy seem farther apart than ever and on top of that, the heat is just making things worse. As more horses come down with the flu, and the quarentine extends, Ben gets more dificult. Finally, when things start to look up, a tornado hits the valley and heartland is devastated. (The book ends with Ty in a coma:()

A MUST READ!!

This book is Full of emotions
Omg this book outa of them all got me cryin the most me im so scared of storms so i knew how Lou would of felt. And I can relate to Amy in the books it's not because i have the same name but for i can relate to her feelings and how she thinks about her mom. sadly i lost my mom when i was 10 :( but as time goes on i get stronger and Amy seems to in the books. This book was Really well writin Ty falls into the coma and i had to read the book till i was donw and i couldn't put it don't i think i eat supper in my room i was cryin and reading through tears and im 16 going on 17 I love heartland and how much this book is not to far outt there with someo books with talkin horses. Lauren Brooke is a awsome writer and i love her books and im glad im not the only one who does

This book is reeeeeeeeeeally good !
This is one of my favourite Heartland books but the only problem about it is when you get to the end it leaves you on a cliff-hanger and you NEED to get the next book. This book is very sad at the end but don't worry because things look up in the next book(Everything Changes). If you are a horse lover than this is the book for you.

Heartland: Darkest Hour
Have you ever dreamed about working with horses, healing them, and helping them? Then look no further than the Heartland book series, by Lauren Brooke. This book series is perfect for horse fanatics and riders everywhere.

The Heartland series is about Amy Fleming, a teenage girl who is the daughter of a world-famous horse rehabilitator. After a life-changing accident, Amy takes over her her mom's rescue & rehab center for horses, called Heartland. Throughout the series, Amy faces many obstacles, and not just with the horses, but also socially and mentally.

This book, Darkest Hour, is (right now) the lastest book in the series. Amy is handling the business in Heartland well until an equine flu illness attacks the horses. One by one, horses get sick and are forced into isolation while the whole Heartland farm is under quarantine. It doesn't help that Ty, Amy's boyfriend and employee of Heartland, is arguing with Ben, the other stablehand. Amy has a lot of stress put on her, but the situation gradually disappears. However, just as things settle down, an incident rip-roars through the short tranquility and, when the dust settles, things might never be the same again. Will Amy physically and mentally cope with everything?

I really enjoyed this book. Since I ride horses myself, I could really relate to Amy's dilemmas in behavioral problems with the horses and in rehabilitating them. I also like the description put into the book because it helped me to visualize what was happening. It also had really nice explainations of things, so nothing was confusing to me. Darkest Hour had lots of suspense and emotion, so it was very realistic.

I reccomend this book to girls who are interested in horses. I also suggest that you start by reading the first book in the Heartland series, Coming Home.

Totaly Awsome!!!
I started out with the 5th heartland book, then i had to get the rest! The 13th book is awsome!!Things go as normal until Candy shows signs of the flu. Scott admits that it is the flu. Soon, the back barn was reserved for only sick horses. Suddenly the the heat gets intense and developes a twister. The twister ruins the back barn. After the twister blows over, Ty and Amy go in to check the horses. Suddenly, the roof falls ontop of Ty and Amy. Amy is knocked out. She gets up, but Ty go to the hospital. You'll have to read the book to find out the rest!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Afterword by Peter Glassman. The autobiography of a horse--one of the best-loved animal stories of all time. Featuring 18 gorgeous full-color plates and 91 black-and-white drawings, this deluxe gift edition will delight readers of all ages. A Books of Wonder Classic. ... Read more

Reviews (103)

Black Beauty i s a Timeless Classic
"Black Beauty," written by author Anna Sewell, is one of the most famous horse books during the nineteenth century. Part of its achievement consists that the novel is a classic for people with many different characteristics. First published in 1877, "Black Beauty" continues to enjoy people for new generations of American citizens around the world. Anna Sewell's brilliant account of animal treatment became a historic breakthrough because it was the first book that described a horse's experience in England. "An autobiography of a young stallion," this book follows the life of Black Beauty. Throughout the novel, it is told in a creative first person form, as if Beauty was describing and narrating his life. Ms. Sewell chose to write this book from the "horses point of view," and she remarkably was able to succeed with her novel. Since Sewell intended on writing this novel in Beauty's point of view, the reader begins to understand the impact of good and treatment towards the horse and his loyal friends. Starter of the Humane Society, the author truly captivates readers with this autobiography of a beautiful, friendly, loving black stallion. In a letter to her friend, Sewell expresses that she hopes "Black Beauty will induce kindness, sympathy, and understanding treatment towards horses." From Beauty's happy, enjoyable youth to his pleasant retirement, Anna Sewell ingeniously wrote the book to remind the cruel treatment in the 1800's. Most importantly, Sewell wrote the book in a time where horses were not given the same respect today, and "Black Beauty" helped to open the eyes of many to the cruelty horses had to suffer. Although Anna Sewell's classic paints a clear picture of the society in London, England, its message is universal and timeless: animals were serve humans well if they are treated with consideration and kindness.

Black Beauty has became a Timeless Classic
"Black Beauty," written by author Anna Sewell, is one of the most famous horse books during the nineteenth century. Part of its achievement consists that the novel is a classic for people with many different characteristics. First published in 1877, "Black Beauty" continues to enjoy people for new generations of American citizens around the world. Anna Sewell's brilliant account of animal treatment became a historic breakthrough because it was the first book that described a horse's experience in England. "An autobiography of a young stallion," this book follows the life of Black Beauty. Throughout the novel, it is told in a creative first person form, as if Beauty was describing and narrating his life. Ms. Sewell chose to write this book from the "horses point of view," and she remarkably was able to succeed with her novel. Since Sewell intended on writing this novel in Beauty's point of view, the reader begins to understand the impact of good and treatment towards the horse and his loyal friends. Starter of the Humane Society, the author truly captivates readers with this autobiography of a beautiful, friendly, loving black stallion. In a letter to her friend, Sewell expresses that she hopes "Black Beauty will induce kindness, sympathy, and understanding treatment towards horses." From Beauty's happy, enjoyable youth to his pleasant retirement, Anna Sewell ingeniously wrote the book to remind the cruel treatment in the 1800's. Most importantly, Sewell wrote the book in a time where horses were not given the same respect today, and "Black Beauty" helped to open the eyes of many to the cruelty horses had to suffer. Although Anna Sewell's classic paints a clear picture of the society in London, England, its message is universal and timeless: animals will serve humans well if they are treated with consideration and kindness.

I didnt like this audio book
The reason I dint like this book was because I think that they should have had more exhiting moments in the book and that they shouldnt have just kept on selling the horse as it got older and in the worst conditions, it was abused and tortured with the many familys it went through. Even though this wasnt a good book for me, just because horses arnt my favorite animals doesnt mean people that love horses shouldnt read this book.

a great book about a horses life
Black Beauty is a great book about a horse and his life. from good masters to bad, happy moments to sad, this book tells it all. I couldn't stop reading it!!! This is a fantastic book that all horse lovers will like.

A Memorable Children's Novel with Important Values
We often talk about teaching children values, but in most cases children's literature is insipid and of no lasting value. BLACK BEAUTY, however, is both valuable as art and valuable for the virtues it teaches: kindness, common sense, and helping those who cannot help themselves. The book is well written in clean prose. It does not over reach the "reading child," nor does it talk down to him. And although it is touching and occasionally sad, it is not in the least sentimental.

The story, of course, is about Black Beauty, a handsome horse who is born and raised in happy circumstances. But in Victorian England horses were used much as we use cars today: they were things to be bought and sold and then gotten rid of when they were no longer useful. Black Beauty is first sold to a good home, but as time passes he is sold again and again--and not always to people who treat him kindly or even to those who give him common care.

There are adventures aplenty, like a stable fire and a dangerous bridge; there are many memorable characters, like the horse Ginger and the kind cabbie Jerry. All of them are seen from Black Beauty's point of view, and beautifully, perfectly described. My mother read this book to me, and as soon as I could I was anxious to read it myself; now, some thirty years later I have stumbled once more upon it. And I can honestly say that it lives up to my memory: it is a fine book, and one that every parent should place in the hands of their children. Strongly recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer ... Read more