Horse Stories for All Ages from Xandi

 

Horse Crazy?    

 

I have been certifiably horse crazy since I was 3 years old. The only thing I love more than horses, is recommending great books about horses to kids. When I was growing up, there were not many series of horse books. This is a list of  horse stories that any horse lover will love – at almost any age!

 

Horse stories for the youngest readers:

 

            Susan Jeffers – All the Pretty Horses

                        This book has my favorite horse illustrations set to a traditional lullaby, and it’s no surprise to know that Susan Jeffers herself is horse crazy! She also illustrates an adaptation of Black Beauty – since a picture is worth about one thousand words, this version is way skinnier than the original.

 

            Wesley Dennis Flip                                                    

(also find more Flip adventures in our Easy Reader section)

                      Nobody knows and draws horses like Wesley Dennis, but Flip is especially cute! If  you like his style of drawing horses who are full of personality and friskiness  check out all the other books he has illustrated!

 

            Bill Peet – Cowardly Clyde

                        Clyde is a war horse with a brave knight, the only problem is that poor Clyde is scared of everything! I always thought that Clyde was more smart than cowardly, since a major part of horse-sense is running away from danger…but in this particular story Clyde needs to find his courage to rescue his knight.

 

Horse stories for middle readers:

 

            Erica Silverman – Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa (and other adventures)

                        Kate is a cowgirl “from the boots up” – and every cowgirl needs a cowhorse! Cocoa may always be thinking of food (just like any horse), but he is a true friend to the end.

                       

            Jessie Haas – Runaway Radish (and many others!)

                        Radish is a mischievous pony who helps new riders learn confidence and skill. Anyone who has ever had to outfox a stubborn horse or pony will love this book. The illustrations are super-cute!

 

            C.W. Anderson – Billy and Blaze (this is a series!)

                        There are so many reasons why I love these books: the brilliant pictures, the awesome adventures, and the great friendship between Billy and Blaze. My mom had these books, when SHE was a horse-crazy kid and they ended up on my bookshelf for keeps! C.W. Anderson is very famous for his pictures of horses, and he has many more horse books for kids of all ages.

 

Horse Stories for Older Readers:

 

            Jean Slaughter-Doty – Summer Pony (and other chapter books!)

                        What if your family cannot afford to buy you a horse? You rent one! Find out what  happens when Ginny ends up with a rented pony that is NOT what she expected. Everyone who loves horses knows that they are a lot of hard work, full of  surprises, and sometimes danger. This book has everything!

 

            Marguerite Henry – Born to Trot (and many others!)

                        I had a terrible time choosing ONE book, I love all of them! My favorite thing  about Marguerite Henry is how her books are often stories within a story. You  might think that this will be a story about a Gib White and his filly, but it is also a story about Hambletonian the first American Standardbred trotting horse. Almost  all of Ms. Henry’s books are illustrated by Wesley Dennis, which is EVEN MORE reason to read them!!

 

            Lynn Hall – Danza!

                        Paulo travels from Puerto Rico with his Grandfather’s horse Danza. They are going to show Americans  the wonderful Paso Fino horses from Puerto Rico. America is very strange to Paulo, but he meets nice people who help him out when there is  trouble. When horses and money are involved there is always plenty of trouble!  Lynn Hall has had a lifelong love of horses and dogs. She has written many books for older kids and teens.

 

Great Horse Books at other Libraries:

Louise Moeri – A Horse For X.Y.Z

            Have you ever wanted life to be more exciting? Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it! Find out more when you read about Solvieg and Snake Dancer’s adventures.

 

Marjorie Reynolds – A Horse Called Mystery

            Sometimes taking care of an injured horse helps you find your own strength. This is a great story about a horse and a boy who take care of each other. It also has great pictures in it by Wesley Dennis.

 

Ralph Moody – Come On Seabiscuit!

            This tells the story of the great  racehorse Seabiscuit – America’s ultimate underdog, or should that be underhorse?

 

                       

                       

 

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Tags: fiction, horses, kids

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