A Sampling of Book Reviews:
Wild Colt
Here are some reviews for this Spring 2012 picture book, illustrated by Linda Kantjas:
BUMPLES FAMILY FIRST REVIEW
http://bumplesfamilyfirst.blogspot.com/2012/05/wild-colt-review.html
BERGERS BOOKS REVIEWS
http://bergersbookreviews.com/2012/03/13/wild-colt/
TEACHABLE SCOTTS TOTS HOMESCHOOL
Book Review
http://teachablescottstotshomeschool.blogspot.com/2012/03/3-new-animal-books-for-kids-from.html
BUMPLES FAMILY FIRST REVIEW
http://bumplesfamilyfirst.blogspot.com/2012/05/wild-colt-review.html
BERGERS BOOKS REVIEWS
http://bergersbookreviews.com/2012/03/13/wild-colt/
TEACHABLE SCOTTS TOTS HOMESCHOOL
Book Review
http://teachablescottstotshomeschool.blogspot.com/2012/03/3-new-animal-books-for-kids-from.html
The True Story of Sea Feather
Check out Linda Benson's cool BLOG Post!
http://lindabenson.blogspot.com/2011/03/meet-lois-szymanski.html
http://lindabenson.blogspot.com/2011/03/meet-lois-szymanski.html
OUT OF THE SEA: TODAY'S CHINCOTEAGUE PONY
REVIEW SOURCE - "CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND NET REVIEW"
http://www.chincoteague-island.net/articles/view/41/Out-of-the-Sea
"Reading a single page of this book is likely to hook readers on the enchantment of Chincoteague Island and the world famous ponies. The author introduces the audience to the existence and popularity of the ponies, but also brings to light all the cultural interactions that make the Chincoteague ponies something that people of every age travel great distances to experience.
The book goes on to explore theories about the origin of the Chincoteague ponies as well as chronicle the evolution of the herd. An important discussion of the book centers on the the people that are connected to the ponies, including park service personnel, the fire company and the "saltwater cowboys".
The book also conveys a heartwarming story of the creation and and role of the Feather Fund. The Feather Fund is an organization that helps children purchase Chincoteague ponies. In the book the author characterizes the organization and portrays its impacts on people's lives.
This is one book that is a must have for every serious collector of Chincoteague pony information".
REVIEW SOURCE: "DELMARVA QUARTERLY MAGAZINE"
"This writer, who lives in Westminster, MD has a family including one of the famed ponies and her book tells how strong friendships formed with the ponies can have an amazingly posiive impact on a family's life. Lois begins her book with a touching true story of how her girls were able to aquire a pony through the benevolence of a cancer survivor who took this cause on as her own.
The author goes on to explore the shipwreck oringins of the breed, tell how their survival on a deserted island has made them hardy and healthy. They stay fat in weedy fields and their healthy hooves mean they rarely need to be shod. The Chincoteague Pony is now a recognized breed in equestrian events. A growing host of self-confident teens and pre-teens say the ponies are gentle, intelligent and easy to train for dressage.
"Out of the Sea" is recommended for all ages who want to know the story behind the great annual Pony Penning, one of Delmarva's most celebrated events."
REVIEW SOURCE: "THE EQUIERY MAGAZINE"
REVIEWER: Tracy McKenna
"Like so many horse-crazy kids, Lois Szymanski read Misty of Chincoteague and wanted to buy her own Chincoteague Pony. That dream would not be realized until she was an adult with horse crazy kids of her own. The price for these little wonders is often high and when the Szymanski girls were not able purchase a pony with their $500, Carollynn Peterson Suplee stepped in with a miracle. Mrs. Suplee helped the family buy a pony they named Sea Feather.
In time, Mrs. Szymanski would write a book for kids called Sea Feather, and children who read it often dreamed that they too would meet Mrs. Suplee, and some did. From 1995 until Mrs. Suplee's death in 2003 she and her husband would go to Chincoteague and help children purchase foals, believing that having ponies helped children learn responsibility, care, love, teamwork, patiend and gave them a good work ethic, and helped teach the concept of giving back. In 2004, to honor Mrs. Suplee, the Feather Fund was started to further her work.
Many of the children and ponies featured in Out of the Sea are found right here in Maryland. It's a charming book, but be warned, if you read it, you will want to buy a pony, too"
REVIEW SOURCE: "THE PENNY SAVER" - NEWSPAPER, OWEGO NY
The book, Out of the Sea: Today's Chincoteague Pony shares the history of the ponies, the Misty mystique, training advice and information for new pony owners.
REVIEW SOURCE: "THE BAINBRIDGE REVIEW" - NEWSPAPER, BAINBRIDGE, WA
REVIEWER: LINDSEY LATIMORE
Horsewoman & Chincoteague Pony expert, Adrienne Wolf said what impressed her most about the book Out of the Sea were facts Szymanski dug up, such as the steps taken by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which owns the ponies, to enhance the line through judicious breeding. And, despite the fact that Wolfe said she isn't overly sentimental about "musy" books, portions of this book moved her. "
"When I read the introduction, I got a little teary eyed," she said.
REVIEW SOURCE - AMAZON www.amazon.com
REVIEWER - Linda Collison, author of "Star Crossed"
"Marguerite Henry's "Misty of Chincoteague" and "Stormy; Misty's Foal" were among my favorite books growing up. I was delighted with "Out of the Sea; Today's Chincoteague Pony" because it's both inspiring and informative. Color photographs, a glossary, and a list of resources complete this non-fiction account that highlights specific ponies, their owners,trainers, and other experts such as breeders. The author answered many of my questions about these ponies and the culture that has developed in response to the unique niche they occupy. Being a former volunteer firefighter, I was delighted to learn about the crucial role the volunteer fire compnay plays in their well-being!
I'd recommend this book for Chincoteague afficionados of all ages. If you plan to visit Chincoteague or Assateague Island, this book should be in your pack."
REVIEW SOURCE: "THE STAR DEMOCRAT" - NEWSPAPER, EASTON, MD
REVIEWER: ANNE STINSON, BOOK CRITIC
"Horses and pre-teenage girls go together like Damon and Runyon", a wit once said. And it's never more evident than in July on Chincoteague Island. Out of the Sea picks up where "Misty" left off. It is illustrated with many photographs of happy pony owners and their stories. Szymanski dedicated the book to the memory of Carollynn Suplee, donor of an annual gift to purchase a pony for a child. The book is charming, informative and inspirational. Any fan of Misty of Chincoteague will be thrilled to learn more about Misty's progeny and the popularity she brought to these wild, resourceful Chincoteague Ponies and the firemen who are their stewerds."
http://www.chincoteague-island.net/articles/view/41/Out-of-the-Sea
"Reading a single page of this book is likely to hook readers on the enchantment of Chincoteague Island and the world famous ponies. The author introduces the audience to the existence and popularity of the ponies, but also brings to light all the cultural interactions that make the Chincoteague ponies something that people of every age travel great distances to experience.
The book goes on to explore theories about the origin of the Chincoteague ponies as well as chronicle the evolution of the herd. An important discussion of the book centers on the the people that are connected to the ponies, including park service personnel, the fire company and the "saltwater cowboys".
The book also conveys a heartwarming story of the creation and and role of the Feather Fund. The Feather Fund is an organization that helps children purchase Chincoteague ponies. In the book the author characterizes the organization and portrays its impacts on people's lives.
This is one book that is a must have for every serious collector of Chincoteague pony information".
REVIEW SOURCE: "DELMARVA QUARTERLY MAGAZINE"
"This writer, who lives in Westminster, MD has a family including one of the famed ponies and her book tells how strong friendships formed with the ponies can have an amazingly posiive impact on a family's life. Lois begins her book with a touching true story of how her girls were able to aquire a pony through the benevolence of a cancer survivor who took this cause on as her own.
The author goes on to explore the shipwreck oringins of the breed, tell how their survival on a deserted island has made them hardy and healthy. They stay fat in weedy fields and their healthy hooves mean they rarely need to be shod. The Chincoteague Pony is now a recognized breed in equestrian events. A growing host of self-confident teens and pre-teens say the ponies are gentle, intelligent and easy to train for dressage.
"Out of the Sea" is recommended for all ages who want to know the story behind the great annual Pony Penning, one of Delmarva's most celebrated events."
REVIEW SOURCE: "THE EQUIERY MAGAZINE"
REVIEWER: Tracy McKenna
"Like so many horse-crazy kids, Lois Szymanski read Misty of Chincoteague and wanted to buy her own Chincoteague Pony. That dream would not be realized until she was an adult with horse crazy kids of her own. The price for these little wonders is often high and when the Szymanski girls were not able purchase a pony with their $500, Carollynn Peterson Suplee stepped in with a miracle. Mrs. Suplee helped the family buy a pony they named Sea Feather.
In time, Mrs. Szymanski would write a book for kids called Sea Feather, and children who read it often dreamed that they too would meet Mrs. Suplee, and some did. From 1995 until Mrs. Suplee's death in 2003 she and her husband would go to Chincoteague and help children purchase foals, believing that having ponies helped children learn responsibility, care, love, teamwork, patiend and gave them a good work ethic, and helped teach the concept of giving back. In 2004, to honor Mrs. Suplee, the Feather Fund was started to further her work.
Many of the children and ponies featured in Out of the Sea are found right here in Maryland. It's a charming book, but be warned, if you read it, you will want to buy a pony, too"
REVIEW SOURCE: "THE PENNY SAVER" - NEWSPAPER, OWEGO NY
The book, Out of the Sea: Today's Chincoteague Pony shares the history of the ponies, the Misty mystique, training advice and information for new pony owners.
REVIEW SOURCE: "THE BAINBRIDGE REVIEW" - NEWSPAPER, BAINBRIDGE, WA
REVIEWER: LINDSEY LATIMORE
Horsewoman & Chincoteague Pony expert, Adrienne Wolf said what impressed her most about the book Out of the Sea were facts Szymanski dug up, such as the steps taken by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which owns the ponies, to enhance the line through judicious breeding. And, despite the fact that Wolfe said she isn't overly sentimental about "musy" books, portions of this book moved her. "
"When I read the introduction, I got a little teary eyed," she said.
REVIEW SOURCE - AMAZON www.amazon.com
REVIEWER - Linda Collison, author of "Star Crossed"
"Marguerite Henry's "Misty of Chincoteague" and "Stormy; Misty's Foal" were among my favorite books growing up. I was delighted with "Out of the Sea; Today's Chincoteague Pony" because it's both inspiring and informative. Color photographs, a glossary, and a list of resources complete this non-fiction account that highlights specific ponies, their owners,trainers, and other experts such as breeders. The author answered many of my questions about these ponies and the culture that has developed in response to the unique niche they occupy. Being a former volunteer firefighter, I was delighted to learn about the crucial role the volunteer fire compnay plays in their well-being!
I'd recommend this book for Chincoteague afficionados of all ages. If you plan to visit Chincoteague or Assateague Island, this book should be in your pack."
REVIEW SOURCE: "THE STAR DEMOCRAT" - NEWSPAPER, EASTON, MD
REVIEWER: ANNE STINSON, BOOK CRITIC
"Horses and pre-teenage girls go together like Damon and Runyon", a wit once said. And it's never more evident than in July on Chincoteague Island. Out of the Sea picks up where "Misty" left off. It is illustrated with many photographs of happy pony owners and their stories. Szymanski dedicated the book to the memory of Carollynn Suplee, donor of an annual gift to purchase a pony for a child. The book is charming, informative and inspirational. Any fan of Misty of Chincoteague will be thrilled to learn more about Misty's progeny and the popularity she brought to these wild, resourceful Chincoteague Ponies and the firemen who are their stewerds."
A PONY TO THE RESCUE
REVIEW SOURCE - "THE READING TUB"
http://www.thereadingtub.com/displayBook.asp?id=1677
- Our daughter picked this out because it came with a necklace. Once we started reading, though, she forgot about the necklace and got right into the stories. She asked for chapters every night. She even worked her way through the last few pages ahead of time, trying to read the end. She was hooked on the mysteriousness and the ghost story, too.
- At first we weren't sure about the book. We thought the cheap necklace was cheesy and set our opinions based on that. Well, we were wrong. This is an enjoyable read; Dad liked it as much as Mom. The story has enough suspense to engage the reader and keep them turning pages, but isn't scary. We'll probably look for (and encourage) our daughter to read other books in the Charming Ponies series.
- Two adventurous girls, horses, a ghost story, and some mystery combine to engage young readers in this book series for transitional readers. This would be an excellent choice for reluctant readers or upper-elementary students who are reading at a lower level.
- This is meant to be a book for fun reading. That said, there are themes of friendship, overcoming your fears, legends and myths. The story also offers an interesting lesson in what can happens when a 'prank' goes awry.
http://www.thereadingtub.com/displayBook.asp?id=1677
- Our daughter picked this out because it came with a necklace. Once we started reading, though, she forgot about the necklace and got right into the stories. She asked for chapters every night. She even worked her way through the last few pages ahead of time, trying to read the end. She was hooked on the mysteriousness and the ghost story, too.
- At first we weren't sure about the book. We thought the cheap necklace was cheesy and set our opinions based on that. Well, we were wrong. This is an enjoyable read; Dad liked it as much as Mom. The story has enough suspense to engage the reader and keep them turning pages, but isn't scary. We'll probably look for (and encourage) our daughter to read other books in the Charming Ponies series.
- Two adventurous girls, horses, a ghost story, and some mystery combine to engage young readers in this book series for transitional readers. This would be an excellent choice for reluctant readers or upper-elementary students who are reading at a lower level.
- This is meant to be a book for fun reading. That said, there are themes of friendship, overcoming your fears, legends and myths. The story also offers an interesting lesson in what can happens when a 'prank' goes awry.
A PONY PROMISE
REVIEW SOURCE: AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/Charming-Ponies-Lois-K-Szymanski/dp/0060781432
- This is a great book for the young reader and Misty fan. It's about a girl who realizes she's adopted and feels like she doesn't belong in her family. She spends time at the Chincoteague Pony Farm with her favorite pony, Windy, who is pregnant, as well as Stormy, who is also pregnant and Misty's daughter. When Stormy has her baby, she rejects it, and soon Windy has her foal, and adopts Stormy's unwanted foal as well. The girl realizes that being adopted is just as important as having a real family. The story is fiction but is based on real events of Windy adopting Stormy's foal.
A PONY IN NEED
REVIEW SOURCE - "READER VIEWS"
REVIEWER - Madeline McElroy (age 7.5
http://www.readerviewskids.com/ReviewSzymanskiAPonyinNeed.html
This is the second book by this author that I have read. She is a very skillful writer. This is another very good book about ponies, quite different from the first one I read. Even if you don’t like ponies, I think you will like it a lot.
My favorite part of this book is when the main characters, Matt and Holly, find a Pinto stuck in the frozen ice of a pond. These two friends, along with some nice firemen help the pony they named “Icy” get better.
Later in the book, Matt had a great idea to help Icy. She was having a hard time standing and looked really sad. He told Mr. Donald and Mr. A.C., the firemen, of his idea. They thought it was a great idea! It worked and Icy was feeling better and she was also getting fat.
The end of “A Pony in Need” by Lois Szymanski has a very happy ending – you will want to read this to find out what happens
REVIEWER - Madeline McElroy (age 7.5
http://www.readerviewskids.com/ReviewSzymanskiAPonyinNeed.html
This is the second book by this author that I have read. She is a very skillful writer. This is another very good book about ponies, quite different from the first one I read. Even if you don’t like ponies, I think you will like it a lot.
My favorite part of this book is when the main characters, Matt and Holly, find a Pinto stuck in the frozen ice of a pond. These two friends, along with some nice firemen help the pony they named “Icy” get better.
Later in the book, Matt had a great idea to help Icy. She was having a hard time standing and looked really sad. He told Mr. Donald and Mr. A.C., the firemen, of his idea. They thought it was a great idea! It worked and Icy was feeling better and she was also getting fat.
The end of “A Pony in Need” by Lois Szymanski has a very happy ending – you will want to read this to find out what happens
A PERFECT PONY
REVIEW SOURCE - "AMAZON REVIEWS
REVIEWER - Dwight Blubaugh
5.0 out of 5 stars
It takes hard work to bring out the beauty in people and pets., July 11, 2009
By Dwight Blubaugh "MichiBlue" (The only Eaton Rapids on Earth, MI, USA) -
Originally published in 1996, under the same title, this book was later adopted as part of HarperFestival's "A Perfect Pony" series, consisting of several Szymanski books all about the same size, reading level, and format. I like the original packaging much better - the "A Perfect Pony" masthead on the new cover, in shades of pink and light purple, give the book a much cheaper, schmaltzy, more generic look, like it was written to formula as #96 in a series of 143. It also looks much more "girlish," which I'm sure is their intended audience - too bad, as I think the story might also appeal to boys. A teacher friend of mine, knowing my high standards for my classroom library, saw the cover and commented, "You ordered THAT for your classroom?!?" Not a good sign.
The good news is that A PERFECT PONY is a great book! In the story, Niki has been saving up for a horse for a long time, and it's finally time to purchase one at the local horse auction that she and her dad have attended every week for many years. Niki sees, and is enamored by, a proud and beautiful, "perfect" white mare. She just knows this is the horse for her, and has even chosen the name "Princess" in her mind, until... she sees a horse that has been horribly neglected and has little life left in him. When the sickly horse is auctioned off, with the horse meat / dog food man showing interest, Niki becomes angry at the injustice of the horse's plight and her compassion kicks in - she outbids the dog food man by almost double, stunning the auctioneer and audience into prolonged silence, as none of them believe the horse is worth it. Meanwhile, the beautiful white horse is won by Billy, a schoolmate of Niki's who often bullies her, making fun of her on the school bus they ride together. There are several speculations mentioned in the book of a bad home life for Billy.
The vet basically says that Blackberry, as Niki comes to name her horse, just needs lots of tender, loving care, and Niki certainly showers plenty of love and attention on him. She attends to his case of thrush (wikipedia helped on that one), brushes him, feeds him properly, keeps him and his stall clean, and speaks gently to him. He responds, quickly becoming stronger and beautiful, and he heads straight to Niki whenever she appears. When she finally climbs on his back, Blackberry seems puzzled - he obviously hasn't been ridden before.
When Niki happens across Billy, hiding in the bushes in her yard with tears in his eyes, he tells her his horse, "Warrior" (as he's named her), threw him when he whacked her with a riding crop, and then ran off. He asks Niki what she's done to bring about Blackberry's transformation so quickly. Niki is wary at first, knowing what a bully Billy has always been, but he seems genuinely interested as Niki tells and shows him about how well horses respond to TLC and gentle nudges rather than whacks or kicks. As Niki begins to teach Billy about dealing with horses, reinforced by another throw from Warrior when he continues doing it wrongly, we see Billy begin to make a positive transformation parallel to that of Blackberry. Soon, Billy and Niki are even planning to go riding together, and as Billy's dad watches the two interact at Billy's house, even he seems to start absorbing the TLC lesson.
The characters are well developed (with the exception of Billy's father), even the two horses. The story is believable and we see the progression of positive change in both Blackberry and Billy. We also see Niki's sense of justice and sympathy, along with her hard work, rewarded as Blackberry responds to her care. There are many positive lessons to be learned from this book. It's certainly got lots of heart without getting mushy (despite what the cover might lead you to believe). A young reader could not help but come away from this book changed for the better.
A book with a similar message, though higher reading level, is FOLLOWING MY OWN FOOTSTEPS, by Mary Downing Hahn, second in a trilogy of books starting with STEPPING ON THE CRACKS. FOOTSTEPS is 5th or 6th grade reading level, and I rated it a 10 - what a powerful book!
AR lists the reading level of A PERFECT PONY as RL 4.4 - I would say that's about right, or maybe a bit lower. The print is fairly large and well-spaced, and there are no illustrations. The "Charming Pony" version of the book comes with a horse necklack taped to it, inside and out, which has left the book with some minor damage. It's very gimmicky, which this book doesn't need.
I would rate this book a 9 on a scale of 1-10.
REVIEWER - Dwight Blubaugh
5.0 out of 5 stars
It takes hard work to bring out the beauty in people and pets., July 11, 2009
By Dwight Blubaugh "MichiBlue" (The only Eaton Rapids on Earth, MI, USA) -
Originally published in 1996, under the same title, this book was later adopted as part of HarperFestival's "A Perfect Pony" series, consisting of several Szymanski books all about the same size, reading level, and format. I like the original packaging much better - the "A Perfect Pony" masthead on the new cover, in shades of pink and light purple, give the book a much cheaper, schmaltzy, more generic look, like it was written to formula as #96 in a series of 143. It also looks much more "girlish," which I'm sure is their intended audience - too bad, as I think the story might also appeal to boys. A teacher friend of mine, knowing my high standards for my classroom library, saw the cover and commented, "You ordered THAT for your classroom?!?" Not a good sign.
The good news is that A PERFECT PONY is a great book! In the story, Niki has been saving up for a horse for a long time, and it's finally time to purchase one at the local horse auction that she and her dad have attended every week for many years. Niki sees, and is enamored by, a proud and beautiful, "perfect" white mare. She just knows this is the horse for her, and has even chosen the name "Princess" in her mind, until... she sees a horse that has been horribly neglected and has little life left in him. When the sickly horse is auctioned off, with the horse meat / dog food man showing interest, Niki becomes angry at the injustice of the horse's plight and her compassion kicks in - she outbids the dog food man by almost double, stunning the auctioneer and audience into prolonged silence, as none of them believe the horse is worth it. Meanwhile, the beautiful white horse is won by Billy, a schoolmate of Niki's who often bullies her, making fun of her on the school bus they ride together. There are several speculations mentioned in the book of a bad home life for Billy.
The vet basically says that Blackberry, as Niki comes to name her horse, just needs lots of tender, loving care, and Niki certainly showers plenty of love and attention on him. She attends to his case of thrush (wikipedia helped on that one), brushes him, feeds him properly, keeps him and his stall clean, and speaks gently to him. He responds, quickly becoming stronger and beautiful, and he heads straight to Niki whenever she appears. When she finally climbs on his back, Blackberry seems puzzled - he obviously hasn't been ridden before.
When Niki happens across Billy, hiding in the bushes in her yard with tears in his eyes, he tells her his horse, "Warrior" (as he's named her), threw him when he whacked her with a riding crop, and then ran off. He asks Niki what she's done to bring about Blackberry's transformation so quickly. Niki is wary at first, knowing what a bully Billy has always been, but he seems genuinely interested as Niki tells and shows him about how well horses respond to TLC and gentle nudges rather than whacks or kicks. As Niki begins to teach Billy about dealing with horses, reinforced by another throw from Warrior when he continues doing it wrongly, we see Billy begin to make a positive transformation parallel to that of Blackberry. Soon, Billy and Niki are even planning to go riding together, and as Billy's dad watches the two interact at Billy's house, even he seems to start absorbing the TLC lesson.
The characters are well developed (with the exception of Billy's father), even the two horses. The story is believable and we see the progression of positive change in both Blackberry and Billy. We also see Niki's sense of justice and sympathy, along with her hard work, rewarded as Blackberry responds to her care. There are many positive lessons to be learned from this book. It's certainly got lots of heart without getting mushy (despite what the cover might lead you to believe). A young reader could not help but come away from this book changed for the better.
A book with a similar message, though higher reading level, is FOLLOWING MY OWN FOOTSTEPS, by Mary Downing Hahn, second in a trilogy of books starting with STEPPING ON THE CRACKS. FOOTSTEPS is 5th or 6th grade reading level, and I rated it a 10 - what a powerful book!
AR lists the reading level of A PERFECT PONY as RL 4.4 - I would say that's about right, or maybe a bit lower. The print is fairly large and well-spaced, and there are no illustrations. The "Charming Pony" version of the book comes with a horse necklack taped to it, inside and out, which has left the book with some minor damage. It's very gimmicky, which this book doesn't need.
I would rate this book a 9 on a scale of 1-10.