CENTAUR RISING

Arianne and her family leave their home for the evening to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower. This grand spectacle gives her mother some reprieve from their financial troubles.  When it's time to go back home a great light flashes which stirs their horse, Agora.  Little do they know that this extraordinary light would change their lives forever.

When a pony is born the next year, Arianne's family must think of creative ways of caring for it with the little money that they have. To their surprise, the pony is a centaur.  The family must now think of ways to teach the community that although he may look different, there are special qualities that the centaur possesses.

Jane Yolen creatively weaves a tale about the life of a horse and a boy, who must stand together, to help their family regardless of their personal challenges.  The author also includes a historical note about medical practices during the 1960s.  An interesting and eye-opening read. For 5th and up.

THIS IS NOT YOUR AVERAGE PRINCESS BOOK

The Princess and the Pony by author-illustrator Kate Beaton definitely turns the typical princess story on its head and takes it to new hilarious heights. Princess Pinecone is the smallest warrior in a kingdom of warriors, and she can't wait for her birthday. She's tired of getting cute, cozy sweaters--this year she wants a big, fast, strong warrior's horse. But the horse she gets does not quite live up to what she imagines, and Princess Pinecone worries that she'll never be able to compete in the great battle with her small, round, hopeless pony. How will they ever stand a chance going up against all the other big, mean warriors in the kingdom? 

Full of both humor and heart, this is a wonderful picture book to share with preschoolers to second graders, whether they are fans of princess books or not. 

WATCH OUT FOR THE PRINCESS IN BLACK!

Princess Magnolia is beautiful, well-mannered, prim, and proper.  She lives in a castle where the rooms are well organized and just about spotless.  When Duchess Wigtower pays an unexpected visit to the castle she senses that Princess Magnolia is flawed in some way.  She is determined to discover what it is.  During Wigtower's visit, something is amiss near Princess Magnolia's castle.  The goats are in danger!  But never fear, 'Princess in Black' is near. She'll fend off anyone or anything in order to keep the land safe.  

The Princess in Black is courageous and fearless and will protect Princess Magnolia's land.  Will the two ever meet?
Shannon and Dean Hale join forces to create an adventurous chapter book for children ages 7-9.  Fun characters and light humor make this an enjoyable read.

A HUNDRED HORSES

When Nell is send to stay with her aunt during school break, Nell is not very happy about the arrangement.  She has to spent time with cousins she has never met and an aunt who she has not seen for years.  Like many things in her life, she feels like she is never a part of the decision making process. When Nell's father took off, she was left in the care of her mother and always did what her mother said despite having her own opinions. The experience she encounters at her aunt’s house is nothing she expected.  She discovers that she is not the only one who has secrets.  She encounters a girl, Angel, who also has secrets of her own.  Despite their initial hostility, the girls discover that they share more in common than their love of horses.  The girls work together to try to save one hundred horses that are about to be sold at an auction and during the process, they come across some adventures that completely change their lives.

A Hundred Horses, by Sarah Lean is a wonderful story of two girls, who living two very different lives, are brought closer together by the secrets they share as well as through their love of horses. Students grades 4-6 would enjoy this reading. 

AN OLDIE BUT A GOODIE

Picture yourself lying on the beach one day, a breeze swishing across your face, and the sun shining down on you as you lay in the sand. All of a sudden twenty wild hairy ponies come galloping by at top speed, whinnying and snorting their way down the beach. That's what it's like on the Island of Chincoteague, and every year the people on the mainland try to catch a few wild ponies and tame them. Some become work horses, some become show horses, and some get to race. Paul and Maureen Beebe are determined to get themselves one of these beautiful wild ponies to raise and care for, and hopefully someday race! MISTY OF CHINCOTEAGUE by Marguerite Henry was written a long time ago, but the story is full of excitement and adventure. The best part about this book is that it is based on a real place and a real pony! For 3rd - 6th grades.

MAY 2014

A HORSE TO LOVE

Chancey is an albino Appaloosa horse that's getting old. His vision is clouded with tumors and he's having trouble seeing. Now, his owner has to sell her farm and Chancey may end up at the glue factory! But luck is on his side when he ends up with a loving farm owner and discovers a girl who needs him as much as he needs her. CHANCEY OF THE MAURY RIVER by Gigi Amateau Together they beat many odds and excel in the little things while learning how to love with their whole heart. For 5th grade and up.