Little Horse on His Own (Early Chapter Books (Henry Holt & Company))

REVIEWED BY: Wayne Walker I have not read the first book of this series, Little Horse, in which Little Horse, who lives in a valley with other little horses, accidentally falls into a stream and is swept away from his home. After he fights the swift current and struggles onto an island, a giant hawk swoops down upon him and frightens him back into the water. Back on land, he runs for cover in a colorful forest of flowers and falls asleep, but a hand gently picks him up and tucks him inside a warm place like the cave he used to share with his mother. His new home is a miniature stall in a little boy's room. In this sequel, Little Horse had never known the sky to be so black and the air so still, but a storm sets him free from the fence holding him captive, so that he can try to find his way back to the valley of the little horses and his mother. But where should he turn, and how will he ever get home alive with all of the obstacles facing him, such as unfriendly horses, a malicious bird, a pouncing cat, a smoky fire, and more? Betsy Byars, who is the Newberry Medal winning author of The Summer of the Swans, has created an enjoyable chapter book fantasy that provides more complex sentence structure than what is normally in easy readers. Young children should find it delightful.

This is a great book for beginner chapter readers. IT is also good for children with Visual problems for the words are large enough and the Book has enough space between sentences which is a bonus.

Little Horse is enjoying the day as he grazes in the field near his home. All of a sudden a storm comes up. He is swept down the river and he finds himself all alone. He faces all sorts of obstacles such as a fire and a dangerous bird! Will he ever find his way back home? Read Little Horse on His Own to find out. I liked this book because it was easy to read. Kids who are just staring to read chapter books will enjoy this horse story. Yes, I would definitely recommend this book to children of all ages. Especially those who have a great interest in horses. They will enjoy getting to know the main character of Little Horse.

Little Horse is happily enjoying his time grazing in the field, when a storm, complete with dark black clouds, and torrential rains sets him free from his holding. This, in turn, allows him to do what he was wanted to do since the river carried him away from his true home, find the valley of horses and his beloved Mother. However, Little Horse soon finds that his journey is to be far more dangerous than he could have ever expected, for the outside world holds many new obstacles that he must overcome, in order to find himself safe at home with his family. From smoky fires, to vicious birds, Little Horse must find his way around anything the enters his path. Betsy Byars has created an enjoyable new book for young readers. Little Horse is a fun character, whom children will easily sympathize with, as his moods change from lonely to happy, and from sad to mad. The obstacles he encounters on his way back to the Valley are enjoyable, and will have readers rooting for Little Horse to complete his journey and be reunited with his Mother in the end. Overall this is a wonderful new read in the world of children's fiction, that will be cherished by all, whether you're a horse lover or not. Erika Sorocco Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper