Seabiscuit the Wonder Horse

Things are tough these days, but in the 1930s things were really tough. One of the things that people used to do for entertainment was going to racetracks to watch their favorite horses race. Seabiscuit was a goofy looking horse and not the likely sort of horse anyone would go to see. He was the type of horse who didn't want to do much of anything except eat and sleep. "Who would want a racehorse like that?" Not me, but a man named Charles Howard did. "Silent Tom" Smith ended up being his trainer and John "Red" Pollard would be Seabiscuit's jockey. He was a wild and lazy horse, but things began to change because they had faith in him. Red really knew how to train a horse. Beating a horse didn't make sense to him, but being a friend did. Seabiscuit could run like the wind, but could he beat the mighty War Admiral? Red got in an accident the day before the big race. Ooooh, what was going to happen now?! I loved the excitement of this story and Megan McCarthy's wide-eyed illustrations were humorous and very appealing. The storyline had just the right amount of tension, making it fun and sparkly. Was that big, gangly goofball of a horse actually going to beat the Triple Crown champion? This book is a few lengths ahead of many others of its type in fun department.

Seabiscuit the Wonder Horse The illustrations here are so adorable and of course it's a wonderful story. I bought one at the local bookstore then came back here for more in bulk to give as gifts for any future occasion. I have bought other horse racing books for children that miss the mark in terms of prose/grammar and solid story for their audience, or ones that just have really lame illustrations that I could have drawn better. But those were the only options. This book is the whole package. Not just for horse fans, mind you, a good story for anyone. Absolutely pleased with the book.