My First Horse and Pony Book

K-Gr 3 -With a format that is appealing and well organized, this informative guide covers the basics about horses and ponies, including physical characteristics, care and feeding, grooming, and stabling. After discussing proper clothing and -tacking up, - the author takes a look at English and Western riding. Colorful photos show a diverse group of children -with some assistance from adults -demonstrating the complexities of horsemanship. The age of the youngsters depicted is appropriate for the volume's target audience. The photos are excellent -bright and clear -and precisely illustrate what the text is describing. The book is packed with helpful hints and ideas, and boxed sections present useful tidbits, such as explaining what a -kind eye - is or what a -hand - means in equestrian terminology. Sandy Ransford's "The Kingfisher Illustrated Horse and Pony Encyclopedia" (Kingfisher, 2004) is much more comprehensive, but Draper's offering is right on target for the younger horse set." -Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA" Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Kristy Lyn Sutorius - Children's Literature
Starting with the very basics of horsemanship, Draper teaches children how horses and ponies are measured, their "points" or body parts, and about different breeds. The book then moves into the finer aspects of caring for horses and ponies, like how to put on a saddle, and grooming and feeding routines. Each page features a "Top Tip," introducing an important term or concept. Young riders will find these tips helpful and easy to commit to memory. In addition, there are safety notes scattered throughout the text, reminding riders about how to use the reins, where to look when turning a horse, and other essentials of horseback riding. Western riding and trail riding are also explored in some detail. The photographs display the joy children can experience working with and caring for horses and ponies. Similar to the "Eyewitness" series, the appealing layout draws the reader's eyes around the page and makes one eager to learn more. 2005, Kingfisher/Houghton Mifflin, Ages 7 to 10.
School Library Journal
K-Gr 3-With a format that is appealing and well organized, this informative guide covers the basics about horses and ponies, including physical characteristics, care and feeding, grooming, and stabling. After discussing proper clothing and "tacking up," the author takes a look at English and Western riding. Colorful photos show a diverse group of children-with some assistance from adults-demonstrating the complexities of horsemanship. The age of the youngsters depicted is appropriate for the volume's target audience. The photos are excellent-bright and clear-and precisely illustrate what the text is describing. The book is packed withhelpful hints and ideas, and boxed sections present useful tidbits, such as explaining what a "kind eye" is or what a "hand" means in equestrian terminology. Sandy Ransford's The Kingfisher Illustrated Horse and Pony Encyclopedia (Kingfisher, 2004) is much more comprehensive, but Draper's offering is right on target for the younger horse set.-Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.