Everything but the Horse

PreS-Gr 3—An autobiographical story about Hobbie's childhood move to the country. The transition is frightening at first but the author discovers that she loves the fields and flowers, and the animals most of all. There are dogs, cats, ducks, geese, a cow, and chickens, from which Holly must gently coax eggs. But her favorite are her neighbor's horses, conspicuously absent from her farm. There is a pasture, stalls, hay, all the makings of a great place for them, but the family has far too many reasons for not having one. But when Holly's birthday comes around, her mother tells her there's something special waiting for her in the barn. Could it be? The author's fans won't be disappointed with this affectionately told tale about a young girl's greatest wish. The simple artwork, done in pen-and-ink and watercolor, beautifully depicts a time when life for a young farm girl was filled with rustic barns, fields, and delightful animals, while her heartwarming text conveys a sense of innocence and dreams. Cozy as a grandmother's quilt, this book will have adults reminiscing and children dreaming.—C. J. Connor, Campbell County Public Library, Cold Spring, KY