Stable

K-Gr 3—This picture book briefly introduces readers to the history of horse transportation in urban areas and then describes the current activities of Kensington Stables, in Brooklyn, NY. Small children take their first pony rides there, older children cross the street on horseback to take riding lessons in the nearby park, those with special needs participate in a therapeutic riding program, and wedding parties hire carriages for their special day. Lewin also introduces the stable staff (the owner, riding instructor, and farrier), as well as the horses themselves. The narrative ends on a mournful note, questioning how long the stable will remain amid ongoing development in the neighborhood. The author relates the Kensington story in a spare, straightforward style that readers will find approachable. Realistic watercolor illustrations—first in sepia tones for historical times and then in color for the present day—show the operations of the stable with warmth and energy. A final yearbook-style montage depicts each horse. Though this book will be of special interest in Brooklyn and the surrounding areas, it has broader appeal. Suggest it for history or transportation units, horse-crazy readers, and families looking for a gentle introduction to nonfiction.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI