Shadow: The Curious Morgan Horse

by Ellen F. Feld

The Curious Morgan Horse, introduces the characters of the award-winning Morgan Horse series to younger readers. In this adventure, the farm's cocky rooster tells Shadow about a magic pond hidden in the woods. He tells Shadow that if she drinks the water from the pond, she will be able to fly. Shadow decides to find the pond and goes exploring in the woods beyond her pasture. Along the way, she meets a bumblebee who stings her on the nose, a skunk who sprays her, and a couple of deer who run away before telling Shadow where the pond is. The young horse eventually finds the pond but when she drinks the water, all she gets is a tummy ache. As she tries to decide what to do, a friendly basset hound named Willow comes along. Willow guides Shadow out of the pond but then the horse realizes she is lost. Will her new friend Willow be able to use her wonderful nose to get the pair back to Shadow's pasture?

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2006

About the author

Ellen Feld is an IRA/Children's Choices winner (twice) who began writing about horses more than 20 years ago. At first she wrote for small, regional magazines, but within a few short years, her work began to appear regularly in large, national publications. In 2001, while waiting for her next assignment, Ms. Feld wrote a short story about a Morgan Horse. That tale became the first chapter of Blackjack: Dreaming of a Morgan Horse. The book went on to win a coveted Children s Choices award, an honor bestowed jointly by the International Reading Association and the Children s Book Council. To date, Ms. Feld has authored fifteen books, including seven in the Morgan Horse series and three in the best-selling "Donkey-Donk" series. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two children, twelve horses, one miniature donkey, and assorted other pets.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cheesy (but the pictures are nice).

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember the days when my daughter at a very early age would pretend that a Eucalyptus tree branch was her horse that she called "lightning". So many country girls seem to be horse crazy where I live, a small town where the pace is slower and you just want to stop and drink in the sounds.

It is a privilege to introduce you to a delightful children's picture book called "Shadow" by Ellen F.Feld. This book was provided for review from Willow Bend Publishing. Ellen's books are very authentic for the portrayal of horses and their riders.I found Shadow The Curious Morgan Horse to be one of the best horse books I've read. Along with Jeanne Mellin's realistic illustrations, this hardcover book is a winner for sure. I rate it 5+ stars.

The book begins by a beautiful red barn with an introduction of Shadow and her mother named Frosty. Jeanne perfectly illustrates many animals of the woods that children will adore. I learned a lot about Morgan horses as Ellen brilliantly unfolds the story plot and the words are easily read by children and adults, whether alone or together.

"A Morgan Horse is a specific breed of horse, the same as a Basset Hound is a type of dog. Morgans are known for their stamina, sweet personalities, and stylish good looks."

http://www.readerviewkids.com/Intervi...

There's even a moral to this wonderful children's story while Shadow is on a quest to discover the Magic Pond in greener pastures. The "don't leave home to go exploring without your mother" ring out loud and clear. Shadow is an all around blue ribbon picture book!

For more information and to see Ellen's Horse Games, visit her website:

http://www.willowbendpublishing.com

[Cassie Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute story, written for the younger reader (I'd say an advanced first grader or more likely a 2nd grader). Shadow dreams of what lies beyond her pasture. A show-off rooster has told her about a magic pond - if you drink the water you can fly. One day, a storm comes through and knocks down part of the fence. Shadow goes off to find the magic pond. Along the way, she meets all sorts of forest animals. When Shadow finds the pond and drinks the water, all she gets is a tummy ache. Then she realizes she is lost. Along comes a friendly Basset Hound who uses her nose to find Shadow's home. The pictures are GOR-GEE-OUS and my youngest liked running his finger over the map again and again (there's a map near the end showing all the places Shadow had gone). It's a lovely story that teaches a gentle lesson about the grass not always being greener on the other side, and listen to your mother!

[Jennifer Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow: The Curious Morgan Horse is a delightful tale for young readers. The story is an exciting lesson about the dangers and disappointments of wandering away from home, and Jeanne Mellin’s beautiful illustrations bring the characters to life. This is an excellent introduction for children to Ellen Feld’s Morgan Horse series, which is written for a slightly older audience.

[Cassie Melchior · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow is a really good book. It is about a curious morgan horse. I was really amazed how curious little Shadow was. my Aunt is working at the Morgan Horse Farm and all the little horses are very shy. (Reviewer aged 10)

[Sarah Jane]

As far as I know, this is just a kids book, by the same lady. :-)