Gallop-O-Gallop

by Sandra Alonzo, Kelly Murphy (Illustrations)

This dynamic collection of twenty-one poems celebrates all things horse-related—from the reflective to the very silly, from the winsome to the hilariously icky. Sandra Alonzo’s lively, always evocative writing captures the energy and physicality of these stunning creatures. And with her richly expressive illustrations and a gorgeous palette, Kelly Murphy expertly creates shifting landscapes, changing seasons, and charismatic horse personalities. Alternately rambunctious and lyrical, Gallop-o-Gallop invites readers to celebrate our special relationship with these beautiful and inspiring animals.

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books

40 pages, Hardcover

First published April 5, 2007

About the author

Booklist 2/1/10: Alonzo’s first novel features the sort of likable, embattled narrator that brings to mind Arnold Spirit from Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (2007), but instead of being tormented by negative stereotypes and poverty, 15-year-old Yancy’s primary source of misery comes from his nearly sociopathic older brother, Will. The story is told entirely in diary form, complete with handwriting-styled font and plenty of cartoony drawings (again reminiscent of Alexie’s book). After Will, who suffers from conduct disorder, violently threatens Yancy’s horse, teen and horse take off into the California desert. There, they encounter a kind Mexican worker, who helps Yancy begin to size up the challenges of living with his brother and the toll that it is taking upon the entire family. Alonzo skillfully handles teetering family dynamics, equestrian details, and the undertones of immigration and class, which add realistic depth. The resolution leaves a bevy of challenges and plenty of food for thought about family dysfunction. Reviewer: Ian Chapman

Reviews

[Sam Smerbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Gallop –o- Gallop
Author: Sandra Alonzo
Illustrator: Kelly Murphy
Genre: Poetry
Theme(s): Friendship, Beauty, Horses
Opening line/sentence: Gallop-o-gallop-o-gallop along, Singing-o-singing-o-singing a song
Brief Book Summary: The book is a collection of twenty-one poems all about horses, from palominos to buckskins, grooming to jumping, and icky sneezing to wild stampeding.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
This book contains 21 poems about horses told mostly from a young girl s perspective, though a few are from that of the horse. The topics of the poems range from birth of a foal to competitions and races to unicorns and seahorses. This book was written for a younger audience, but the poems are so fun that I think horse-lovers of all ages will enjoy them. The illustrations are beautiful and perfectly fit the poems. The style of the poems is varied enough that this book would fit well in a poetry unit. Category: Poetry. 2007, Penguin Group, $16.99. Ages 5 to 18. (PUBLISHER: Dial Books for Young Readers (New York:), PUBLISHED: c2007.) 
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature) 
Twenty-one poems explore the connection between girls and horses in Gallop-o-Gallop. Sandra Alonzo laces her lyrical offerings with lots of horse-savvy details. There s the moment in The Birth when a girl, amazed at the birth of a foal, realizes something changed in me. Horse Talk decodes animal actions to explain why horses might toss their heads, buck or refuse certain kinds of hay. Jumping Competition and The Trail reflect the joy of riding, of feeling one with the horse. Accompanying art by Kelly Murphy conveys the dynamic beauty of racing, leaping horses but also captures the warmth of quiet moments spent grooming. This book will appeal to lovers of poetry and horses alike. 2007, Dial/Penguin, $16.99. Ages 4 to 10. (PUBLISHER: Dial Books for Young Readers (New York:), PUBLISHED: c2007.) 
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
Both reviews delve into the topics of the poems present in this book. The first review does an overall umbrella of topics while the second review delves into specific poems like Horse Talk and The Birth. The other difference between the two reviews is that one says that recommended age is 5-18, while the other one says it’s 4-10.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
This book is perfect for elementary students. The wording is purposely poetic and the pictures add great visuals to the text. The illustrations by Kelly Murphy are exceptional and each different poem engages the audience in a different but effective way.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
This would be a great book to implement in the classroom when learning about animals. The wide variety of poems can engage students in multiple ways. Having my students write their own story or poem about horses or their favorite animals can be very fun.

[Gwen the Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you love horses? If you do, you will really like this new poetry book. This book is full of poems about riding horses, grooming horses, and cute new baby horses. It also has really beautiful illustrations of kids and their horses. If you pick this up, you can:

"Gallop-o-gallop-o-gallop along

"Singing-o-singing-o-singing a song..."

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous book- if you love horses, and even if you don't, you WILL by the time you finish this book! Some of the poems within are fast and fun, others are more introspective, and ALL are enhanced by Kelly Murphy's awesome atmospheric paintings.

[Kim Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful horse poems, some funny, some poignant, and beautifully illustrated. The perfect book for a young horse lover

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, charming book that will become a treasured member of my home library.