Night Mare

Backyard Horses #4

by Dandi Daley Mackall

A class assignment—to blog—gets Ellie’s horse Dream noticed. Ellie and her family believed that the Pinto was a “runaway” horse without a home. But now the owners want him back. How will Ellie deal with losing her beloved backyard horse?

Genres: Horses, Childrens

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 17, 2012

About the author

A professional writer for over 20 years, Dandi Daley Mackall has written dozens of articles for popular magazines and published around 500 books for children and adults alike, with sales of over 4 million.

A frequent guest on radio and television talk shows, she lives in rural Ohio with her husband, three children, horses, dogs, & cats. Awards include the Edgar Award for Best YA Mystery, the Helen Keating Ott Award for Contributions to Children's Literature; Distinguished Alumni Award from Mizzou; ALA Best Book; Christian Children's Book of the Year, Amelia Bloom, Mom's Choice Awards. Her YA novel, My Boyfriends' Dogs, is now a Hallmark movie.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Nightmare, Ellie learns an important lesson in trusting God despite hardship and understanding that she is never alone even in the midst of loss. Ellie and her classmates have been assigned to pair up with another student and complete a blog. When Larissa, who is not the nicest person, tells the story of how Ellie got Dream along with pictures of the horse, something unthinkable happens. A selfish young boy sees the pictures and reads the story about Ellie’s horse Dream and makes a comment that the horse was his and that Ellie stole her. Despite Ellie’s prayers to God to allow her to keep Dream, the boy and his father take Dream away leaving Ellie feeling lost and alone in her grief. Meanwhile, Ellie’s friends reach out to her and slowly Ellie realizes that though she has lost Dream, God is still good. Even better, Larissa also reaches out to Ellie in kindness and does something that no one would have guessed: she apologizes and gives Ellie a ride home on her horse. When Ellie arrives home with Larissa, another miracle occurs: Dream has returned after running away. As Ellie comes face to face with Dream, she is also met with the boy, his aunt, and his cousin. The boy is frustrated at how things have gone with Dream and gives her to his cousin, who in turns does the right thing. But, to find out what that is, you will have to read the book. Though this book is geared to teen readers and horse lovers, as an adult, I found it to be an enjoyable read. I especially appreciate reading a book that teaches its readers important truths about God. This is the type of book that I feel parents could give to their children to read and not have to worry about them being exposed to things that are negative or wrong from a Christian perspective.

[Celena Janton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're reading this review, I assume you've read the other 3 books in the Backyard Horses series. This book is my favorite of all of them! Ellie truly loves her horse Dream and, suddenly, she's going to lose her to the original owner... and the person she is losing Dream to is not reassuring in the least.

Ellie grows closer to God through her trial--quite a trial for a 4th grader! Ellie realizes anew that God doesn't always answer our prayers in the way we expect Him to. She leans on Him through "the fire" and she sees that He is always with us even when it doesn't feel like it. This book isn't just pure entertainment; its message is one that will impact the reader and reassure him or her that God's plans are the best even when we can't always see that: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jer. 29:11)

[Lis K · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great ending to a fun series! Ellie's dream of having her own horse has become a nightmare. Someone comes to claim her horse, Dream, and her world is shattered. You don't have to read the entire series but I think reading at least the first book, Horse Dreams, will give you a better understanding of why Ellie is so devastated when she loses her horse. The familiar cast of characters are back including Ellie's family and her friends (and frenemy!). I love how the author used the Bible story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to remind Ellie that even in the midst of trouble, God is still there. I recommend this entire series to elementary aged kids (and their parents)!

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie James' world comes crashing down when Dream's original owner shows up, wanting Dream back!

Ellie's hears is broken But life lessons are in store for her as she learns to trust God, because all things are possible with him.

A quick charming read about a girl and her backyard horse. I liked how it was a fast read and while it was written for younger readers I found myself entertained, and engaged. The characters were well developed and I loved Ellie's family. This is a charming series that is sure to enchant young horse-lovers.

Overall, a cute read. I just loved how Ellie was able to keep her best friend, Dream, in her backyard. I wish I could do that with my pony! A series that I can happily say that I recommend!

No review required.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! I haven't read the rest of the series and this is a new author to me. I have read many other young adult horse books and this one I really liked. There were a lot of details that young folks will like and also one of the characters uses sign language so they add pictures so the reader can see how it works! There is also a list of words in the back on horse terms with definitions.
This story is great with bringing trusting in God through it's pages. Using Bible references, Ellie realizes that having her horse taken away is something that she needs to trust God with.

Great book and I highly recommend!

Check out Tyndale Publishing for more great books!

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Night Mare
Backyard Horses #4
By Dandi Daley Makall

When a school blogging project puts Dream in the spotlight, Dream’s former owner comes forward to reclaim the wayward fence-jumper. With no way to fight against this claim, Ellie is sure to lose her dream and Dream!

But when her brother’s newest fish dies Ellie learns a lesson in pushing through each day and being glad with what she does have.

But before you tear up too much there is a happy ending for Ellie and Dream, not to give anything away! Ellie's Night Mare may turn into a happy Dream!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good installment of Backyard Horses.

I've now read 3 of the 4 books currently in this series, and I love all of them. Mackall fluidly incorporates important lessons into her books that I believe will be influential on the children that read them. I've checked these books out of the library thus far, but plan on buying them - they are that good. I hope there are more books to be released in this series. Since these are high quality children's books, I will be looking at Mackall's other works as well.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The conclusion to the Backyard Horses series. And it was a good one. Ellie had to make a tough decision, which I think is important for kids to see modeled. I consider Ellie a good role model for elementary aged kids, and reading about her life reminded me of some of the best parts of my elementary childhood, which had nothing at all to do with horses.

As my kids get older, I'll be looking for more books from Dandi Daley Mackall.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night Mare by Dandi Daley Mackall is the fourth book in the backyard Horses. It is a great book and an easy read. A must read if you've already read the other books in this series. Night Mare is definitely written for younger readers but readers of all ages will enjoy the story and love its Christian values.

[C.E. Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Night Mare is another charming Backyard Horse story. Ellie, the heroine, is a lovable character. Decisions aren't always easy, and Ellie struggles with sad events that happen. I just love these cute stories, and this final book of the series is satisfying, age-appropriate, and memorable.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night Mare is the fourth installment in the Backyard Horses series. I think this is the emotional story of the four. And I think it is my favorite of the series. Poor Ellie. She really was living a nightmare. Great reminder that with God, you are never alone.
5 stars

[Brooke (i blog 4 books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Night Mare is another cute story that pre-teen girls will enjoy. The author does a great job showing the perils of gossip and the importance of friendship without being preachy. I have no reservations recommending this book for younger girls. [4 stars]

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Night Mare by Dandi Daley Mackall is a decent book. It’s cheesy at parts, but God is visible in different parts of the story. A good story about God is always present & trusting God in hard situations.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

What can I say - I see a book. I pick it up. Doesn't matter if it's a little kiddies book :)

[Josiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book might give me a nightmare but it was worth it! Ellie and Dream have a lot of fun.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie is finally getting to ride dream when a strange boy shows up, claiming that Dream belongs to him.