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Dandelion: The Extraordinary Life of a Misfit
Dandelion is a lowly, mis-bred Irish farm horse. As is true of all creatures, she begins her life with a grand sense of her own worth. But little by little, the opinions of others and the "circumstances" of her life erode that belief and, lonely and dispirited, she gives up on her dreams. Nevertheless, given a chance at freedom, she has wits enough left to pursue it, only to find that "freedom" was not quite what she had bargained for! Dandelion's subsequent journey leads her to her true destination - herself!
An uplifting tale for every age that will have you hopelessly guessing at what becomes of this lost, rebellious soul, until you breathe a sigh of relief, shed a tear of joy, and remember that trusting 'life' is half the secret. This adventurous little horse will no doubt remind you of yourself who, with a little perseverance, patience, and faith, makes a stunning success of her life. A horse with a gift, and her life's puzzle is to uncover it.
An uplifting tale for every age that will have you hopelessly guessing at what becomes of this lost, rebellious soul, until you breathe a sigh of relief, shed a tear of joy, and remember that trusting 'life' is half the secret. This adventurous little horse will no doubt remind you of yourself who, with a little perseverance, patience, and faith, makes a stunning success of her life. A horse with a gift, and her life's puzzle is to uncover it.
- GenresSpirituality
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1994
13 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 10, 2015
It took several very short sittings for me to get into this book (a few pages and then I would get distracted). Once I made it to chapter four I finished quickly, and was happy to have picked it up that final time. The story is actually quite a quick and easy read, and has a beautiful message. I would recommend it for eight year olds and up. Some of the other reviews of this text have mocked it for being aimed at teens, but I found it to be insightful for a reader of any age. Just because you know something to be true, doesn't mean there is no worth in being reminded of said truth in various forms. Every life has worth, and each person can benefit from acknowledging that for themselves and others from time to time.
October 13, 2014
When I purchased this book I had no idea it was destined for teens. I am definitely not opposed to reading books aimed for youth (Harry Potter, anyone?) I loved it and wish I had read it when I was 12 or 13. And even at the ripe age of 50, I still got something out of it! We are never too old to realise that we are all special in our own way...
September 12, 2020
Uplifting
This is a wonderful little story about finding your purpose in life. So simple a child could understand it, Dandelion's creed, if practiced, will profoundly change lives. Highly recommended!
This is a wonderful little story about finding your purpose in life. So simple a child could understand it, Dandelion's creed, if practiced, will profoundly change lives. Highly recommended!
December 5, 2023
Beautiful
Lovely and inspiring. Written in an engaging, descriptive way with no "fat" just to fill pages. The underlying message of the story is broad enough to include any walk of life and specific enough to apply whenever desired.
Lovely and inspiring. Written in an engaging, descriptive way with no "fat" just to fill pages. The underlying message of the story is broad enough to include any walk of life and specific enough to apply whenever desired.
August 27, 2008
What a gem of a book - self-esteem reminder!
September 25, 2017
Delightful
Been meaning to read it for more than a decade. The time was just right, and the message is what I needed to experience. Lovey work, indeed.
Been meaning to read it for more than a decade. The time was just right, and the message is what I needed to experience. Lovey work, indeed.
April 16, 2018
This is a book for an older child and is a part of a series of books through the TUT Adventurers Club(Totally Unique Thoughts). These books encourage self discovery and patience. This particular story is about Dandelion, an Arabian/Draft cross who wants to be a racehorse. Needless to say,she is is a very dissatisfied misfit. But through a series of events in her life,she ends up in the sports world. And,you find out in the end,she was a real horse around 1919!
June 2, 2017
Took a while to get used to hearing the story from a horse's point of view. Quick, short read. Good reminder of an important life lesson.
June 16, 2019
It got a little preachy towards the end, but I enjoyed the story. A quirky horse learns to accept herself and visualize the life she wants. Can't go wrong
July 22, 2008
Over age 11? Try these self-esteem boosters instead of reading Dandelion.
* Read The Secret. I haven't, but I hear it's for grownups.
* Ask your mom/dad/kids/significant other/neighbor/barista--anyone--for a hug.
* Pull a Stuart Smalley. Look in the mirror and say, "I'm good enough. I'm smart enough. And doggone it, people like me."
* Go see your shrink. (S)he's paid to listen, and in no danger of being sent out to pasture or to a glue factory.
* Have a glass of wine, chill out, and know it could be worse. You could be a polo pony.
* Read The Secret. I haven't, but I hear it's for grownups.
* Ask your mom/dad/kids/significant other/neighbor/barista--anyone--for a hug.
* Pull a Stuart Smalley. Look in the mirror and say, "I'm good enough. I'm smart enough. And doggone it, people like me."
* Go see your shrink. (S)he's paid to listen, and in no danger of being sent out to pasture or to a glue factory.
* Have a glass of wine, chill out, and know it could be worse. You could be a polo pony.
Read
November 21, 2007This is written by the mother of one of the teachers in "The Secret". He's a pretty neat guy judging from his "Notes from the Universe" and she is on the same wavelength. Very quick story good for kids or adults about valuing and honoring yourself, regardless of how different you are from how society thinks you should be.
May 7, 2015
I was encouraged to read this book by a friend. She, being a horsewoman and a free spirit, loved it. I found it a retelling of Black Beauty does the Black Stallion with a twist. Yes the end is unique, but I saw it coming from the beginning.
The writing style is earthy and light. The mood often sad and oppressing. For a young reader, there is a message, but it's one told in many, many stories.
The writing style is earthy and light. The mood often sad and oppressing. For a young reader, there is a message, but it's one told in many, many stories.
March 15, 2021
This book does tackle storytelling through a more spiritual perspective. It’s not tied to any religion, but really focuses on inner power and decisions. This wasn’t anything exceptional, but I liked it! It was sweet and made me consider a new perspective.
Read my full review here:
http://moviesmeetmatch.blogspot.com/2...
Read my full review here:
http://moviesmeetmatch.blogspot.com/2...
March 20, 2009
This is a short 162 page book story of a misfit horse who found her place in the world. Sweet inspiring motivating book
July 14, 2009
Definitely for children. I would have loved it if I were 9 or so and wish I *had* read it then. But it is just too simplistic for this adult.
January 18, 2011
Great perspective on life and how to improve yourattitude to increase your happiness
July 9, 2012
This book showed me courage and happiness even in the small things! It is an amazing book which I would give to everyone if I could!
November 16, 2012
Good children's book.
January 5, 2014
Excellent book for tweens or even teens who might be hooked by their love of horses, however, the message is ageless.
February 23, 2010
A good reminder to look for the good in life. I love a nice horse story!
May 31, 2010
Short and easy to read. Really good example for finding yourself and being happy where you are.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews