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The Story of Black Beauty
This classic story by Anna Sewell is retold for young children in picture book form.
Black Beauty is the moving story of a young horse's journey from the rolling hills of the English countryside to the dark, cobbled streets of London, and the cruelty and kindness he encounters along the way.
This read-aloud text is accompanied by beautiful watercolour illustrations by Alan Marks.
Black Beauty is the moving story of a young horse's journey from the rolling hills of the English countryside to the dark, cobbled streets of London, and the cruelty and kindness he encounters along the way.
This read-aloud text is accompanied by beautiful watercolour illustrations by Alan Marks.
- GenresPicture Books
24 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Mary Sebag-Montefiore
49 books1 followerMary Sebag-Montefiore is an author of children's books and often adapts adult classics for children. She has rewritten everything from David Copperfield, Wuthering Heights and War and Peace. She is associated with Usborne.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 13, 2025
For the parents:
. (You're welcome)
I remember absolutely adoring the original and I wasn't quite sure how they'd condense it down to a picture book and the result was...just okay.
I could follow the major plot points well enough but there's a lot of layers in the original - so many heart-wrenching moments - which can't really develop in such a short amount of time.
It felt like we were cycling through tragedy after tragedy but it just didn't have enough room to breath to have the right impact or resolution. Then again, you probably don't want to linger too much on suffering for a children's book.
I think this one works better as an abridged novel rather than a picture book. Black Beauty is just too sad for the really young kiddos.
Black Beauty had an idyllic childhood (colt-hood?) full of green pastures, a good owner, and time spent with his mother. But, when he came of age, he was sold off to a proud lady.
"Just remember - never bite, or rear, or kick. And, whatever happens, always do your best."
"I'm sorry, Black Beauty," said Ginger. "You haven't come to a good home"From there Black Beauty was cycled through masters, some kind but most cruel. Will this wonderful horse ever find a forever home?
I remember absolutely adoring the original and I wasn't quite sure how they'd condense it down to a picture book and the result was...just okay.
I could follow the major plot points well enough but there's a lot of layers in the original - so many heart-wrenching moments - which can't really develop in such a short amount of time.
It felt like we were cycling through tragedy after tragedy but it just didn't have enough room to breath to have the right impact or resolution. Then again, you probably don't want to linger too much on suffering for a children's book.
I think this one works better as an abridged novel rather than a picture book. Black Beauty is just too sad for the really young kiddos.
June 22, 2020
3.5
Illustrations = four stars
Story = three.
This was sweet and enjoyable with lovely illustrations. The story is of course heavily abridged - - while I understand why, as this is a rather brief picture book, it causes the most vital scenes from the novel to be lost.
I also question the use of 'horse doctor' rather than vet or veterinarian which feels more accurate - - in the novel no vet is called as it is the job of the highly capable grooms to care for the horses, veterinary medicine not being what it is today.
That aside, this is a nice introduction to a timeless story, one I think young readers will most likely enjoy.
Illustrations = four stars
Story = three.
This was sweet and enjoyable with lovely illustrations. The story is of course heavily abridged - - while I understand why, as this is a rather brief picture book, it causes the most vital scenes from the novel to be lost.
I also question the use of 'horse doctor' rather than vet or veterinarian which feels more accurate - - in the novel no vet is called as it is the job of the highly capable grooms to care for the horses, veterinary medicine not being what it is today.
That aside, this is a nice introduction to a timeless story, one I think young readers will most likely enjoy.
December 4, 2022
Read it to the girls! We enjoy it!!
January 20, 2018
Great children´s book with beautiful illustrations.
Illustrated by Alan Marks.
Based on the story by Anna Sewell. She lived from 1820-1874. She adored horses and hated the cruel way they were treated. She wrote "Black Beauty" to make people more caring about horses. The book was a huge success and changed the way people thought about animals.
Illustrated by Alan Marks.
Based on the story by Anna Sewell. She lived from 1820-1874. She adored horses and hated the cruel way they were treated. She wrote "Black Beauty" to make people more caring about horses. The book was a huge success and changed the way people thought about animals.
August 3, 2020
A stunningly illustrated adaptation of the classic Anna Sewell novel. Horses are majestic creatures that deserve our love and respect. I love that this book (in its original format) really opened people's eyes and hearts to injustices against animals. This picture book edition is age-appropriate and less heartbreaking than the original, although it does come across as a little stilted.
August 14, 2020
The book shows the strong and magic relationship between these magnificent animals and the people. Maybe the story is a bit too long but it's nice and interesting. You can understand a lot for the horse's feelings and thoughts.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews