What do you think?
Rate this book
Marguerite, Misty and Me: A Horse Lover's Hunt for the Hidden History of Marguerite Henry and her Chincoteague Pony
Uncover the captivating backstory of Marguerite Henry, author of Misty of Chincoteague and dozens of beloved books about animals in this heartfelt memoir, Marguerite, Misty and Me . Join passionate horse lover Susan Friedland on a cross-country adventure as she delves into the hidden history of Marguerite, the Newbery Medal-winning author and literary legend. From a kayak in the waves off Chincoteague Island and an underground archive in Minnesota, to a dreamlike ride aboard a Chincoteague Pony, Friedland unearths clues while forging deep connections with fellow Misty fans. She even meets some of Marguerite’s friends (and one of her illustrators). Saddle up for an enchanting ride that explores the legacy of Marguerite Henry and celebrates not just Chincoteague Ponies, but horses everywhere, as well as the people who love them.
Susan Friedland is just as crazy about horses today as she was loping around her yard on a hobby horse as a child. Susan has been actively blogging on her award-winning blog, saddleseekshorse.com SaddleSeeksHorse.com, since 2013, and she co-hosts the Horse Illustrated Barn Banter Podcast. Her writing has been featured in many magazines, including Horse Illustrated , Young Rider , and Sidelines . When she's not writing or traveling on equestrian adventures, she's trotting around on her off-track Thoroughbred Tiz A Knight in her home state of Illinois, or wintering in Ocala, Florida.
Susan Friedland is just as crazy about horses today as she was loping around her yard on a hobby horse as a child. Susan has been actively blogging on her award-winning blog, saddleseekshorse.com SaddleSeeksHorse.com, since 2013, and she co-hosts the Horse Illustrated Barn Banter Podcast. Her writing has been featured in many magazines, including Horse Illustrated , Young Rider , and Sidelines . When she's not writing or traveling on equestrian adventures, she's trotting around on her off-track Thoroughbred Tiz A Knight in her home state of Illinois, or wintering in Ocala, Florida.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 17, 2024
Being a big “Misty of Chincoteague” fan, I purchased this when it came out. Other books always command the “tyranny of the urgent”, so I laid it aside for a perfect time to read it.
That time came this month, two weeks after my own visit to Chincoteague Island. That trip was the stuff of dreams for me, an avid reader of all things Marguerite Henry since I was ten, (and that 10-year-old inner me went “Squeeeeee!” the entire time!)
It was the perfect opportunity to read this book. I had walked the same streets as the author, saw the museums and Misty’s “hoofagraph” in front of the theater. My husband and I stood in awe as bands of wild ponies ambled past us on our drive on Assateague. And sitting on the beach looking out at the vast Atlantic Ocean, I could almost see that Spanish galleon, rolling and pitching in a storm…
For a person who has read Marguerite Henry’s books for most of her life, this book was like the best chocolate candy.
That time came this month, two weeks after my own visit to Chincoteague Island. That trip was the stuff of dreams for me, an avid reader of all things Marguerite Henry since I was ten, (and that 10-year-old inner me went “Squeeeeee!” the entire time!)
It was the perfect opportunity to read this book. I had walked the same streets as the author, saw the museums and Misty’s “hoofagraph” in front of the theater. My husband and I stood in awe as bands of wild ponies ambled past us on our drive on Assateague. And sitting on the beach looking out at the vast Atlantic Ocean, I could almost see that Spanish galleon, rolling and pitching in a storm…
For a person who has read Marguerite Henry’s books for most of her life, this book was like the best chocolate candy.
November 28, 2023
Marguerite Henry is the author of many horse books, most notably *King of the Wind* and *Misty of the Chincoteague.* What was this writer really like though? Susan Justice explores how she found parallels between her life and Marguerite's in a journey that led to silly moments, breathtaking experiences, and some lifelong friends. Although Marguerite and Misty are no longer with us, their legacy lives on in the many people who love them.
This book made me want to read all my Misty books again, and I'm delighted to find out that Marguerite was just as kind and lovable as her fictional works led me to believe. My only real complaint with this biography is that it feels a bit chaotic at times, but what's life if not a little unorganized at times?
This book made me want to read all my Misty books again, and I'm delighted to find out that Marguerite was just as kind and lovable as her fictional works led me to believe. My only real complaint with this biography is that it feels a bit chaotic at times, but what's life if not a little unorganized at times?
October 4, 2023
What a perfect send-off after I’ve finished the Misty books. Friedland’s earnest passion for the subject matter is infectious and delightful - enough to make even a curmudgeon like myself slowly grow to fall more in love with the ponies of Chincoteague.
Want to Read
November 14, 2023I had the pleasure of meeting the author at Equine Affaire in Springfield this past weekend and of course had to buy this given how deeply obsessed I was with Marguerite Henry's books as a kid (and still, admittedly am). Lovely autograph from the author - very excited to read this now :)
August 16, 2023
As a child, I devoured Marguerite Henry's books. I am pretty sure Misty of Chincoteague was the first one, read to me one chapter at a time before bed. I moved on to King of the Wind: The Story of the Godolphin Arabian and numerous others.
In other words, my path was similar to that of author Susan Friedland ... except that I never embarked on writing a biography of the author who was so beloved of horse-crazy girls everywhere.
This book is about more than Marguerite Henry, though; it's also Friendland's memoir of the time she spent with other Misty fans, whether at Pony Penning Week or in the library, and people who had actually known Marguerite and even ridden the most famous Chincoteague Pony of them all.
This book charmed and delighted me at every turn, bringing back happy memories of reading beloved books and imagining having a horse of my own.
In other words, my path was similar to that of author Susan Friedland ... except that I never embarked on writing a biography of the author who was so beloved of horse-crazy girls everywhere.
This book is about more than Marguerite Henry, though; it's also Friendland's memoir of the time she spent with other Misty fans, whether at Pony Penning Week or in the library, and people who had actually known Marguerite and even ridden the most famous Chincoteague Pony of them all.
This book charmed and delighted me at every turn, bringing back happy memories of reading beloved books and imagining having a horse of my own.
May 8, 2024
This book popped up on my Facebook feed and because was a big fan of Marguerite, Henry growing up, I thought it would be a good read. I purchased the book directly from the author and she signed it and sent it to me.
As I started to read it, I realize that this author has a very good talent for writing. Even though the story was about her relationship with Margaret Henry, she blended the two stories of the authors life and Marguerite‘s life very well.
As I read the pages, I realized how much I enjoyed Marguerite‘s books as a child and wanted to reconnect with those titles as an adult. She had a very interesting and special life and I can see why her books are so popular to this day.
If you are a fan of Marguerite‘s books or you are just now discovering them, you will enjoy this story. It brought life to a person that I only saw through her books but now that I have her story, it makes her books so much more special.
As I started to read it, I realize that this author has a very good talent for writing. Even though the story was about her relationship with Margaret Henry, she blended the two stories of the authors life and Marguerite‘s life very well.
As I read the pages, I realized how much I enjoyed Marguerite‘s books as a child and wanted to reconnect with those titles as an adult. She had a very interesting and special life and I can see why her books are so popular to this day.
If you are a fan of Marguerite‘s books or you are just now discovering them, you will enjoy this story. It brought life to a person that I only saw through her books but now that I have her story, it makes her books so much more special.
May 22, 2024
'Marguerite, Misty and Me' is a heartfelt tale charting one woman's journey into discovering the real woman behind all horse lovers' favorite childhood books. This isn't a conventional biography; it is part biography, part memoir - with Susan's memories and stories of discovery intertwined with beats from Marguerite's own life. The tales are wedded together masterfully and the book clips along at an excellent pace as a result. And what pushed this book over into 5-star territory for me was the fact that Susan's thoughtful, wonder-filled prose evoked memories from my own childhood.
As a fellow former teacher and horseless horse-loving child, I understood entirely what Friedland meant when she wrote that Marguerite wrote her books for us who were unfortunate enough to be horseless horse lovers; I marveled at the care Marguerite expressed towards her young fans, both in person and through her correspondences. Listening to the descriptions of the illustrations, I remembered huddling under the covers with a Maglite and my library's copy of 'King of the Wind' late on a school night, entranced by one of Wesley Dennis's gorgeous color illustrations.
Friedland's book closes with a detailed look at her research jaunt to Chincoteague, VA for Pony Penning Day, and the many connections she forged with fellow horse lovers during the week's festivities. It recalled to mind the time I visited the sleepy village, the Beebe ranch, and Assateague Island just a couple of weeks before Pony Penning Day when I was in middle school - reading Friedland's details of the swim made me want to visit again to see the ponies in action!
Marguerite's books likewise inspired my insistence to stop at the University of Vermont's Morgan horse farm on my family's New England road trip and my initiation into the world of political activism on the heels of reading 'Mustang, Wild Spirit of the West.' (I've still got the Spanish Riding School on my travel bucket list, and I attribute my taking dressage lessons to reading 'The White Stallion of Lipizza'). The discussion of Breyer model horses, as who can discuss Marguerite Henry and Misty without talking about Breyers, only added to the warm and fuzzy feelings. Misty and Stormy were foundational members of my 1500+ Breyer herd, and I take great pride in my adorable Brighty conga! I recently managed to add gorgeous illustrated first editions of 'Born to Trot' and 'Black Gold' to my shelves, and reading back over them during depressing winter nights wrapped me in a warm blanket of childhood wonder. This book evoked those very same feelings in me, and for that, I am very grateful!
Susan Friedland has crafted a wonderful, heartfelt book that will speak to horse lovers of all ages. Please read it!
As a fellow former teacher and horseless horse-loving child, I understood entirely what Friedland meant when she wrote that Marguerite wrote her books for us who were unfortunate enough to be horseless horse lovers; I marveled at the care Marguerite expressed towards her young fans, both in person and through her correspondences. Listening to the descriptions of the illustrations, I remembered huddling under the covers with a Maglite and my library's copy of 'King of the Wind' late on a school night, entranced by one of Wesley Dennis's gorgeous color illustrations.
Friedland's book closes with a detailed look at her research jaunt to Chincoteague, VA for Pony Penning Day, and the many connections she forged with fellow horse lovers during the week's festivities. It recalled to mind the time I visited the sleepy village, the Beebe ranch, and Assateague Island just a couple of weeks before Pony Penning Day when I was in middle school - reading Friedland's details of the swim made me want to visit again to see the ponies in action!
Marguerite's books likewise inspired my insistence to stop at the University of Vermont's Morgan horse farm on my family's New England road trip and my initiation into the world of political activism on the heels of reading 'Mustang, Wild Spirit of the West.' (I've still got the Spanish Riding School on my travel bucket list, and I attribute my taking dressage lessons to reading 'The White Stallion of Lipizza'). The discussion of Breyer model horses, as who can discuss Marguerite Henry and Misty without talking about Breyers, only added to the warm and fuzzy feelings. Misty and Stormy were foundational members of my 1500+ Breyer herd, and I take great pride in my adorable Brighty conga! I recently managed to add gorgeous illustrated first editions of 'Born to Trot' and 'Black Gold' to my shelves, and reading back over them during depressing winter nights wrapped me in a warm blanket of childhood wonder. This book evoked those very same feelings in me, and for that, I am very grateful!
Susan Friedland has crafted a wonderful, heartfelt book that will speak to horse lovers of all ages. Please read it!
September 2, 2023
I stumbled across this book through a mention on social media and ordered it as a long-time fan of Marguerite Henry and all of her books. Friedland uses many primary sources – real people who knew her, letters, an interview with Marguerite I didn’t know existed online, and photos – as well as reliable secondary sources such as newspaper articles and second-hand accounts. She pored through boxes of archives, sought out connections on Ancestry(dot)com, and went to Chincoteague to witness and write about the pony penning. She clearly devoted a lot of time to her research, and anyone who is interested in Marguerite and her story will love this book.
Through the ancestry site she connected with my mother, whom she mentions in her book. My grandmother was a distant cousin of Sid Henry, Marguerite’s husband, who was originally from my hometown, and we had the opportunity to meet her in person in the 80s. I have a folder full of yellowed newspaper articles, photos, a book Marguerite autographed for me, and a few letters – all of which I value even more now because of Friedland’s research and work on this book.
What I also really enjoyed was that Friedland wrote about her own love of horses, experiences with Marguerite’s books, her own writing journey and how she came to know she needed to write about Misty and Marguerite. I could relate to much of it, especially her admiration for Marguerite, the stories she told, and the way she interacted with her readers. Friedland tells the story of the creation of her book in a way that brings the reader along with her into libraries, archives, and historical societies, to Wayne, Illinois and to Chincoteague and Assateague. She also provides sources – active websites, social media pages, and references to other books – for those of us who want to explore even further.
The drawings at the beginnings of chapters and the one of Misty, Friday and Jiggs are lovely, though I would have loved it even more if the book had included photos. I imagine there is a good reason why that was not possible.
I am grateful for this book and highly recommend it!
Through the ancestry site she connected with my mother, whom she mentions in her book. My grandmother was a distant cousin of Sid Henry, Marguerite’s husband, who was originally from my hometown, and we had the opportunity to meet her in person in the 80s. I have a folder full of yellowed newspaper articles, photos, a book Marguerite autographed for me, and a few letters – all of which I value even more now because of Friedland’s research and work on this book.
What I also really enjoyed was that Friedland wrote about her own love of horses, experiences with Marguerite’s books, her own writing journey and how she came to know she needed to write about Misty and Marguerite. I could relate to much of it, especially her admiration for Marguerite, the stories she told, and the way she interacted with her readers. Friedland tells the story of the creation of her book in a way that brings the reader along with her into libraries, archives, and historical societies, to Wayne, Illinois and to Chincoteague and Assateague. She also provides sources – active websites, social media pages, and references to other books – for those of us who want to explore even further.
The drawings at the beginnings of chapters and the one of Misty, Friday and Jiggs are lovely, though I would have loved it even more if the book had included photos. I imagine there is a good reason why that was not possible.
I am grateful for this book and highly recommend it!
November 4, 2024
I purchased this book during a bucket list trip to Pony Penning on Chincoteague Island, where I had the pleasaure of meeting author Susan Friedland, hear her lead a presentation on the book, and obtain a signed copy.
I was nervous about reading "Marguerite, Misty and Me" because I didn’t want my illusions about my favorite author—the woman who really set me on my lifelong career as a journalist—to be shaken or even worse, shattered. I am happy to report it reinforced my 10-year-old beliefs about her and only increased my admiration for this remarkable woman. As a writer, I was intrigued about her meticulous research, and her habit of writing out descriptive scenes and stashing them in a folder for later use. I can well imagine the reams of papers, letters and photographs that overflowed her desk and filled her home and office.
Friedland's method of writing it as a memoir worked in this instance and brought to life Marguerite’s story in a way a traditional biography could not. I only wish that, as an adult in the 1980s, I had made the trek west to California to meet her. I am sure, based on this book, she would have welcomed me.
Readers seeking a scholarly book about one of the world's favorite children's author--read, remembered and cherished by millionas--may feel this book falls short. And perhapsthere remains a need for a true biography of the author, but for the rest of us, this is a romp back to our childhood.
I highly recommend. There is also a children's version, with more photos, that would make a fine Christmas gift for a horse-crazy youngster, maybe alongside their own copy of "Misty of Chincoteague."
I was nervous about reading "Marguerite, Misty and Me" because I didn’t want my illusions about my favorite author—the woman who really set me on my lifelong career as a journalist—to be shaken or even worse, shattered. I am happy to report it reinforced my 10-year-old beliefs about her and only increased my admiration for this remarkable woman. As a writer, I was intrigued about her meticulous research, and her habit of writing out descriptive scenes and stashing them in a folder for later use. I can well imagine the reams of papers, letters and photographs that overflowed her desk and filled her home and office.
Friedland's method of writing it as a memoir worked in this instance and brought to life Marguerite’s story in a way a traditional biography could not. I only wish that, as an adult in the 1980s, I had made the trek west to California to meet her. I am sure, based on this book, she would have welcomed me.
Readers seeking a scholarly book about one of the world's favorite children's author--read, remembered and cherished by millionas--may feel this book falls short. And perhapsthere remains a need for a true biography of the author, but for the rest of us, this is a romp back to our childhood.
I highly recommend. There is also a children's version, with more photos, that would make a fine Christmas gift for a horse-crazy youngster, maybe alongside their own copy of "Misty of Chincoteague."
August 22, 2023
Wonderful tribute to a special author!
Marguerite, Misty & Me is a wonderful tribute to Marguerite Henry, the author who created so many memorable children’s books that are still cherished today. Susan Friedland has written a book that is part memoir, part travelogue, and part author biography. I read it slowly, one or two chapters at a time, because I didn’t want it to end.
The book is set against the backdrop of the author’s visit to Pony Penny Week on Chincoteague Island. She shares her impressions and experiences of this annual event that attracts thousands of visitors. The real treat is that Susan expands upon the research she conducted into the life and times of Marguerite Henry and her writing. As someone who still has many of Marguerite’s award-winning books received in my childhood, the thoroughness of Susan’s research was amazing.
Marguerite, Misty & Me is well-written with clear language and descriptions. Additional information is presented in a Notes section at the back of the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves horses and wants to learn how a respected author from the past lived a life that is still remembered today. My only suggestion for improving this wonderful book would be to add a map of pony penning activities and historic photographs of Marguerite and Misty.
Marguerite, Misty & Me is a wonderful tribute to Marguerite Henry, the author who created so many memorable children’s books that are still cherished today. Susan Friedland has written a book that is part memoir, part travelogue, and part author biography. I read it slowly, one or two chapters at a time, because I didn’t want it to end.
The book is set against the backdrop of the author’s visit to Pony Penny Week on Chincoteague Island. She shares her impressions and experiences of this annual event that attracts thousands of visitors. The real treat is that Susan expands upon the research she conducted into the life and times of Marguerite Henry and her writing. As someone who still has many of Marguerite’s award-winning books received in my childhood, the thoroughness of Susan’s research was amazing.
Marguerite, Misty & Me is well-written with clear language and descriptions. Additional information is presented in a Notes section at the back of the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves horses and wants to learn how a respected author from the past lived a life that is still remembered today. My only suggestion for improving this wonderful book would be to add a map of pony penning activities and historic photographs of Marguerite and Misty.
January 18, 2025
I read this book about the life of Marguerite Henry as an homage to her writing and life skills. She awoke and grew in me a love of reading and books as she did for countless others. Misty of Chincoteague was one of the first "chapter" books I read as a kid.
I can't believe it's been until I am 80 that I have looked for information on her, but I have now, because she so instilled a story in my heart.
Susan Friedland's writing made me feel like I knew Marguerite Henry by the end. I am not a horsewoman; I was a little girl dreaming of a pony, and am so happy to learn the woman who put me on the road to reading was a wonderful person and champion of children and animals.
As an adult I was been blessed to have visited Chincoteague, see the ponies, have my picture taken at a Misty statue and feel all the wonders of childhood again in that so special place even if not at pony penning time.
I can't believe it's been until I am 80 that I have looked for information on her, but I have now, because she so instilled a story in my heart.
Susan Friedland's writing made me feel like I knew Marguerite Henry by the end. I am not a horsewoman; I was a little girl dreaming of a pony, and am so happy to learn the woman who put me on the road to reading was a wonderful person and champion of children and animals.
As an adult I was been blessed to have visited Chincoteague, see the ponies, have my picture taken at a Misty statue and feel all the wonders of childhood again in that so special place even if not at pony penning time.
July 1, 2026
Horse Lovers, are you looking for a perfect summer read? Remember the childhood summers spent reading of magical days on Chincoteague and dreaming of riding Misty along a beach there? Many of us have grown up with the books by Marguerite Henry an influential and cherished part of childhood.
Now we have something new! Susan Friedland takes readers back to those happy thoughts as her book explores the writing world and inspirations for this beloved author. The woman behind all the enduring magic of Misty and a library of other great titles. The deep research and personal commitment to walk in the tracks and memories of Marguerite have taken us on a journey into the writer’s world.
My love of Chincoteague and Misty have been reignited! I am picturing myself in those childhood summer reading moments, now to book a trip to Chincoteague and walk in the shadows of all those wonderful books and this one too!
I highly recommend this book to equine readers and to writers!
April 14, 2024
As a child, I grew up reading anything written by Marguerite Henry that I could get my hands on. Her adoration of the wild Chincoteague ponies most captivated me. When an amazon suggestion showed me this book I immediately purchased it. I devoured it in less than 24 hours. Friedland's writing style has a way of making you feel as though you are sitting beside her having the same exact experience. Her words flow effortlessly and the love of her subject matter is apparent. This book is a must read for any horse lover whether they have heard of Marguerite Henry before or not. But let's be real, what certified horse girl hasn't heard of Marguerite Henry?! It was nice to get to know the story behind the author who made all of my horsey day dreams come to life. Isn't it nice when our idols actually live up to and even exceed our expectations?
June 3, 2024
I must admit, I’m not a huge Misty of Chincoteague fan.
It’s a great book, but not my favorite.
I was a bit skeptical about my enjoyment of a book all about the author of Misty, but once I finally opened the book and started reading I was in love.
I had no idea about who Marguerite was or how many books she wrote. Learning about her life through Susan’s eyes has inspired me to continue to be better as a person, writer, and horsewoman. I also want to read all of Marguerite’s books now! (I already have all of Susan’s!)
The beautifully unique thing about Marguerite, Misty, and Me that makes it so special is Susan sharing her own life: the struggles, the triumphs, and most extraordinary, the parallels with Marguerite.
If you love horses, books, or books about horses, make sure to pick up your copy of Marguerite, Misty, and Me now!
Thank you Susan for writing this story!
It’s a great book, but not my favorite.
I was a bit skeptical about my enjoyment of a book all about the author of Misty, but once I finally opened the book and started reading I was in love.
I had no idea about who Marguerite was or how many books she wrote. Learning about her life through Susan’s eyes has inspired me to continue to be better as a person, writer, and horsewoman. I also want to read all of Marguerite’s books now! (I already have all of Susan’s!)
The beautifully unique thing about Marguerite, Misty, and Me that makes it so special is Susan sharing her own life: the struggles, the triumphs, and most extraordinary, the parallels with Marguerite.
If you love horses, books, or books about horses, make sure to pick up your copy of Marguerite, Misty, and Me now!
Thank you Susan for writing this story!
April 21, 2026
This book made my heart leap over the fence! I relished learning more about the sweet and clever writer I’ve read since youth, Marguerite Henry, who was introduced to me by my horse-loving mother and whom I read to my daughters. I have so much in common with the author of this book, also having ties to the Illinois towns of Wayne and St. Charles as well as Elgin, Illinois, where I went to Gail Borden Library; horses in my life; a background in English and writing; and a love for the Misty books so strong it drew me and my family to visit Chincoteague Island, Virginia, for the 100th pony swim—where I met Susan Friedland herself! Friedland’s writing was warm, open, and polished. A delight from start to finish, I appreciated the meticulous research that went into it on many levels, and I feel so much closer to Marguerite Henry now.
July 21, 2025
I loved this very unique biography of Marguerite Henry — unique because it was also a memoir of the author in many ways. Her experiences interacting with Marguerite Henry’s writing was very nostalgic for me, even though my own story was very different, but the feelings of being swept into a horse-y world are something many horse lovers will identify with.
The book also uncovers some really great nuggets about Marguerite Henry. One of my favorite parts of the book was learning that Marguerite had been nicknamed “Breity” in high school, based on her maiden name. Of course this sounds just like her loveable burro character Brighty! Even though her HS nickname wasn’t the only reason Brighty was named as he was, it’s still an awesome find to know she too was nicknamed “Breity”!
The book also uncovers some really great nuggets about Marguerite Henry. One of my favorite parts of the book was learning that Marguerite had been nicknamed “Breity” in high school, based on her maiden name. Of course this sounds just like her loveable burro character Brighty! Even though her HS nickname wasn’t the only reason Brighty was named as he was, it’s still an awesome find to know she too was nicknamed “Breity”!
January 19, 2026
lovely book. I am a Misty girl. I think the excitement of King of the Wind and the tension of Stormy is only rivaled by The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I went to Chincoteague as a kid, petted Stormy and fell in love with Marguerite Henry. I never got to meet her. I wasn't brave enough to write her a letter telling her how grateful I was for her books. But this book was amazing. it's a quick read and you learn lovely tidbits about the author. She gets compared to Mr Rogers and this is a valid comparison. The books made clear that she loved books. She loved animals. she loved libraries. And most of all, she loved the kids who loved Misty.
worth the read.
worth the read.
November 16, 2023
This book is an atypical read for me. That being said, I loved every second of it. I have a very special place in my heart for Chincoteague Island and I picked this book up at Sundial Books wanting to learn more about the infamous Misty’s story. It is so refreshing to learn the character and love of Marguerite and her relationship with Misty. The author pulled all my heartstrings when describing her time on the island and has instilled in me a desire to see a Pony Swim . I enjoyed this book very much!
January 5, 2025
I loved Marguerite Henry’s books. While learning more about her and savoring a first hand account of a modern pony penning day was wonderful, Friedland’s writing style was tough for me to follow. When bits fell out chronologically, I had trouble picking up the pieces. I would have enjoyed it more if it unfurled similar to a story rather than a series of vignettes.
Still worth a read if you are horse crazy at heart and enjoyed Henry’s work. You won’t be disappointed. Henry’s even more interesting and inspiring than I imagined.
Still worth a read if you are horse crazy at heart and enjoyed Henry’s work. You won’t be disappointed. Henry’s even more interesting and inspiring than I imagined.
January 18, 2025
This wasn't about Marguerite Henry herself. This was written by a fan who took time to go into her history and told from their point of view. Very hard to follow and understand when I have no clue who this was. She was a lady who loved horses (i could tell by the cover) but other than that what made her famous?
I looked up a YouTube video and low and behold she was a children's author that wrote about horses and had a wonderful man illustrate them. My little sister owned some of her books. Very cool. I have linked that video below.
https://youtu.be/yYmpJjBklJw?feature=...
I looked up a YouTube video and low and behold she was a children's author that wrote about horses and had a wonderful man illustrate them. My little sister owned some of her books. Very cool. I have linked that video below.
https://youtu.be/yYmpJjBklJw?feature=...
July 29, 2025
Loved this book! A professor once told me to find your "permission givers" -- creatives who do something you totally jive with that you never felt like you could do, almost giving you permission to try it in your own work. This book is my permission giver. Seeing how Friedland moves through her research at first unsure if other people will care but then finding there is such a community surrounding Misty, and bringing us into this community, is just such an inspiring read. The book is such a gift! I devoured it and can't wait to read it again.
February 28, 2024
This is a good read, especially for fans of Misty. I expected it to be more about Marguerite Henry, a little more biographical. Instead it was more a memoir of the author's journey in researching Henry's life and learning about the ponies. This isn't a bad thing and is kind of a neat idea--it's almost like the author sought to understand Henry by traveling a similar research path--I like that. I don't think anyone who likes Misty or Marguerite will dislike this book. It is a good read.
September 2, 2025
I had the opportunity to attend the 100th anniversary of the Chincoteague Pony Penning this year. What an awesome experience. A group of us went to hear Susan Friedland speak at the Chincoteague Museum...on the topic of this book, Misty and the author Marguerite Henry.
This was a well researched book. This was a fun to read book, especially after our visit to Chincoteague.
Highly recommended read if you are interested in learning about "what made Marguerite Henry" tick.
This was a well researched book. This was a fun to read book, especially after our visit to Chincoteague.
Highly recommended read if you are interested in learning about "what made Marguerite Henry" tick.
September 3, 2024
Having grown up reading Marguerite Henry books....and still owning most of them to this day...I was excited to read Susan's book and learn about Marguerite and how her books came to be. Susan did a thorough job researching her subject and really kept me engaged! It made me want to revisit all of Marguerite's books again!
March 1, 2026
This is a neat story that tells the story of two people at the same time; Marguerite Henry and Susan, the author. I loved how she wove her personal experiences of researching her favorite author, with telling Marguerite’s story. It’s a great read for those who are familiar with any of Marguerite’s books, but especially the Misty series. I recommend!
January 18, 2024
I received this book for Christmas. I really enjoyed it and it is great for Marguerite Henry fans, horse lovers, and aspiring writers, (great insight into Marguerite's writing and researching process). Highly recommend!
November 20, 2023
Interesting but not compelling
March 12, 2024
Great stories and insight on both Misty and Marguerite!
December 29, 2024
Might be my favorite book of the year. I cried multiple times reading and reminiscing on how much of an impact Marguerite Henry has had on my life.
September 22, 2025
As a lifelong horse girl and fan of Misty and Marguerite myself, this book brought me so many emotions and memories of why I love horses as much as I do!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews