Colt on Christmas Eve

Animal Ark Holiday Special #17

by Ben M. Baglio, Ann Baum (Illustrator)

ISBN: 0439775221, ISBN 13: 9780439775229.

At Animal Ark, Mandy Hope helps her parents treat animals of all shape and sizes. Even outside the clinic, Mandy can't resist helping any animal in need.

It's Christmastime, and Mandy is headed to her Great-Aunt Pip's house for the holiday. Pip lives in the New Forest, an ancient woodland rich with wildlife and fascinating local traditions. Mandy is eager to meet the wild ponies that roam the land, and she soon befriends a gentle mare and her beautiful roan colt. But as usal, it's not long before Mandy's veterinary knowledge is urgently needed. The Forest can be a dangerous place when it's dark and icy.

Can Mandy act in time to save the horses from a terrible accident on Christmas Eve?

Genres: Christmas, Animals, Childrens, Horses, Middle Grade, Fiction, Realistic Fiction

142 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Ben M. Baglio created the brief for two series of children's books - Dolphin Diaries and Animal Ark. Dolphin Diaries features a girl and her family from Florida, who travel around the world as marine biologists and study dolphins. Animal Ark features two children who work together to help animals and solve animal-related mysteries. The books were written by commissioned writers in the UK under Baglio's instruction using the pseudonym Lucy Daniels. Each ghostwriter is named with a 'Special Thanks' on the copyright page.

Using his real name he also wrote the book series The Pet Finders Club, featuring a group of three children who search for peoples lost pets.

Reviews

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandy is visiting her great-aunt for Christmas! She is told that there are wild horses there! Mandy is so excited to meet them! But one day, a terrible accident happens to one of the horses, and its to late to save her. Can Mandy and her parents help save her colt? Read the book to find out!

This book is super awesome! I really like it. You have got to read this book because it is super, duper, interesting!

[Twyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favorite part was when the colt was safe after the accident. the worst part was when his mom got hurt in the accident. my favorite character was mandy. there was no worst character. auryn 11 years old, 2014

[Jordan Bloomquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book after my 7-year-old told me I just HAD to- and who turns down that kind of request from a sweet little girl. As an adult, it was about an hour to read (a full morning for my daughter), and I thought it was a nice story.

From a mom’s perspective- cute, wholesome, respectful characters, a loving family, positive portrayal of adoption. Nice “light evening reading” for an elementary school child. Story was interesting and adventure-filled enough to hook my daughter.

From a Christian’s perspective- Christianity is assumed (family attends church, sings in the choir), but it is not explicitly from a Christian worldview.

A cozy, enjoyable children’s novel.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good book! My daughter read this before Christmas and said I had to read it. She did NOT tell me the extremely sad part in it and I even had a hard time getting through that part. It pulls at your heartstrings for sure. But it was a great book to read. I couldn't put it down.

[Lianna Kendig · Rating 3 out of 5]

(LL)
This was an average story. Nothing really special except a new location. There were some cool facts about New Forest in here, but that’s it.

[Phoebe Hinkle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad but sweet. One of the few Animal Arks I remember crying over.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

kinda sad.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stopped reading, said it was boring.

[Taylor Troncin]

Loved this series when I was younger. Still a huge animal lover and would like to read the rest of this series!

[Andi Marks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this when I was little;it's really easy