The Magic Saddle

by Christobel Mattingley, Patricia Mullins (Illustrator)

A little boy's wish for a magic rocking horse that will take him away to faraway places comes true in an unusual way.

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Holiday

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Christobel Mattingley has been writing since she was eight years old and had her first pieces published in the children's pages of magazines and newspapers. Her first book, The Picnic Dog, was published in 1970, when she had three young children. While they were growing up she worked as a librarian in schools and in a teachers' college. She has been self-employed as a writer since 1974 and has travelled widely in Australia and overseas, speaking in schools and libraries. Christobel Mattingley has published over 30 books for children. Some of her works have been translated into other languages, have won various awards in Australia and the USA, and have been made into films for ABC Television. For most of the 1980s she worked with Aboriginal people and researched the history Survival in Our Land. In 1990 she received the Advance Australia Award for Service to Literature, and in 1996 she was made a Member of the Order of Australia for service to literature, particularly children's literature, and for community service through her commitment to social and cultural issues. No Gun for Asmir received a High Commendation in the Australian Human Rights Awards of 1994.

Reviews

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet story for young children illustrated beautifully by Patricia Mullins.

[Becca Tillotson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet.

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonni wishes for a rocking horse to take him far, far away. While riding his dad’s shoulders, he sees a beautiful carved horse hidden amongst the trumpets and trains, drums and dolls at the Christmas Fair on St. Nicholas’ Day. But his parents can’t afford the horse of his dreams: just a little red Christmas tree decoration in the shape of a rocking horse.

Jonni is disappointed. It is far too small to carry him far, far away.

But—! When Jonni sees the Christ Child in a crib, he’s dismayed that no one has thought to give the baby some toys. Gold, frankincense and myrrh are all very well, but a little boy needs toys! Jonni realises his little red rocking horse decoration is the perfect size for such a toy. So he gives it to the Christ Child.

On Christmas Eve, Jonni receives a visit from the Christ Child who leaves some gifts in return. A blue wool mouse, a picture book of lands far, far away and a gingerbread rocking horse.

Jonni is disappointed again. He decides to eat the gingerbread rocking horse. But then it starts to talk…

A warm and inviting book, gentle and comforting, celebrating Christmas and family and the yearnings of a small boy. Patricia Mullins’ collages are alternately delicate and dramatic, perfectly complementing the dream-like story.