Fabish: The Horse that Braved a Bushfire

by Neridah McMullin, Andrew McLean

A powerful, moving story based on a true story about one heroic horse who saved others during a bushfire. Fabish had once been a racehorse. Now he lived in a paddock with the frisky young horses and showed them how to behave. But one hot summer day, a wild wind blew up, and the horses were nervous and flighty. This was the day that became known as Black Saturday. When Fabish smelled smoke he knew that fire was coming. The trainer threw open the gate and told Fabish, "Go now! Take care of the boys." The horses galloped away. Where would Fabish lead them? And could he keep them safe?

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2016

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true story, beautifully told.

[Hayley (hayleys.little.library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh, this was such a beautiful book! 'Fabish: the horse that braved a bushfire' is about a beautiful grey Thoroughbred named Fabish who saved a herd of young horses during a bushfire - specifically known as 'Black Saturday' to us Australians. I was quite young when Black Saturday happened, and I still remember so clearly the devastation and heartache of the many people, animals, and homes lost. I love that this heroic story is a glimmer of hope from this time, and it is amazingly based on a true story. The illustrations are so, so beautiful & I highly recommend reading it. Thank you to Allen & Unwin for my gifted copy.


Synopsis: A powerful, moving story based on a true story about one heroic horse who saved others during a bushfire. Fabish had once been a racehorse. Now he lived in a paddock with the frisky young horses and showed them how to behave. But one hot summer day, a wild wind blew up, and the horses were nervous and flighty. This was the day that became known as Black Saturday. When Fabish smelled smoke he knew that fire was coming. The trainer threw open the gate and told Fabish, "Go now! Take care of the boys." The horses galloped away. Where would Fabish lead them? And could he keep them safe?

[Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author: Neridah McMullin
Illustrator:Andrew McLean
Age Recommendation: Early - Middle Primary
Art Style: Paint (possibly Watercolour)
Topic/ Theme: Bravery, Bushfires
Setting: Narbethong, February 2009

I want to say that this is not a book for everyone, I live very close to where the Black Saturday Bush Fires, the fires the events in Fabish occurred during, happened. Even ten years on people are still deeply impacted by those fires and the death and destruction they caused. Fabish is not for them or anyone else triggered by fires.

Fabish as a book is beautiful, a lovely story that needed to be told, a reminder that there is good in the world. The illustrations the right balance of harrowing and gorgeous. The firestorm illustrations in particular are clever, giving the illusion of movement and heat and impending doom.

This is very much a book for the right collection, not necessarily public libraries, but school libraries can do a lot with it.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A recount of an event during the Victorian bushfires in 2009, Fabish is a retired race horse who looks after the yearlings on the stud farm. When a bushfire threatens, Fabish is released with the herd to fend for themselves. The trainer fights successfully to save the stables and racehorses inside, and is overjoyed when Fabish and the yearlings turn up the next day. Illustrations are evocative capturing the tension, menace of the fire and the fear of the horses, however, the story seems a little misnamed as the heroic efforts of Fabish are not included (as no one knows how the horse managed to save the herd). Shortlisted for the CBCA 2017 Eve Pownall Awards - i feel this pictorial information book could be more compelling.

[Neeli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The background to the mysterious way in which Fabish rescued the yearlings during the 2009 Australian bushfires is presented alongside some captivating pictures. A heart warming story that that can only nurture the love of these fabulous animals. I would recommend this book for children aged between 6 and 8.

[Megan Liwanag · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a touching short book that made me feel sad when I thought something bad was gonna happen. The best thing is that this book is based on a real story. These horses did exist just as much as the fire. Very heartwarming.

[Dimity Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh dear, this is another picture book that unstuck me a bit...I struggled to get through the tear-jerking end but surged on in spite of Miss 10's eyeball-rolling and tut-tutting. And it was worth it. This is a beautiful portrayal of a sage, brave horse that not only survived a fire storm but managed to bring seven feckle yearlings through it unscathed, as well. Based on true life events following the horrific Black Saturday bushfires of 2009, McMullin and McLean tell this tale of extraordinary courage with songful language and touching illustrations. A well deserved 4 1/2 stars from both of us.

[Mere · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful written story. The pictures are amazing. I'm already wishing that this book was a longer picture book.

Fabish: the horse that braved a bushfire shows a different side to these horses.