Dandelion: The Extraordinary Life of a Misfit

by Sheelagh Mawe

An uplifting tale for every age that will have you guessing at what becomes of this lost, rebellious soul, until you breathe a sigh of relief, shed a tear of joy, and remember that trusting life is half the secret. This adventurous little horse, who with a little perseverance, patience, and faith, makes a stunning success of her life, will no doubt remind you of yourself.

Genres: Spirituality

162 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Nicole Rayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took several very short sittings for me to get into this book (a few pages and then I would get distracted). Once I made it to chapter four I finished quickly, and was happy to have picked it up that final time. The story is actually quite a quick and easy read, and has a beautiful message. I would recommend it for eight year olds and up. Some of the other reviews of this text have mocked it for being aimed at teens, but I found it to be insightful for a reader of any age. Just because you know something to be true, doesn't mean there is no worth in being reminded of said truth in various forms. Every life has worth, and each person can benefit from acknowledging that for themselves and others from time to time.

[Dale Rogerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I purchased this book I had no idea it was destined for teens. I am definitely not opposed to reading books aimed for youth (Harry Potter, anyone?) I loved it and wish I had read it when I was 12 or 13. And even at the ripe age of 50, I still got something out of it! We are never too old to realise that we are all special in our own way...

[Nina1116 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting

This is a wonderful little story about finding your purpose in life. So simple a child could understand it, Dandelion's creed, if practiced, will profoundly change lives. Highly recommended!

[Rebecca Heller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

Lovely and inspiring. Written in an engaging, descriptive way with no "fat" just to fill pages. The underlying message of the story is broad enough to include any walk of life and specific enough to apply whenever desired.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gem of a book - self-esteem reminder!

[Rasheed Hooda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful

Been meaning to read it for more than a decade. The time was just right, and the message is what I needed to experience. Lovey work, indeed.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book for an older child and is a part of a series of books through the TUT Adventurers Club(Totally Unique Thoughts). These books encourage self discovery and patience. This particular story is about Dandelion, an Arabian/Draft cross who wants to be a racehorse. Needless to say,she is is a very dissatisfied misfit. But through a series of events in her life,she ends up in the sports world. And,you find out in the end,she was a real horse around 1919!

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took a while to get used to hearing the story from a horse's point of view. Quick, short read. Good reminder of an important life lesson.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

It got a little preachy towards the end, but I enjoyed the story. A quirky horse learns to accept herself and visualize the life she wants. Can't go wrong

[Nikki · Rating 1 out of 5]

Over age 11? Try these self-esteem boosters instead of reading Dandelion.

* Read The Secret. I haven't, but I hear it's for grownups.

* Ask your mom/dad/kids/significant other/neighbor/barista--anyone--for a hug.

* Pull a Stuart Smalley. Look in the mirror and say, "I'm good enough. I'm smart enough. And doggone it, people like me."

* Go see your shrink. (S)he's paid to listen, and in no danger of being sent out to pasture or to a glue factory.

* Have a glass of wine, chill out, and know it could be worse. You could be a polo pony.

[treehugger]

This is written by the mother of one of the teachers in "The Secret". He's a pretty neat guy judging from his "Notes from the Universe" and she is on the same wavelength. Very quick story good for kids or adults about valuing and honoring yourself, regardless of how different you are from how society thinks you should be.

[Rebecca Porter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was encouraged to read this book by a friend. She, being a horsewoman and a free spirit, loved it. I found it a retelling of Black Beauty does the Black Stallion with a twist. Yes the end is unique, but I saw it coming from the beginning.

The writing style is earthy and light. The mood often sad and oppressing. For a young reader, there is a message, but it's one told in many, many stories.

[Chloe the MovieCritic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does tackle storytelling through a more spiritual perspective. It’s not tied to any religion, but really focuses on inner power and decisions. This wasn’t anything exceptional, but I liked it! It was sweet and made me consider a new perspective.

Read my full review here:
http://moviesmeetmatch.blogspot.com/2...

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short 162 page book story of a misfit horse who found her place in the world. Sweet inspiring motivating book

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely for children. I would have loved it if I were 9 or so and wish I *had* read it then. But it is just too simplistic for this adult.

[Tink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great perspective on life and how to improve yourattitude to increase your happiness

[Sierra Sheets · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book showed me courage and happiness even in the small things! It is an amazing book which I would give to everyone if I could!

[Rose Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good children's book.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for tweens or even teens who might be hooked by their love of horses, however, the message is ageless.

[Ann Panah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good reminder to look for the good in life. I love a nice horse story!

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and easy to read. Really good example for finding yourself and being happy where you are.