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Bonny's Big Day
The storytelling magic of James Herriot has become a warm, joyful part of our children's lives. Bonny's Big Day is the endearing tale of Farmer Skipton and his beloved cart horse Bonny, who one day comes out of "retirement" for a very special day on the town.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1972
2 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
James Herriot
269 books3,491 followersJames Herriot is the pen name of James Alfred Wight, OBE, FRCVS also known as Alf Wight, an English veterinary surgeon and writer. Wight is best known for his semi-autobiographical stories, often referred to collectively as All Creatures Great and Small, a title used in some editions and in film and television adaptations.
In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow Veterinary College. In January 1940, he took a brief job at a veterinary practice in Sunderland, but moved in July to work in a rural practice based in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where he was to remain for the rest of his life. The original practice is now a museum, "The World of James Herriot".
Wight intended for years to write a book, but with most of his time consumed by veterinary practice and family, his writing ambition went nowhere. Challenged by his wife, in 1966 (at the age of 50), he began writing. In 1969 Wight wrote If Only They Could Talk, the first of the now-famous series based on his life working as a vet and his training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Owing in part to professional etiquette which at that time frowned on veterinary surgeons and other professionals from advertising their services, he took a pen name, choosing "James Herriot". If Only They Could Talk was published in the United Kingdom in 1970 by Michael Joseph Ltd, but sales were slow until Thomas McCormack, of St. Martin's Press in New York City, received a copy and arranged to have the first two books published as a single volume in the United States. The resulting book, titled All Creatures Great and Small, was an overnight success, spawning numerous sequels, movies, and a successful television adaptation.
In his books, Wight calls the town where he lives and works Darrowby, which he based largely on the towns of Thirsk and Sowerby. He also renamed Donald Sinclair and his brother Brian Sinclair as Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, respectively. Wight's books are only partially autobiographical. Many of the stories are only loosely based on real events or people, and thus can be considered primarily fiction.
The Herriot books are often described as "animal stories" (Wight himself was known to refer to them as his "little cat-and-dog stories"), and given that they are about the life of a country veterinarian, animals certainly play a significant role in most of the stories. Yet animals play a lesser, sometimes even a negligible role in many of Wight's tales: the overall theme of his stories is Yorkshire country life, with its people and their animals primary elements that provide its distinct character. Further, it is Wight's shrewd observations of persons, animals, and their close inter-relationship, which give his writing much of its savour. Wight was just as interested in their owners as he was in his patients, and his writing is, at root, an amiable but keen comment on the human condition. The Yorkshire animals provide the element of pain and drama; the role of their owners is to feel and express joy, sadness, sometimes triumph. The animal characters also prevent Wight's stories from becoming twee or melodramatic — animals, unlike some humans, do not pretend to be ailing, nor have they imaginary complaints and needless fears. Their ill-health is real, not the result of flaws in their character which they avoid mending. In an age of social uncertainties, when there seem to be no remedies for anything, Wight's stories of resolute grappling with mysterious bacterial foes or severe injuries have an almost heroic quality, giving the reader a sense of assurance, even hope. Best of all, James Herriot has an abundant humour about himself and his difficulties. He never feels superior to any living thing, and is ever eager to learn — about animal doctoring, and about his fellow human creature.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesh...
In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow Veterinary College. In January 1940, he took a brief job at a veterinary practice in Sunderland, but moved in July to work in a rural practice based in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where he was to remain for the rest of his life. The original practice is now a museum, "The World of James Herriot".
Wight intended for years to write a book, but with most of his time consumed by veterinary practice and family, his writing ambition went nowhere. Challenged by his wife, in 1966 (at the age of 50), he began writing. In 1969 Wight wrote If Only They Could Talk, the first of the now-famous series based on his life working as a vet and his training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Owing in part to professional etiquette which at that time frowned on veterinary surgeons and other professionals from advertising their services, he took a pen name, choosing "James Herriot". If Only They Could Talk was published in the United Kingdom in 1970 by Michael Joseph Ltd, but sales were slow until Thomas McCormack, of St. Martin's Press in New York City, received a copy and arranged to have the first two books published as a single volume in the United States. The resulting book, titled All Creatures Great and Small, was an overnight success, spawning numerous sequels, movies, and a successful television adaptation.
In his books, Wight calls the town where he lives and works Darrowby, which he based largely on the towns of Thirsk and Sowerby. He also renamed Donald Sinclair and his brother Brian Sinclair as Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, respectively. Wight's books are only partially autobiographical. Many of the stories are only loosely based on real events or people, and thus can be considered primarily fiction.
The Herriot books are often described as "animal stories" (Wight himself was known to refer to them as his "little cat-and-dog stories"), and given that they are about the life of a country veterinarian, animals certainly play a significant role in most of the stories. Yet animals play a lesser, sometimes even a negligible role in many of Wight's tales: the overall theme of his stories is Yorkshire country life, with its people and their animals primary elements that provide its distinct character. Further, it is Wight's shrewd observations of persons, animals, and their close inter-relationship, which give his writing much of its savour. Wight was just as interested in their owners as he was in his patients, and his writing is, at root, an amiable but keen comment on the human condition. The Yorkshire animals provide the element of pain and drama; the role of their owners is to feel and express joy, sadness, sometimes triumph. The animal characters also prevent Wight's stories from becoming twee or melodramatic — animals, unlike some humans, do not pretend to be ailing, nor have they imaginary complaints and needless fears. Their ill-health is real, not the result of flaws in their character which they avoid mending. In an age of social uncertainties, when there seem to be no remedies for anything, Wight's stories of resolute grappling with mysterious bacterial foes or severe injuries have an almost heroic quality, giving the reader a sense of assurance, even hope. Best of all, James Herriot has an abundant humour about himself and his difficulties. He never feels superior to any living thing, and is ever eager to learn — about animal doctoring, and about his fellow human creature.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesh...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 30, 2025
Lovely and heartwarming! John Skipton cares for the now retired workhorses who helped him maintain the farm throughout the years. The respect, affection, appreciation, and attention he gives is mutually returned by these helpers turned friends. John's loving pride is made apparent for the townsfolk through the presentation of Bonny in full regalia at the Darrowby Show, and likewise, Bonny's big day showcases her loving pride in her caretaker and friend. A tender, kindhearted read for animal lovers and more.
October 3, 2025
I just loved these quaint stories from a British country vet when I was a child! Keep an eye out for all of his illustrated stories and add them to your children's library!
In honor of his birthday, I made this reel!
Ages: 4 - 8
Content Considerations: nothing to note.
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In honor of his birthday, I made this reel!
Ages: 4 - 8
Content Considerations: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!
October 10, 2024
Special are authors who write of sweet things. This anecdote from James Herriot is blissful. It is so powerful and original, my heart soared and granted it a grade of joyous perfection. The morals warm stories reveal are more paramount than they seem. We are touched by relatable people who validate and demonstrate what we earnestly believe.
My Father-in-law inherited a farming life and has not left the region of his birth. I am not saying he would have stopped using animals for food after a convincing debate but he had no exposure to alternate views. When he met our 21 year-old cat, he was shocked. He politely listens to stories of our cat family in a way that openness can be sensed. My man is like him in needing to see an idea normalized, to feel comfortable owning that viewpoint. He might be a follower but it is not about caring what others think. He needs an idea to feel reasonable for himself. Afterwards, others can gawk as they like.
Here is an example everyone can understand. The word “owner” needs to be abolished on living beings. We own homes, vehicles, clothes, supperware. Innately, animal lovers know the word is dangerously wrong but veterinarians use it on their client forms. I urge and challenge veterinarians of the world to change the term to “pet family” and tell every client why you did it. It will give everyone permission and the vocabulary to change!
In this beautiful real story, James’ client loved his elderly horses enough to retire them to happy, leisurely lives. He was a gruff old-timer. When he learned that they qualified as family animals, he entered Bonny into a contest with small pets. He understood he already cared about his large pets. Ruth Brown’s drawings are lovely.
My Father-in-law inherited a farming life and has not left the region of his birth. I am not saying he would have stopped using animals for food after a convincing debate but he had no exposure to alternate views. When he met our 21 year-old cat, he was shocked. He politely listens to stories of our cat family in a way that openness can be sensed. My man is like him in needing to see an idea normalized, to feel comfortable owning that viewpoint. He might be a follower but it is not about caring what others think. He needs an idea to feel reasonable for himself. Afterwards, others can gawk as they like.
Here is an example everyone can understand. The word “owner” needs to be abolished on living beings. We own homes, vehicles, clothes, supperware. Innately, animal lovers know the word is dangerously wrong but veterinarians use it on their client forms. I urge and challenge veterinarians of the world to change the term to “pet family” and tell every client why you did it. It will give everyone permission and the vocabulary to change!
In this beautiful real story, James’ client loved his elderly horses enough to retire them to happy, leisurely lives. He was a gruff old-timer. When he learned that they qualified as family animals, he entered Bonny into a contest with small pets. He understood he already cared about his large pets. Ruth Brown’s drawings are lovely.
October 8, 2024
Lots to like -- the art, the story, the focus on caring for an older pet, and an active senior (who's figured out that other things in life are more important than spending hours on 'clothing').
March 22, 2022
This was adorable. What a sweet story and the illustrations are lovely.
November 22, 2016
This book is mildly interesting, but I didn't see anything wrong with it. And it's a good bedtime story for younger people. Why not give it five stars?
*add dragons to anything and it's automatically five stars*
*add dragons to anything and it's automatically five stars*
February 15, 2020
My childhood favourite ❤️
January 10, 2022
Here James Herriot adapts one of his finest real life experiences of an old, eccentric and now successful hermit farmer who will not forget the sacrifices that his two draft horses made for him in the earlier, "leaner days" of their farm.
Herriot is shocked and impressed by the farmer's great loyalty.
Later the horses reappear at the local fair- in competition as- pets.
Herriot is shocked and impressed by the farmer's great loyalty.
Later the horses reappear at the local fair- in competition as- pets.
August 5, 2018
Everything James Herriott ever wrote was amazing. And that includes this heartwarming story of a loving farmer and his elderly horse, who compete in the town pet show. Enjoyable for both my kindergartner and my husband. A nice book I would recommend whole heartedly.
March 31, 2021
What a sweet story with gorgeous illustrations (as are all the stories in this collection thus far). My one and only complaint: Ruth Brown drew Dolly as a bay, even though Herriot described her as a chestnut.
June 19, 2017
Nice story with cool pictures for young children.
May 13, 2018
This is a sweet story about a farmer and his two “pet” horses. Like all Herriot stories it is quiet and gently humorous and full of heart.
May 12, 2020
Childhood favourite!
September 27, 2020
James Herriot. No one like him. Only read with a box of tissues.
November 20, 2020
I don't know what I am more obsessed with the adorable story or the glorious illustrations!
December 4, 2020
4 stars & 4/10 hearts. James Herriot certainly has a talent! I really appreciate his writing style. What a sweet, enjoyable story! I loved reading it! Bonny and Dolly sound so nice, and so does John!
March 4, 2021
I do have a strong opinion of this book although it is a little bit sad to I really like how the person Stands up for him and his horse.
October 11, 2021
I read this book all the time as a kid, and reading it as an adult takes me right back to my childhood!!
April 9, 2022
Re-read it to my four-year-old Grandchild, he loved it and stayed interested.
May 25, 2022
We live James Herriot books in this house! The illustrations are excellent and his writing is poetic.
June 5, 2023
Five stars from my listeners.
October 31, 2023
I'll take James Herriot any time!
February 29, 2024
Narrated by an appreciative veterinarian, this story shows children how lonely old men have friends, too. Hats off to Mr Skipton!
March 2, 2024
Another wonderful book written by Jamed Herriot! Illustrations are perfect to the story!
January 30, 2023
I’ve read this heartwarming story countless times, as it was among the most often requested by one the children for whom I nannied. I’ll never tire of it, though, I think it’s my favorite Herriot picture book. If you look closely at the beautiful illustrations, you’ll see some subtle humor on the illustrator’s part.
September 9, 2025
Oh okay, almost teared up. Something about a horse as an unexpected pet and giving her all the showboating she deserves. James Herriot stories from his veterinarian days are some of my absolute favorites.
Beautifully illustrated, with some real veterinarian work included in storylines; I can’t wait to read these out loud to my future kiddos.
Maybe one of them will want to become a veterinarian (just like I did) and then give it up (just like I did) when they realize how much math is involved.
Beautifully illustrated, with some real veterinarian work included in storylines; I can’t wait to read these out loud to my future kiddos.
Maybe one of them will want to become a veterinarian (just like I did) and then give it up (just like I did) when they realize how much math is involved.
March 28, 2016
This whole series of James Herriott books illustrated by Ruth Brown are lovely picture books. "Bonny's Big Day" tells the story of an old retired farmer, Mr. Skipton, who has lovingly granted his elderly draft horses a beautiful retirement on his property. When Dr. Herriott comes to tend to Dolly's injured hoof, he comments on how good she and Bonny have it on Mr. Skipton's land. Mr. Skipton doesn't see that he is doing anything special by granting them a retirement. He sees this as their right. Herriott, seeing how the animals obviously love and tease Mr. Skipton by knocking his hat around with their muzzles, suggests Mr. Skipton enter Bonny (as Dolly will still be recuperating) into the Darrowby Show the following week as an unusual pet in the Family Pets Class competition as they have requested unusual entrants. Mr. Skipton pooh-poohs this idea, but show up the following week with Bonny in the full regalia of an old-fashioned carthorse. Spoiler Alert: Bonny wins! When Herriott returns to Mr. Skipton's farm with him to check on Dolly and help Skipton undress Bonny, they are both gratified to see that Dolly is fully recovered and the two "girls" are happy to be reunited. Mr. Skipton comments that it looks like Bonny is telling Dolly all about her big day. It's just a lovely story of two animals who love one another and are well-cared-for by a farmer who appreciates them for more than the work they are able to do.
This one takes place in September, so it's a lovely late summer or early fall read.
This one takes place in September, so it's a lovely late summer or early fall read.
October 28, 2015
Bonny’s Big Day is another of James Herriot’s beautiful stories for children. The pictures are gorgeous paintings, and the story is lovely. In this story, which I’ve read uncountable times to my little people, the vet goes to take care of a carthorse’s sore foot. He pulls out the offending nail, and then tells the farmer he should take his horse to the Family Pets class at the local show. This horse hasn’t done any work for 12 years, and is kept only for the farmer’s pleasure, so of course she is a pet. The man in charge of the show doesn’t agree, though; will the farmer be able to show his majestic horse?
Read my full review here.
March 4, 2014
My daughter and I love Mr Herriot's books! He was a vet and has turned his experiences and people and animals he meet throughout the years into wonderfully told stories!
This story is about an elderly man and his two retired horses aged 20 and 30! He keeps them as 'pets' since they deserved their retirement. The vet talks the gentleman into entering Bonny in a pet competition he doesn't look at his animals as pets but the next day he arrives with Bonny all dressed up and he's very proud of her. The love he has for his horse shows in the way he handles her and the way she interacts with him. A story that will bring happy tears to your eyes! BEUTIFUL story!
This story is about an elderly man and his two retired horses aged 20 and 30! He keeps them as 'pets' since they deserved their retirement. The vet talks the gentleman into entering Bonny in a pet competition he doesn't look at his animals as pets but the next day he arrives with Bonny all dressed up and he's very proud of her. The love he has for his horse shows in the way he handles her and the way she interacts with him. A story that will bring happy tears to your eyes! BEUTIFUL story!
December 9, 2025
[Read countless times starting mid-2024, as part of James Herriot's Treasury for Children. I'll just mark it once for 2024, but there were points where we were reading this nightly.]
This was probably the story that really got my toddler into Herriot's collection of stories. Especially recommended for a kid interested in both horses and veterinary science. The illustrations are stunning, as with all the stories in the collection, the story isn't dumbed down (either in vocabulary or content), and this one is charming.
This was probably the story that really got my toddler into Herriot's collection of stories. Especially recommended for a kid interested in both horses and veterinary science. The illustrations are stunning, as with all the stories in the collection, the story isn't dumbed down (either in vocabulary or content), and this one is charming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews