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Stable
There was a time when horses dominated every aspect of American life. Now Kensington Stables, just off Brooklyn's Prospect Park, is one of the last remaining stables in New York City. This book is about that stable: its past, its present, and its uncertain future.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 12, 2010
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 9, 2010
It's easy for us to forget, in our high tech, 21st century world, how integral horses were to all aspects of life just a century ago. Ted Lewin's newest picture book takes us back to a simpler time long ago in Brooklyn, when "horses did just about everything." With his wonderfully nostalgic sepia toned painted illustrations, he shows us how horses took people to the beach, pulled trolleys, milk wagons, and fire engines, and even, on occasion, pulled other horses.
But even though most of the horses are gone, one old stable remains in Brooklyn, one of the last remaining in such an urban setting and home to thirty-seven horses (who are lovingly depicted in individual portraits at the conclusion of the book).
What do these Brooklyn horses do? Through a combination of simple text and heartwarming illustrations which now have sprung into vivid color, Lewin depicts the various residents of Kensington Stables being used for riding lessons, trail rides, or sent off to birthday parties and street fairs. But perhaps best of all, the horses offer love; Lewin writes, "They like to say here, 'When something bothers you, go in a stall and hug a horse.'"
The book concludes with a poignant question: as the little stable is surrounded by more and more high rise condo developments, "what will become of these horses and the people who love them if the wrecker's ball finally comes?"
In an afterword, the author, who lives in Brooklyn with his wife, author/illustrator Betsy Lewin (illustrator of one of my all-time favorite picture books, Click, Clack, Moo: Cows Who Type, among others), points out that in 1880, New York City and Brooklyn were home to over 180,000 horses. There are now fewer than 500, although hitching posts can still be found throughout the city.
This book will certainly charm horse lovers of all ages; the text is easy to read and is simple enough that it could be read aloud to children as young as preschool age. The beautiful, warm illustrations will inspire all readers with nostalgia for the days when horses ruled the streets! I am convinced this title will jump off library and bookstore shelves, and will be a favorite with young ones at home as well.
But even though most of the horses are gone, one old stable remains in Brooklyn, one of the last remaining in such an urban setting and home to thirty-seven horses (who are lovingly depicted in individual portraits at the conclusion of the book).
What do these Brooklyn horses do? Through a combination of simple text and heartwarming illustrations which now have sprung into vivid color, Lewin depicts the various residents of Kensington Stables being used for riding lessons, trail rides, or sent off to birthday parties and street fairs. But perhaps best of all, the horses offer love; Lewin writes, "They like to say here, 'When something bothers you, go in a stall and hug a horse.'"
The book concludes with a poignant question: as the little stable is surrounded by more and more high rise condo developments, "what will become of these horses and the people who love them if the wrecker's ball finally comes?"
In an afterword, the author, who lives in Brooklyn with his wife, author/illustrator Betsy Lewin (illustrator of one of my all-time favorite picture books, Click, Clack, Moo: Cows Who Type, among others), points out that in 1880, New York City and Brooklyn were home to over 180,000 horses. There are now fewer than 500, although hitching posts can still be found throughout the city.
This book will certainly charm horse lovers of all ages; the text is easy to read and is simple enough that it could be read aloud to children as young as preschool age. The beautiful, warm illustrations will inspire all readers with nostalgia for the days when horses ruled the streets! I am convinced this title will jump off library and bookstore shelves, and will be a favorite with young ones at home as well.
February 1, 2018
This narrative nonfiction book describes the past and present of an actual horse stable in Brooklyn NY. The characteristically beautiful illustrations by Ted Lewin combine with child-friendly text, and the names and portraits of each horse. Likely to become a favorite among those students who are perpetually looking for "horse books."
September 14, 2018
loved it!
February 6, 2011
Horses once powered our nation. Today, they are no longer a common sight in urban areas.
Avoiding the of the controversial nature of the NYC carriage industry, Lewin looks at a Big Apple institution: Kensington Stables, which houses urban horses, some of whom are “retired” from the carriage trade. (And others whom still participate in it via carriage rides in Prospect Park.)
Some of these horses participate in riding programs for handicapped children. Other enterprises aren’t quite so benevolent: ponies, for example, are rented out for birthday parties and street fairs. Kensington’s website trumpets: Our safe, gentle, and adorable ponies are available for rides at birthday parties, daycare, nurseries, schools, churches, family reunions, barbeques, block parties, whatever! (Sigh.)
Horse industry questions aside, the watercolor illustrations in Stable are phenomenal. The bulk of my three-star rating goes to the illustrator’s prowess alone.
As New Yorkers and many others are well aware, the carriage industry is hotly contested, with bills and campaigns frequently arising to do away with it once and for all. While the author sidesteps mentioning this, he does, at the end, become maudlin, opining: “What will become of these horses and the people who love them if the wrecker’s ball finally comes?” The inference is clear.
Avoiding the of the controversial nature of the NYC carriage industry, Lewin looks at a Big Apple institution: Kensington Stables, which houses urban horses, some of whom are “retired” from the carriage trade. (And others whom still participate in it via carriage rides in Prospect Park.)
Some of these horses participate in riding programs for handicapped children. Other enterprises aren’t quite so benevolent: ponies, for example, are rented out for birthday parties and street fairs. Kensington’s website trumpets: Our safe, gentle, and adorable ponies are available for rides at birthday parties, daycare, nurseries, schools, churches, family reunions, barbeques, block parties, whatever! (Sigh.)
Horse industry questions aside, the watercolor illustrations in Stable are phenomenal. The bulk of my three-star rating goes to the illustrator’s prowess alone.
As New Yorkers and many others are well aware, the carriage industry is hotly contested, with bills and campaigns frequently arising to do away with it once and for all. While the author sidesteps mentioning this, he does, at the end, become maudlin, opining: “What will become of these horses and the people who love them if the wrecker’s ball finally comes?” The inference is clear.
June 10, 2011
With beautiful watercolor illustrations, author/illustrator Ted Lewin brings readers into “a time in America when horses did just about everything” with this large format nonfiction picture book. Kensington Stables, just off Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, is one of the last remaining stables in New York City. Starting with sepia-toned paintings showing horses drawing wagons filled with milk, ice and people through the city, Lewin shows readers how integral horses were to life in the late 1800s. But by the 1960s, most horses had disappeared from the streets of New York. Kensington Stables remained as “one of the last of its kind,” home to more than thirty horses that take people on pony rides, trail rides in the park, and riding lessons. Lewin’s paintings of the modern stables and horses radiate with color and dappled sunshine. Many scenes effectively show the juxtaposition of horses traveling through a city amongst cars and tall buildings. This book will especially appeal to horse lovers; as Lewin writes, “They like to say here, ‘When something bothers you, go in a stall and hug a horse.’” But it offers more this, prompting readers to think about the passage of time, and what will happen to these horses if the wrecker’s ball comes to the stable. What will happen to the horses then?
April 6, 2013
Being familiar with New York City, I must admit I am biased. This book does something special, and that is to transport you to a different time in New York's history. It shows you something that you might miss in New York City even today. In this respect, you can draw comparisons to The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell (non-fiction for adults).
Lewin is a talented artist. Anything he touches is worth borrowing from a library. Lewin's most significant talent, however, is to teach interesting things to his readers that they might not otherwise learn. He makes non-fiction fun for children.
I think many a girl will be moved by the portraits of the horses found in the stable. I would especially recommend this book to children who live in cities. I think without an affinity to animals, or New York, some might find this just above average.
Me, I really enjoyed it. Recommend.
Lewin is a talented artist. Anything he touches is worth borrowing from a library. Lewin's most significant talent, however, is to teach interesting things to his readers that they might not otherwise learn. He makes non-fiction fun for children.
I think many a girl will be moved by the portraits of the horses found in the stable. I would especially recommend this book to children who live in cities. I think without an affinity to animals, or New York, some might find this just above average.
Me, I really enjoyed it. Recommend.
September 25, 2013
"Stable," by Ted Lewin is an informative story about the Kensington Stables in New York City. The book explains how important horses were in history before cars came about. I thought this book was very knowledgeable. I had no idea there was a stable in New York City and now I understand the importance of it. Growing up with large animals in my backyard, I took it for advantage. Overall, I thought this book had great knowledge and I am sure many children would enjoy learning about this stable.
June 25, 2011
From a horse population of 108,000 in the 1880s to less than 500 now, this chronicles the story of a stable in Brooklyn. Beginning with monochromatic illustrations of how horses worked in the 1800s and progressing to colorful illustrations of present day Brooklyn, the horse lover is sure to examine the story closely and the 37 head shots of the horses mentioned throughout the story.
July 30, 2014
Once again Ted Lewin makes a place come alive for those reading his excellent illustrated books. In this case, a stable in New York City. Bits of history are included, to bring context to the working stable, and the possible disappearance of a way of life.
Horse lovers will appreciate this, but everyone will enjoy this slice of life.
Horse lovers will appreciate this, but everyone will enjoy this slice of life.
November 24, 2010
Lewin's luscious watercolors are, as ever, stunning. Nice subject - vanishing horse scene, and what survives of it in NYC. Especially like the picture of the horse crossing traffic to enter the park.
January 17, 2012
Before cars, horses dominated transportation in America. But what happened to all those horses and stables when cars took over? Brooklyn still houses one big city stable and this book is the story of Kensington Stables in Prospect Park. What goes on in a big city stable that's past its prime?
September 29, 2015
This is a beautiful picture book, illustrated in water colors. It is about the past and present of horses in New York City. Kensington Stables, in the Bronx, is a last hold-out paradise for the horse lover of the Big Apple.
October 24, 2010
Beautiful beautiful and personal and friendly and full of the first-person anecdotal observations that Lewin always so generously loads into his picture books.
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November 17, 2010Kirkus Best Children's Books 2010
January 1, 2011
Stunningly illustrated story about one New York City's last remaining stables. This one is Kensington Stables in Brooklyn's Prospect Park. A book no horse lover will be able to resist.
January 7, 2011
Four stars for the art; two for the story.
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October 14, 2013This book talks about one of the last stables in NYC. I thought that the book was a little boring, but still had a nice plot. It was very easy to follow.
November 3, 2010
Lovely story and will be very popular with horse loving kids!
November 26, 2010
For Lily:)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews