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Children's Nonfiction Horses

Little Squire

The Jumping Pony

by (author) Judy Andrekson

illustrated by David Parkins

Publisher
Tundra
Initial publish date
Apr 2007
Category
Horses, Equestrian, General
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780887767708
    Publish Date
    Apr 2007
    List Price
    $9.99

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Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels

  • Age: 9 to 12
  • Grade: 4 to 7

Description

Little Squire was born in an Irish meadow on an early spring day. The colt was beautifully formed with strong, straight legs and a pretty head. But due to his small size, it was unlikely he would be more than a nice child’s riding pony. By the following spring, the yearling was separated from his mother and turned out to pasture with the other weanlings. Little Squire wasn’t happy to be away from his dam so he charged the high stone wall and cleared it easily. Little Squire had just shown an astonishing side of himself that would eventually bring him greatness.

Over time, the young horse traded hands, crossed an ocean, and ended up on the American show-jumping circuit. That was when he met another diminutive Irish immigrant, Mickey Walsh.

The two were inseparable until, at Mickey’s request, Little Squire was retired at the top of his game, and while he was still sound. He went out in a blaze of glory, though, ending his last performance with Mickey by jumping a six-foot-two fence — rider-less — in front of a packed arena. During the war-torn 30s, Little Squire had given people something to cheer about.

About the authors

Judy Andrekson's profile page

Phyllis Root is the author of BIG MOMMA MAKES THE WORLD and many other award-winning books for children. She says, " Aunt Nancy is my grandmothers and aunts — women who never let the world get the better of them — all rolled into one." She lives in Minneapolis.
David Parkins has illustrated numerous books for children, including WEBSTER J. DUCK by Martin Waddell and Egyptian Diary by Richard Platt. He lives in Lincoln, England. C

David Parkins' profile page

Librarian Reviews

Little Squire: The Jumping Pony (True Horse Stories)

During the war-torn 1930s there was little to cheer about, until a horse named Little Squire captured and inspired the hearts of thousands. His moving story is told here. Includes illustrations.

Source: The Canadian Children’s Book Centre. Best Books for Kids & Teens. 2008.

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