Black Beauty

VOYA

The historical sidebars in Black Beauty mostly deal with what English life in the nineteenth century was like, but a few specifically deal with horses. They can be distracting if you're trying to follow the story. Unless you're really interested in details of that time period, don't think that this book is any better than another version, although the illustrations might make it easier for younger readers to enjoy, $17.99 Trade pb. Illus. VOYA CODES: 4Q 3P M (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 2000, Viking/Penguin Putnam, 208p, $25.99. Ages 11 to 14. Reviewer: Kristen Moreland, Teen Reviewer SOURCE: VOYA, February 2002 (Vol. 24, No.6)

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 3-In this abridgement of Anna Sewell's 19th century English classic, British actress Juliet Stevenson's outstanding narration is highlighted by her rendition of the regional dialects of various human characters and her sympathetic portrayal of Beauty's voice. Music as well as realistic sound effects of foxhunts, railway trains, Victorian city streets and the terror of a stable fire enhance the audio performance and enrich its historical perspective. The accompanying book blends both the story and factual information about Beauty's life and times. Sidebars inform readers about breeds of horses and their roles in pre-automobile society, their stables and tack, various types of carriages, and life in country houses and in London. Photographs and Victor Ambrus' energetic illustrations describe a world in which horses were used for work rather than simply for pleasure. Children will admire Beauty's noble nature as he is sold from master to master, some of them gentle and some of them harsh, and they will empathize with Ginger's hardships and tragic end. This new version is an excellent addition to public or school library collections.-Maura Martin Smith, Somerset Elementary School, Shawnee Mission, KS Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.