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Paddywack

Name: Paddywack
Author: Stephanie Spinner
ISBN: 9780375861864

by Stephanie Spinner

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Overview

Paddywack is a petite nine hands high, and every pony inch is packed full of spunk. It hasn’t been easy, but he now has his rider, Jane, well trained. He’ll trot. He’ll canter. He’ll jump the jumps. He’s a perfect pony . . . when she gives him treats. But on the day of the big horse show, Jane is so nervous she forgets his treats. Will Paddywack dig in his hooves? Or can he rise to the occasion?

This sweet story is sure to capture young horse-lovers’ hearts.

About the Author, Stephanie Spinner

Stephanie Spinner is a well-known author who writes for various age groups. Her popular Stepping Stone book Aliens for Breakfast was a Texas Bluebonnet Award winner. She also publishes literary fiction for Knopf, such as Quiver, Quicksilver, Damosel, and an adaptation of The Nutcracker. She lives in Sherman, Connecticut.

Daniel Howarth is the illustrator of Why I Love Christmas and What Are You Doing in My Bed? This is his first book for Random House.

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Editorials

School Library Journal

K-Gr 3—Horse lovers who are not quite ready to tackle Jessie Haas's chapter books about Radish and Beware (HarperCollins) or Ann-Sophie Jeppson's information-rich "Pontus" stories (R & S Bks.) will appreciate this leveled reader. Paddywack conveys his frustration with Jane, who at first does not grasp the concept that the horse needs to be rewarded with treats. Jane is not the quickest learner, but when she forgets to close Paddy's stall one day, she witnesses his jump over the garden fence. This inspires the little girl to strive to do well in competition, and once she remembers the importance of rewarding her horse, he is similarly invested in her success. This makes for a winning combination. Clear and colorful illustrations, some of which are full-page scenes, convey emotion and evoke the equestrian lifestyle attractive to many children, especially girls. Short sentences, a limited amount of text, and a large font size will all enhance reading success. Besides appealing to the horsey set, this story sends the gentle, inspiring message that partners who look after one another's needs have the best shot at success.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT