We Go in A Circle

Children's Literature

This uplifting tale is relayed through the eyes of a racehorse. When the horse is the fastest, strongest horse on the track, he feels special and important. But after his leg is injured, he must learn to live a different kind of life in a new place. Thankfully, the horse is well cared for. After being combed and brushed one day he is fitted with an unusual saddle, and a boy who arrives in a wheelchair is placed on his back. A walk around the ring makes both the young rider and the horse feel special and important. With economy of words and effective, colorful drawings, the author conveys the circle of hope drawn by the involvement of horses and volunteers who offer freedom for the disabled through a special form of physical therapy. Some of the disabled cannot walk, talk or even see, but with "hippo therapy" they are able to break through the confines of their physical limitations. An encounter at a therapy ranch in Oklahoma, one of many such ranches in operation throughout the country, inspired this book. It is there Peggy Anderson meets a twelve-year-old boy who has been riding since he was eighteen months old. Hunter is an amazing example of the progress possible through this type of therapy as the rocking motion of the horse relaxes tight muscles and strengthens weak ones. A concluding note explains more about the program. Hopefully, this book will enlighten readers, produce new volunteers, open fresh avenues of hope for some and rewarding possibilities for all. 2004, Houghton Mifflin, Ages 4 to 8.
—Francine Thomas

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-A racehorse describes his feelings when he competes on the track: "When I win, I feel special. I feel important." After he injures his leg, his future is uncertain. Then he is taken to a new location, where his leg heals and he is treated kindly. One day he is fitted with an unusual saddle and a wheelchair-bound youngster is placed on his back. Now he helps people with different disabilities to enjoy the experience of riding, and to "feel special" and "important." The simple text and watercolor illustrations convey the pride of all involved-horses, helpers, and, of course, the riders. Vividly colored, realistic paintings show the narrator in action and highlight the emotions of the human characters. An explanatory note provides more information about hippo therapy (using horseback riding as physical therapy). Unique in its topic, this gentle story is useful for storytimes on horses and disabilities.-Doris Losey, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library, Tampa, FL Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.