C. W. Anderson (1) (1891–1971)

I know about C.W. Anderson because my mom left me two of his prints and a stack of his old books, but the Billy stories are not among them. This is a gentle story with the illustrations Anderson was known for and simple, straightforward storytelling that is good for a relatively new reader. You don't see books for early readers that aren't "early readers" that often; I like that. It's also nice that this book is about a boy, so often a fascination with horses is viewed as girl territory even show more there really isn't any especially feminine about horses or riding...that's why they put the little girls in those ridiculous bows at shows. There is a subtle message about the responsibility involved in horse ownership. Tommy, the little boy who wants a pony, hangs out with Billy and Blaze so that he can learn horse care. He is also willing to do whatever it takes to hang out with a horse, including attempting to run along beside Billy and Blaze! show less

Billy was a little boy who "loved horses more than anything else in the world." Imagine how happy he was when he got his very own pony for his birthday! From that day on, Billy was seldom seen without his new friend, Blaze.

Riding through fields and woods, Billy and Blaze learned to trust and understand one another - and to jump fences and fallen trees with ease. They were a great team, but were they good enough to win the gleaming silver cup at the Mason Horse Show?

"Twenty Gallant Horses" might be considered a children's picture book by some: the dimensions and format are similar to many books we loved as children. But "Twenty Gallant Horses" is more than a book filled with gorgeous drawings. It is filled with concise biographies of famous (and not-so-famous) competitive equines.

While many might be familiar with the racehorse named Man o' War, other horse inclusions in this work such as Stymie and Snow Man are less well-known to the general public, show more and so their stories will be completely new.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, for both the tales of horses past, and for the beautiful illustrations that the author/illustrator has included. show less

A groom led out a big horse, iron gray except for black and white dapples. His head was up, his eyes flashed and his hoofs spurned the earth as if he wanted to be airborne.
A thrill ran down Sally's spine - she tingled to her fingertips. A flush of excitement was in her cheeks as she asked, 'Can I try him?'
From the moment he first sees her ride, Mr. Jameson knows Sally has the courage and spirit to do Phantom justice. The big,
high-strung gray Thoroughbred is too much horse for most riders, show more but Sally and Phantom seem to understand one another... show less