Running with the Horses

I just re-read this fine picture book about a Viennese girl, Nina, who must evacuate Austria with her father & four Lippizaners during WWII. At Nina's behest, they take an abandoned mare who is instrumental to their safe passage. While this story has obvious appeal to the horsey set, its adventure, pathos (yes! In a picture book!) & beautiful mixed-media illustrstions will draw in many readers.
I will definitely use this as a read aloud with the youngers at my school when the olders are studying modern Eurasia.

I just re-read this fine picture book about a Viennese girl, Nina, who must evacuate Austria with her father & four Lippizaners during WWII. At Nina's behest, they take an abandoned mare who is instrumental to their safe passage. While this story has obvious appeal to the horsey set, its adventure, pathos (yes! In a picture book!) & beautiful mixed-media illustrstions will draw in many readers.
I will definitely use this as a read aloud with the youngers at my school when the olders are studying modern Eurasia.

Although Lippizaner stallions really were rescued from the Spanish Riding School in Vienna during WWII, this specific tale of nine-year-old Nina and her father Viktor is fictional. Nina's decision to bring an old cab horse called Zelda along with the four stallions when they flee the city and head for the border turns out to be one that saves their lives, and all five horses and two people make it to safety (although one wonders about the friend who guided them to the pass, and then turned back). Mixed media illustrations, including photographs, are truly special.

I felt "Running With the Horses," was a pretty powerful story of strength and determination. I really liked how the author provided clear illustrations that correlated closely with the text. I also liked the descriptive text that was used throughout, it really kept me turning the page in anticipation. For example, "The middle of the bridge had been completely blown away, and a yawning hole gaped above." I also enjoyed the ending, with Nina and her father finally arriving at their grandparents after a long, difficult journey. I think the central message of the story was one of perseverance and fortitude.

Running with Horses is a fictional story about the rescue of the Lipizzaner stallions from the Spanish Riding School in Vienna during World War II. In the story Nina and her father attempt to get to safety while riding on the old horse Zelda. Zelda gets weary during the trip and Nina and her father almost have to leave her behind.

“’Come, Nina,’ Victor said. ‘We must keep riding.’ He ran a hand along the old mare’s neck. ‘I hope she will be all right.’

As they began their descent down the other side of the mountain, the snow was almost up to the horses’ bellies. Nina’s feet felt frozen in her sodden boots, and Zelda’s steps were weak and faltering.”

I read this to myself this morning because I felt like it. One of my favourite children books and one of my favourite authors.