H is for Horse: An Equestrian Alphabet (Sports Alphabet)
Grade 3-6–Lovely painterly illustrations can not redeem this unevenly presented alphabet book. A seemingly random potluck of equestrian terms is drawn upon for each letter of the alphabet. The letter "D" is for the direction a rider takes his horse, "E" refers to horses' ears, and "F" is represented by a farrier. The text introduces each letter and term in a sometimes rhyming paragraph. Then additional information related to the equine word and others beginning with the highlighted letter is offset in smaller typeface on the same or opposite page. Readers interested in learning more about horses, their care, and riding would be much better served by the many straightforward, quality nonfiction titles available. Although the strong graphic content and high-interest subject will initially entice children, this book ultimately disappoints.–Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CA