Horse Crazy!: 1,001 Fun Facts, Craft Projects, Games, Activities, and Know-How for Horse-Loving Kids
Horse-crazy kids will delight in this packed paperback compendium of projects, tips, lore, and lists. Haas, whose diverse books for youth include horse-themed poetry and fiction, draws on her vast equine experience in pages that cover riding advice, horse breeds, grooming techniques, books and movies about life in the saddle, and more. Crafts comprise a large portion of the book, and the suggested projects range from the large-scale, such as a crocheted halter, to simpler efforts, such as a decoupage treasure box. Also included are helpful exercises for drawing horses that are sure to improve young fans’ ubiquitous notebook-margin sketches. The projects are outlined in detailed language (including safety warnings) and sketches that cover each step of construction, making it easy for kids to follow along; although most young people will still want an adult’s assistance. The format, with its pink gingham page borders and drawings of mostly female figures, yells “girl,” but the wealth of information and activities may find an audience with serious riders of both genders. Grades 4-8. --Gillian Engberg