Chestnut
Kindergarten-Grade 3–Set a "long time ago, in a city by the sea," this story tells how a loyal horse saves the day. Chestnut belongs to Mr. Decker, who runs a delivery service. On the morning of the mayor's daughter's birthday party, he is charged with bringing supplies to various shopkeepers–flour to the baker for the cake, bows to the hatmaker for Jenny's birthday bonnet, etc. After loading the wagon, Mr. Decker falls back to sleep and it is up to Chestnut to make the deliveries on his own. Traveling through thick early morning fog, the animal makes his way through the city. At each stop, the shopkeepers are so busy with last-minute party arrangements that they do not notice Mr. Decker's absence. The man awakens when Chestnut returns to the stable and is filled with relief and pride when he realizes what his faithful horse has done. The airy, soft-hued watercolor illustrations are as lovely as the lilting language. Chestnut has a "kind eye" as equestrians would say about a good-natured horse, which is evident in his interactions with the human characters. Varied perspectives add interest and drama to the artwork. Young horse lovers will embrace this charming tale.–Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.