Misty of Chincoteague

 Review

Common Sense Media says

A must for every horse-lover's library.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that pencil drawings, while visually pleasing, may confuse readers about the characters' ages. Some may be put off by the slow pace and lengthy descriptions.

  • The younger sister is relegated to a secondary role in the more dramatic moments of the story.
  • Not applicable.
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

Two children capture and tame a legendary wild pony in this classic tale. From the moment the Phantom and her foal, Misty, are brought to Chincoteague, Paul and Maureen overcome one obstacle after another to make these wild creatures their own. A must for every equestrian's library.

 


Is it any good?

 

For over 50 years, horse lovers have thrilled to this tale of wild ponies who resist capture at every turn. The setting and Marguerite Henry's vivid writing style work to make it rise above your average child-and-horse story. Set in the Tidewater area of Virginia, the book is filled with that region's colorful dialect ("Seems as if the devil is allus sittin' cross-legged of me").

Younger readers quickly find themselves involved with the drama. But those used to today's fast pace and relentless action may find the book slow. Readers of all ages will enjoy Wesley Dennis' illustrations of the wild ponies, but they may find that his depictions of the children don't help pinpoint the children's ages, which are not given in the text either.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about wild animals. Why do the children want so desperately to capture Phantom? What's so appealing about Phantom? How does captivity change Phantom?


This review was written by Frances ORoark Dowell
Parent of 7, 10, and 11 year old
September 22, 2009
 
My Favorite Book
I love it!! My favorite book as a kid and my daughter is now reading it and enjoys it too.

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Kid, 12 years old
March 9, 2009
 
Perfect for all horse lovers
Great!!! I loved this story! I think this is a good book for 7 year olds to have read to them as it is not scary. It might be hard reading for some 7 year olds; but they will really enjoy it. It has very good pictures that go along with the story. For those who have younger siblings they might suggest ' My Chincoteague Pony' by Susan Jeffers.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Childhood favorite
This was one of my favorite books as a child. I was one of those horse-crazy girls but recommend this for all kids. It's an uplifting story, and the writing is well done.

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Teen, 16 years old
May 9, 2009
 

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Amazing book!
This book is great for everyone, whether they like horses or not. I highly recommend it. You'll love it! (you know you want to!)

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This review was written by Frances ORoark Dowell
Author:Marguerite Henry
Book type:Fiction
Genre:Animals
Publisher:Simon & Schuster
Publication date:January 1, 1947
Number of pages:173
Paperback price:$4.99
Publisher's recommended age(s):9 - 12

This review was written by Frances ORoark Dowell
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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