 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Misty of Chincoteague
- By Marguerite Henry
- Genre: Animals
Common Sense Media says
A must for every horse-lover's library.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
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?
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
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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Parent of 5, 8, and 10 year old
September 22, 2009
AGE
My Favorite Book
I love it!! My favorite book as a kid and my daughter is now reading it and enjoys it too.
What other families should know:
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Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
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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Kid, 9 years old
March 9, 2009
AGE
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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Educator and Parent of 3, 5, and 7 year old
August 22, 2012
AGE
Well-written prose, great characters, pony mystique
I read this out-loud to my seven year old. She loved it and found the story engrossing and the characters relatable. She wants to read more Marguerite Henri books now. I liked the portrayal of the positive sibling relationship between the brother and sister and how industriously they worked toward their goal of buying the horse. They also handled disappointment with a lot of grace. Their are some good discussion points as to when "interfering" with nature is a good thing and when wild things should be left to the wild.
What other families should know:
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Kid, 7 years old
July 20, 2012
AGE
Great book!
It's the best book ever. You should read it!!!.It really sounds real, the horses are cute, you can go see the wild ponies and it teaches kids to respect wild things.
What other families should know:
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| Author: | Marguerite Henry |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Animals |
| Publisher: | Simon & Schuster |
| Publication date: | January 1, 1947 |
| Number of pages: | 173 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
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