Fergus: The Soccer Playing Colt [Paperback]

Dan A. Peterson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2005

This rollicking yet suspenseful story of an unusually talented colt and the boys who embrace his uniqueness will have readers riveted from beginning to end. When the acrobatic palomino colt, bred to play polo, shows interest and aptitude for playing soccer goalkeeper, he is launched on a nationwide tour to promote the sport. His owner, 12-year-old Bobby Simpson, and his best friend, Ramon Aguilar accompany the colt in a luxury motor home with horse-quarters–the Fergus Special. The colt enjoys immediate fame, but not without peril. Before long Rumble Smith, a rodeo stock-dealer, who doesn’t mind operating on the wrong side of the law, plots to abduct the world-renowned colt. He ropes his two bumbling ranch hands, Billy Joe Culpepper and Reiterate Johnson into helping him. Suspense, adventure, and lessons in loyalty and teamwork fill the pages of this book. With a multi-cultural flavor and many interesting facts about famous U.S. ball parks and buildings, this is a book for the young and young at heart.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Young readers will not only enjoy the adventures of a remarkabe horse but learn about importance of friendship and family. --Carla L. Verderame, ForeWord Magazine

There is plenty of action and adventure in this story to appeal to young soccer players and horse lovers alike. --Roundtable Reviews, June 2005

An excellent read for mid-grade boys and girls. Fergus the colt emerges as a character with his own personality. --Bob Spear, Heartland Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Raven Pub (June 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971416176
• ISBN-13: 978-0971416178
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,468,440 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific novel., September 19, 2005

By 

Detra Fitch (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fergus: The Soccer Playing Colt (Paperback)

Simpson Farms raises polo ponies. But one of the colts, named Fergus, has zero interest in polo. Fergus spent the days doing somersaults and back flips. Bobby Simpson is the boy who owns Fergus.

One day Bobby is practicing soccer moves with his friend, Ramon Aguilar, when he notices Fergus's interest. As a lark, the boys send t he soccer ball toward the colt. Sure enough, Fergus sends the ball right back to them. Turns out Fergus is a natural for the position of goalkeeper. Local residents begin coming around to watch Fergus play soccer. Word spreads and soon the media is involved.

It is not long before Ian Conner with the International Soccer Federation has the boys and the colt on a national tour. They play soccer in famous places, such as at the Chicago Diamond, Ohio Stadium, Foxboro Stadium, Tampa Stadium, and even the Giants Stadium. Fergus's name becomes known all over the globe.

In steps Rumble Smith, a rodeo stockman with a mean temper. He and Reiterate Johnson make plans to kidnap Fergus from the tour.

***** This book may target boys, but girls will enjoy this story just as much. I found myself smiling as I read of Fergus's antics. The frolicking colt is just so fun to read about. He is amazing! There are a few illustrations scattered throughout the tale to help boost the imagination. I could clearly see that the Illustrators drew in some tiny details too.

All-in-all, you will find this the perfect read for kids around the ages of 8 to 15. Well written, easy to understand and follow, and highly recommended! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book with adventure and the importance of friendship, July 8, 2005

By 

Dani - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fergus: The Soccer Playing Colt (Paperback)

This book is a great read. It is full of action, and teaches lessons on the importance of friendship. Not only did my boys love this book, but my little girl loved it as well! In this day and age, there are few books or stories that touch our hearts like Fergus does.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 stars!, April 19, 2006

By 

Huntress Reviews (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fergus: The Soccer Playing Colt (Paperback)

Fergus was a very interesting horse. He could do summersaults and back flips. Bobby liked Fergus very much. One day Bobby tossed a soccer ball at Fergus and Fergus kicked it back. That started Fergus playing soccer.

Before they knew it Fergus was on TV. Everybody wanted to see Fergus. Awhile later Fergus was on a promotional tour for soccer. Fergus went all over the US so people could see him be a goal keeper. Something goes very wrong on a beach in Florida when someone steals Fergus. The police and Bobby try to find Fergus, but he is very far away. Will they find Fergus? Read the book to find out.

***** I enjoyed this book very much. It has very good plot twists in it. I also enjoyed this book because it is a very interesting story. If you like horses make sure that you read this book. *****

Reviewed by Brandon Stabler, age 13, for Huntress Reviews.