Horse in the House (Animal Ark Series #26) [School & Library Binding]

Ben M. Baglio (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2002 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

THIS EDITION IS INTENDED FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Follow the adventures of thirteen-year-old Mandy Hope as she and her best friend, James, help her parents treat animals at their veterinary clinic.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• School & Library Binding: 176 pages
• Publisher: Turtleback (September 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0613627768
• ISBN-13: 978-0613627764
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,383,437 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Horse in the House, January 20, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Horse in the House (Animal Ark Series #26) (Paperback)

Horse in the House is a great book for horse lovers or just people who want to become vets. This book kept me reading non-stop. I hope other people like it as much as I do. This book was great because I want to become a vet and also I love horses.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Animal Ark Lover, February 7, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Horse in the House (Animal Ark Series #26) (Paperback)

This book was TOTALLY entertaining.I loved it. It was about a poor horse and it's life after his wonderful stable was gone.Mandy and James, helpes and solved the problem of "Horse in the House"It wasn't really 'Scary' so small kids can read them too.In my opinion, THIS IS THE BEST BOOK EVER!!!!! Hope this helpes!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Animal lovers will adore the mystery that accompanies 'Horse in the House', August 16, 2007

By 

Erika Sorocco (Southern California, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Horse in the House (Animal Ark Series #26) (Paperback)

Twelve-year-old Mandy Hope, and her best friend James Hunter feel horrible that their good friend, Wilfred Bennett, is being forced to sell his riding stables. Since the death of his beloved wife, Rose, both Mandy and James have assisted Wilfred in various menial tasks, including taking care of his eight remaining horses. The stables hold fond memories for Mandy, as she learned to ride on Rose's favorite mare, Matty. So when Mandy and James must accompany Mandy's veterinarian father, Dr. Adam, to a horse auction to watch each and every one of Wilfred's horses be sold to the highest bidder, they both find themselves extremely down. Mandy can't bear to part with the lovable Matty, and, deep down in her heart, she knows that Wilfred is feeling the same sadness. Matty was Rose's favorite horse, and by selling Matty, Mandy is convinced that Wilfred is selling off the last piece of Rose that he has. Unfortunately, by donating so much of their stables' business out to disabled riders, Wilfred is in quite a tight position with money, and can't keep even one of the horses. Besides, with Sam Western having already bought up all of Wilfred's land, and begun setting up a campsite for travelers, there's no room for an aging horse. However, when all of Wilfred's horses have been sold off, Matty is nowhere to be found, and Wilfred is being hush about the whole situation. The town of Welford is worried about Wilfred. With Rose gone, and now having to lose his horses and his stables so soon after her death, the townspeople begin to wonder if Wilfred will be able to cope. Mandy and James are curious about the same thing, and spend quite a bit of time trying to visit their older friend, and find out more about Matty's bizarre disappearance. But Wilfred's lack of appearances within Welford quickly takes a backseat to the newest mystery that has hit the tiny town. Sam Western's campsite is booming with business, and bringing all sorts of new people to Welford. But when rumors begin to fly that the campsite is haunted, Western's Campsite becomes one stop that people don't want to make on their vacations. According to campers, in the middle of the night, a headless horseman comes galloping through the campsite on a white horse, then manages to vanish into thin air. The rumors state that the horse and her rider are surrounded by a ghostly white light, and do nothing more than gallop through, then disappear. Mandy and James can't believe the rumors. Wilfred owned the land for years, and there were never any reports regarding a headless rider and his horse. So, under the pretense that they are holding a "badger watch," Mandy and James decide to do a little investigating of their own into the haunted campsite, to learn just how accurate the rumors are. But with all of the spooky tales floating about around them, the friends begin to wonder if Western's Campsite is truly haunted, or if someone is simply playing a joke on the unsuspecting campers.

Of late, Ben M. Baglio has added a handful of horse tales to the ANIMAL ARK series. However, his writing talent is so great, that he is able to weave a very different, very unique tale, to accompany each title. HORSE IN THE HOUSE is no different. Mandy is, as always, generous to the extreme. Along with James, the two of them donate their time - unasked - to help an elderly man cope with the grief of losing his wife of countless years, and help him with chores around his home and land. The two are such wonderful company for Wilfred, and really manage to cheer the man up; and the kind gesture that they extend to the aging fellow is a prime example for young/middle readers to help their elders, and volunteer for the people around them. While Blackie has been missing from many of the ANIMAL ARK books lately, Baglio inserts the feisty, misbehaving dog into the thick of HORSE IN THE HOUSE, making him as lovable - and troublesome - as ever. His perpetual smile, and boundless energy is humorous, and will leave readers - both young and old - with a grin on their face. Wilfred was an interesting character. He's kind and jovial; while, at the same time, mysterious and sneaky. His friendly treatment towards Mandy and James instantly makes you enjoy his appearances throughout the story; while his dedication to both his deceased wife, and his horses - especially Matty - is admirable. While Wilfred is a rose, however, the character of Sam Western is rather like a bushel of thorns. Sam Western is scruffy and grumpy, and seems to dislike kids to the extreme. He can't stand Mandy and James butting into his affairs, and is always out to earn some extra money. At the same time, he takes wonderful care of his bulldogs, so you know that he can't be that bad. His tough attitude is a nice contrast to the kindness that usually surrounds Welford, and provides a little controversy throughout the tiny town. Once again, Baglio has woven a tight, clean, fresh story that will intrigue readers of all ages. Animal lovers will adore the mystery that accompanies HORSE IN THE HOUSE.

Erika Sorocco

Freelance Reviewer