Horsepower: The Wonder of Draft Horses [Hardcover]

Cris Peterson (Author), Alvis Upitis (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1997 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Draft horses such as Clydesdales, Percherons, and Belgians are described in words and pictures and shown to be powerful co-workers on farms, past and present.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4. This photo-essay about draft horses pulls its weight admirably. Crisp, full-color photographs accompany the short, smoothly written text that nicely balances the past and present uses of the majestic beasts that "helped build our country...." Three specific types of draft horses?Belgians, Percherons, and Clydesdales?are described in terms that children will easily understand: "Her huge black hooves are the size of dinner plates." The important role these creatures played in America's agricultural past is discussed as is the origin of the term "horsepower." Field days for draft horses and their enthusiasts are detailed. The photographs are set off by white backgrounds that add to the book's clarity. Several pictures provide children with a real appreciation for the size of these animals in comparison to themselves. A fine effort.?Maura Bresnahan, Topsfield Town Library, MA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

A photo-essay that shows the largest equine breeds-- Percherons, Belgians, and Clydesdales--in actual working situations and as participants in an exhibition. Fascinating nuggets of draft-horse lore are embedded in the simple text: A century ago there were 27 million such horses at work in America; Percherons are descended from the huge medieval warhorses that carried armored knights; one horsepower is accessibly defined as the amount of force necessary to raise a weight of 150 pounds from a hole 220 feet deep in one minute (although that definition is buried in a note on the copyright page). The full-color photographs include close-ups of hooves, harnesses, and the strong, patient faces of both horses and owners, as well as working rigs of many types, from a plow hitched to a dozen Belgians, to a one-horse open sleigh. Particularly appealing are the pictures of foals and of young people feeding, shoeing, driving, and admiring these gentle giants. Workhorses have been overshadowed by their flashier cousins; it's good for young readers to be reminded of their beauty and historical importance. (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-9) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Boyds Mills Press; 1st edition (March 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563976269
• ISBN-13: 978-1563976261
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 9.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,410,448 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Horsepower, March 8, 2007

By 

S. M. Lowenberg "Country Girl" (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Horsepower: The Wonder of Draft Horses (Paperback)

The well-researched text and four-color photographs in this fine book deserve equal praise. Both features will appeal to all ages of draft-horse enthusiasts.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars They've done it again!, July 20, 2001

By 

J. Kopischke "Teach English" (Hammond, IN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Horsepower: The Wonder of Draft Horses (Hardcover)

Cris Peterson and Alvis Upitis have done it again!! This book combines well-written text with gorgeous pictures. It shows the importance of draft horses in the early 20th century in agriculture in the United States. This should be in every primary classroom to show kids how far we have come in 100 years. Mrs. Peterson writes clearly and in simple language for children to understand tough concepts.