Justin Morgan Had a Horse [Paperback]

Marguerite Henry (Author), Wesley Dennis (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: December 26, 2006 | Age Range: 8 and up

Joel Goss knows that Little Bub is a special colt, even though he's a runt. And when schoolteacher Justin Morgan asks Joel to break the colt in, Joel is thrilled! Soon word about Little Bub has spread throughout the entire Northeast -- this spirited colt can pull heavier loads than a pair of oxen. And run faster than thoroughbreds!

This is the story of the little runt who became the father of the world-famous breed of American horses -- the Morgan.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A thing of beauty in every respect and a treasured addition to the home library."

-- Washington Post

About the Author

Marguerite Henry is the beloved author of such classic horse stories as King of the Wind, Misty of Chincoteague, and Stormy: Misty's Foal, all of which are available in Aladdin paperback editions.

WESLEY DENNIS is best known for his illustrations in collaboration with author Marguerite Henry. Together they published 15 books

Product Details

• Age Range: 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin; Reprint edition (December 26, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416927859
• ISBN-13: 978-1416927853
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #27,719 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #65 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Horses

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Growing Big Together February 6, 2003

By Plume45

Format:Paperback

I must be romping through my third childhood because I still love this classic equine tale about the founder of a truly
American breed of horse. I enjoyed it now just as much as when I was young; Henry's story holds up with successive readings
since the human emotions are sincere, and the dramatic events are true. The young protagonist, Joel, has a passion for horses; as a young man he dreams of finding his beloved, Lil Bub, the first Morgan colt whom no one wanted.

Even more, this is a story of Vermont--famous for its Green Mountains and courageous patriots--during the War of 1812. Later on in the story we witness a brief but triumphant presidential visit, where the Morgan horse was publically recognized.

Plenty of dialogue, short chapters and excellent b/w sketches by Wesley Dennis combine to give us a delightful gallop into the Yankee past. No one knows for certain who sired the "little" colt, whom only a poor boy could admire, but tales of his racing speed and pulling strength quickly made him a local legend, with farmers eager to get stud rights. Like BLACK BEAUTY this book is written for kids and horse lovers of all ages. PS: Because they are so strong and fast, Morgans are used in the National Park Service.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Morgan's Past September 13, 1998

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This is a great and true story about the beginning of the Morgan horse. Little Bub can capture the hearts of adults and children alike!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Little Bub's Tale February 2, 2010

By Readin&Writin-Books

Format:Paperback

If you went to Vermont, back in the time of the late 1700s... you would meet Justin Morgan. He was a man who had a problem. It all started because a farmer owed Justin some money. The farmer couldn't pay the debt, so instead, he gave a horse. To some people, that would be a wonderful thing to receive, but Justin didn't need a horse. He needed money.

One might say, "Sell the horse"--but that's just the problem. No one wants to use their money on a small, (VERY small), scrawny animal, who is weak and cannot work like other horses. Since no one will buy poor Little Bub, Justin is indeed stuck with him.

See what can happen that turns this story upside-down when Justin Morgan's friend decides to help out. Why, even President Monroe takes notice!

This book tells a true story. I liked the book because while I was reading it, I knew that it actually happened. In fact, Little Bub's tale became an American legend. This is a delightful horse story, great for boys & girls to read (ages 9 and up).

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Another horse story January 11, 2007

By Carolyn B. Frye

Format:Paperback

Marguerite Henry is a master storyteller. I grew up reading her books and now am buying them for my friends and grandchildren. They are still as good as ever.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Another Great Book from Marguerite Henry February 23, 2006

A Kid's Review

Format:Paperback

I couldn't put it down! So fast-paced I was finished in a jiffy! This story is about a small colt that no one thought was worth anything because of his tiny size.When he grew up he became known for his strength and quickness. True story about how the race of Morgan horses started!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Justin Morgan Had a Horse, by Marguerite Henry -- A wonderful book for kids to read: Highly Reccommended January 6, 2006

A Kid's Review

Format:Paperback

"Justin Morgan Had a Horse," by Marguerite Henry is a book with three main characters: Justin Morgan, Joel Goss, and Little Bub. One day when Joel was a small boy, he was with Justin Morgan, a Vermont schoolmaster, at a farm in Springfield, Illinois. The owner of the farm, Farmer Beane had borrowed money from schoolmaster Justin Morgan, and the reason Morgan was there was to collect the money. Farmer Beane, who didn't yet have the money, offered Morgan two horses: Ebenezer, a large horse; and Little Bub, a small colt. When Joel and Justin Morgan got back to thier home in Vermont, Morgan sold Ebenezer, and let Joel break in Little Bub. One day a man wanted to rent Little Bub, and Morgan accepted. Little Bub worked hard for the man, and when the lease ended, Morgan rode Little Bub throughout Vermont on a singing circuit. But one day a sad thing happened. Joel received a letter telling that Justin Morgan was very sick and is going to die! After Justin Morgan died nobody knew where Little Bub went! Until one day...well...I'll let you find out by reading the story!

10 of 14 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good book September 26, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This book was pretty good,but could be compared to King of the Wind and Born to Trot.This book was a good book,but not the best of Marguerite Henry's books.King on the Wind and Born to Trot are much more exciting to read.All in all,I liked the book,but found it boring in some parts.I am still a faithful M.H. reader.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book. Great author December 15, 2009

By J. R. Brookens

Format:Paperback

Justin Morgan Had a Horse is but one of many horse stories brought to life by Marguerite Henry. She has(had?) a skill for creating a fictionalized history based on a true set of events. This book is truly compelling, as is Black Gold, and others of her books. To some the style is dated. To our youth, I doubt it. This book seems timeless.