Justin Morgan Had a Horse [Paperback]

Marguerite Henry (Author), Wesley Dennis (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 26, 2006 | Age Level: 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

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (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: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #112,863 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

Plume45 "kitka12345" (Westchester, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Justin Morgan Had a Horse (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

This review is from: Justin Morgan Had a Horse (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!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

Readin&Writin-Books - See all my reviews

This review is from: Justin Morgan Had a Horse (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).