Annie: The Mysterious Morgan Horse (Morgan Horse series) (Perfect Paperback)

~ (Author), Wordhelper Editing Services (Editor), Jeanne Mellin (Illustrator)
Key Phrases: miniature horse, road trot, lower barn, Justin Morgan, Jim Spencer, The Mysterious Morgan Horse (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Annie will have you searching for carrots and sugar cubes from the get-go. Ellen Feld has created another fabulous story that wraps lessons in friendship, intergrity, and human nature, in the story of a young girl and a lost horse." --Terry Doherty, The Reading Tub, Inc.<br /><br />"Ellen F. Feld, award-winning author, equine journalist and phenomenally passionate horse lover, once again reaches out to the hearts and dreams of the teenaged horse loving set with her anxiously awaited new book Annie: The Mysterious Morgan Horse. No doubt about it, I'm simply captivated by Ellen Feld's Morgan Horse series. I like the way Feld easily reintroduces characters from the earlier books, horses and people alike. This book can stand alone, but is even better if you're familiar with the others in the series. She really knows about horses and, without trying to be trite, is the horse whisperer of the teen horse set. Anyone who doesn't like horses will want to fall in love with them after reading any book by Ellen Feld, and Annie: The Mysterious Morgan Horse is no exception." --Deb Fowler, Roundtable Reviews<br /><br />Feld's tale follows the adventures of a mistreated Morgan, Annie, who becomes separated from her registration papers. A gentle young teenage horse woman slowly retrains the mare, but Annie will soon be sold since she cannot be shown nor bred without her registration. The story shows strong examples of good horse care and kind handling as well as promoting the value of careful preparation to gain successful results. This wonderful book will have readers seeking all Ellen Feld's books if they haven't already read them." --Caryn Sappelli, The United States Pony Clubs, Inc.

This is a great story for young readers ages nine and up. Ellen Feld s knowledge of horses their care, breeding and showing is very evident and lends credibility to the plot. The engaging drawings by Jeanne Mellin add clarity and interest. Annie is the sixth in the popular series about horses. Two previous books have won awards and Annie has already received a bronze medal in the Moonbeam Children s Book Awards. Armchair Interviews says: Great book for children and middle readers who love horses, and those who just love stories about any animal. --Armchair Reviews

Writer Feld has crafted a magnificent tale that includes examples of truthfulness, dependability, comradeship, and human nature, in the quick paced chronicle of a lost mare and an adolescent girl. Ellen F. Feld, equine columnist, ardent horse lover, respected author, touches the compassion and passion of the teenaged horse loving set. --Molly Martin, The Compulsive Reader

Product Description

A Moonbeam Children's Book Award Bronze Medal Winner. The newest book in the award-winning Morgan Horse series (twice winner of the prestigious Children's Choices award co-sponsored by The International Reading Assoc. and The Children's Book Council) introduces a new horse, Annie. Uncertain of her origin, Chauncy decides to bring Annie home to Gallant Morgans, but he makes it clear she can only stay if he can locate her registration papers. When Heather discovers Annie's true identity, she is afraid to tell Chauncy, knowing the horse may be returned to a cruel trainer. Will Chauncy send Annie back to her original owner? What will happen to Annie if she is returned? Heather hides the truth from her friend and soon events spiral out of control. In addition to the mystery, this book also includes the exciting Justin Morgan class, the famous class that re-enacts the amazing athletic feats of Justin Morgan, and the Morgan Trotting Races, held on the same dirt road that Justin Morgan raced over 200 years ago. Both events are treasured by Morgan Horse enthusiasts around the country.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Perfect Paperback: 206 pages
• Publisher: Willow Bend Publishing; 1st edition (October 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970900295
• ISBN-13: 978-0970900296
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #288,702 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mellin, Mysteries, and Morgans!, February 28, 2008

By	Nancy J. Bailey "Cliffy's Mom" (Gregory, MI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I had flashbacks to "Black Beauty" while reading this book, due to the all-too real uncertainties that can happen when horses change hands. There are several other parallels -- a scary barn fire, abusive handling, and a black gelding and chestnut mare reunited! Happily, "Annie" has a much more satisfying ending. Writer Ellen Feld tells the story with a familiarity borne of those who have shown horses, lived in the beautiful Vermont area, and loved Morgans. The story comes alive with Jeanne Mellin's delightful pencil drawings. Ellen, thanks for all you do to share and promote the Morgan horse!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A story about decisions in life, and their consequences., February 21, 2008

By	Xavier House Reviews - See all my reviews

Annie: The Mysterious Morgan Horse is just one book in a delightful series by Ellen F. Feld. Annie is a Morgan horse who has had an eventful, but rough life. Annie was the victim of harsh treatment from an abusive trainer. Because of this abuse, Annie failed to realize her potential as a show horse. Due to some extraordinary events Annie suddenly finds herself free of her torturous environment.

Annie soon finds herself in much more caring hands at the Gallant Morgan Horse Farm. Due to events detailed in the story, the owner of the farm does not know the background of Annie. Much of the story's focus is on search for information about Annie's origins by farm owner Chauncy Campbell. Because of this search, young Heather Richardson finds herself growing attached to the mysterious horse. So strong is her attachment, Heather ends up withholding information about Annie's past which she accidentally discovered. What results from Heather's decision is a good illustration of what can happen when a little, well intended lie spirals out of control.

Annie: The Mysterious Morgan Horse will appeal to younger readers, girls in particular. The characters are very well though out, and the main female character (Heather Richardson) has a strong voice. For those who are familiar with equine terminology, Annie will be an easy read. For those who do not know much about horses, the story will give a good insight into the world of horse shows, equine care, and the legend of Justin Morgan.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars SFC 4 star review, January 15, 2008

By	V. S. Grenier "Stories for Children Magazine ... (Ivins, Utah USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Children's Choice Award-winning author, Ellen F. Feld, has done it again. The latest book in Feld's Morgan horse series is Annie: The Mysterious Morgan Horse. I found myself lost in a world of mistrust, sadness, and in the end, friendship and love. Feld did a wonderful job teaching the reader about making right choices, learning to trust in others, and when to speak up against wrong doing.

I felt this book was not only for young girls, which is the readership target, but also for young boys. The story is about a Morgan horse named Polly who is mistreated. The Morgan horse belongs to an elderly lady, who likes to show horses in horse shows, but unfortunately has chosen a mean horse trainer, Mr. Spencer. Kevin, one of the trainers working for Mr. Spencer, forgets to feed and check on the horses before going out late one night. When Kevin returns to the ranch, Polly's barn is on fire. Polly escapes but Kevin tells Mr. Spencer that she didn't make it out.

Polly runs for her life through meadows and forests. She doesn't want to return to Mr. Spencer's care. After a long night of running, Polly finds another ranch with different horses. She hopes that the horse trainer there will take her in. He does but only for a short time. The man is unable to find Polly's owner or trainer and decides sells her. This becomes Polly's life for many months. Finally, Polly finds a home on Gallant Morgans. Chauncy, the owner of the horse stalls, isn't sure he'll keep Polly. Also, no one knows what Polly's name is and she's renamed Annie.

Two young girls have horses at Gallant Morgan stables and when they see Chauncy's new horse, Annie, Heather can't help but fall in love with the beautiful Morgan horse. It's Heather who finds out Annie's true identity and she does everything she can think of to save the Morgan horse from returning to Mr. Spencer's care.

Feld's books have won several awards in addition to the `Children's Choice' awards.

Reviewed by: Stories for Children Magazine editor, VS Grenier