Charming Classics Boxed Set: National Velvet, Black Beauty, My Friend Flicka FROM THE PUBLISHER
Discover three of the most beloved horse stories of all time!
National Velvet by Enid Bagnold
Velvet Brown is determined to turn her unruly horse into a champion. Velvet is a good rider, but can she ride to victory in the Grand National?
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
When Black Beauty is just a young colt, his mother warns him that a horse's life is often difficult. The handsome horse soon meets all types of people, both kind and cruel, but no one can break Black Beauty's spirit.
My Friend Flicka by Mary O'Hara
How can you tame the dreamy mind of a boy who loses saddle blankets and breaks reins? Enter Flicka, the chestnut filly with a wild spirit. Over the course of a summer, both will learn responsibility and friendship.
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - Jeanne K. Pettenati, J.D.
Three compelling horses are the subjects in the classic stories packaged in this entertaining boxed set. But the horses, noble, loyal and dignified as they are, are not the only subjects of these well worn and well loved classics. The humans who are keen on them each have an amazing story as well. Horses and humans—their stories are intertwined. In National Velvet, a teenager wins her horse in a raffle for a shilling. It is safe to say that Velvet is obsessed with her horse. In My Friend Flicka, 10-year- old Ken directs all his energy and attention to developing a friendship with the horse of his dreams. Black Beauty is a prince of a horse owned by many masters in the course of his destiny. He is the narrator of the fortunes and misfortunes he endures during his lifetime. All three stories are poignant. Readers will easily be transported to Ken's ranch, Velvet's home in the English countryside, and Black Beauty's adventures in London and its environs. All three books leave a lasting impression on the reader. National Velvet is a bit more difficult to read than the others because the dialogue features British vocabulary and slang that may be unfamiliar to some readers. A necklace with three horses posing differently is included with this boxed set. 2003, HarperFestival/HarperCollins, Ages 8 up.
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