Black Beauty Eyewitness Classics - Hardcover

Anna Sewell

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0789414880 ISBN 13: 9780789414885

Publisher: DK, 1997

Synopsis

A horse in nineteenth-century England recounts his experiences with both good and bad masters, in an abridged version of the classic tale with illustrated notes that explain the historical background of the story

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4-8. This abridged version of the classic is presented in a slick format that intersperses factual information, full-color pictures, and labeled diagrams throughout the story. Although the artwork is excellent, it contributes more gloss than substance and may even distract from the importance of Sewell's theme of the often inhumane treatment of horses. The images of their suffering rarely convey how painful their lives could be. Even at the worst moments of his life, Black Beauty never appears ribby or sweated up and his coat never loses its sheen. Only Ginger takes on all of the traits that an abused horse might exhibit, and this occurs in only one illustration. One sketch also shows a neglected horse. The information about horses often consists of broad statements that are sometimes incomplete. For example, after heavy exercise, a horse should be cooled out and not just blanketed and left standing. Horses' hooves don't usually break, they break up (chip, get cracks). The historical information about the different types of carriages and vignettes of life in the 19th century may be more useful and accurate. This classic deserves to be read in its entirety so that its message about the need to treat animals humanely is not diluted. Many young readers will be dazzled by the illustrations but the story is really shortchanged by them.?Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: DK
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0789414880
• ISBN 13: 9780789414885
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 64
• Illustrator: Victor Ambrus