Pip is an eleven-year-old girl who is happy when she receives a colt for her birthday. She names him Buck and sets out to make him her new best friend, since she naturally assumes she’s found one in her young horse. Pip grows increasingly frustrated when Buck pays little attention to her and gallops away whenever she gets too close to him.
Pip’s dad helps her to understand that befriending a horse takes time and she needs to be patient. Will Pip and Buck eventually become friends? What if we could see the friendship progress not only through Pip’s eyes, but also through Buck’s eyes as well? I loved this sweet and unique book! What a wonderful way to teach children about horses, friendship and patience! I adored the way the second half of the book is told from Buck’s POV. Brilliant!
Buck’s descriptions of Pip as a “pipsqueak”, with a black mane and screechy voice made me chuckle. I’m certain children will get a kick out of this. It’s obvious that Rebecca Hubbard knows a lot about horses. I’d never thought about seeing things from a horse’s perspective, but it makes perfect sense when it comes straight from the horse’s mouth.
I could definitely see The Gift used as a stepping-stone when teaching children in a classroom setting, prior to beginning riding lessons or simply one on one at home. The illustrations are lovely and wonderful accompaniments to the story. I highly recommend The Gift!
5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton
No comments:
Post a Comment