Book Description
Kim Meeder has seen horses go where no one else can tread - stepping through the minefield of a broken child's soul in a dance of trust that only God can understand. From a mistreated horse to an emotionally starved child and back again, a torrent of love washes away their barren places. Kim's ranch is a place where this miracle happens over and over again. It is a place where the impossible flourishes, where dreams survive the inferno of reality - a place where hope rises.
Where Wounded Spirits Run Free
Follow a horse where no one else can tread, through the minefield of pain that surrounds a broken child’s soul. From a mistreated horse to an emotionally starved child and back again, a torrent of love revives their barren places.
In the presence of unconditional love, a mute girl speaks for the first time. A defiant teenager teaches a horse to trust again...and opens his own heart to love. A rescued horse gives a dying man his last wish. A battered girl finds love and protection in the friendship of a battered horse...
Come visit a place where the impossible flourishes, where dreams survive the inferno of reality—a place where hope rises.
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful.......2007-09-19
If this testimony of God's work in the lives of those at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch doesn't pierce your heart, nothing will. It is well writen and absolutely beautiful.
Simply Beautiful.......2007-08-21
Inspiring, true stories of how neglected horses and neglected children help to heal each other. This book reveals over and over again the powerful miracles that can happen when one has hope.
Outstanding true stories of wounded horses and hurting kids.......2007-05-13
Kim Meeder is not only a fabulous person; she is a gifted writer. These true stories of mistreated horses and hurting children coming together for healing and enjoyment will gladden any heart. Even if you are not a horse lover, you'll love this book. It's about "horse therapy" for suffering children and the bonds and breakthroughs that happen when kids and horses interact on a safe and secure level. Kim Meeder writes with her heart and out of personal experience.
Absolutely beautiful.......2007-05-07
I loved this book. It was full of wonderful stories and personal experiences. Very touching and inspiring.
Hope Rising-Book of Miracles.......2007-03-20
This is a book of miracles. It is about love, faith, and healing. Ms. Meeder plays the human heart strings like a diva, and her stories of children healed by horses are as touching as they are inspirational.
J.R. Wise
Author of
"Give a Horse a Second Chance"
Book Description
Cross Over Troubled Waters
Hope is like the stars—always there, yet shining brightest in the blackest of nights. It is like the dawn, always rising anew. Hope is for everyone, and that includes you. This collection of more than twenty true stories from a ranch of rescued dreams unveils the heart of true strength and the character of genuine courage. Experience for yourself the kind of love and hope that change a person from the inside out. Because sometimes, just believing in someone is enough for them to start believing in themselves. It’s the galvanizing truth that no matter how deep your pain…God’s love exceeds it still.
Sometimes, just believing in someone
is enough for them to start
believing in themselves…
Without raising his eyes to look at me, in a voice barely clearing the horizon of a whisper, he said, “I know you don’t love me… You just say that ’cuz you’re an adult and it’s kinda like your job. But I know you don’t really love me.”
Suffering and blessing balance on the same high wire, each giving stability and depth to the other. The one that we feel the most…is ultimately the one that we give the most.
It was her eyes that gave her away. The conflict of her mortal illness versus her will raged behind them. Her body shouted, “I’m sick and it’s getting harder and harder to do the things I love!” while her indomitable will shouted back, “Yeah, but I’m just a little kid, and little kids should get to ride horses!”
What a relief it is when we begin to understand that it is within our hardships that truth is elevated from our hearts to our heads.
“During the darkest days I’d ever known, I was introduced to the unconditional love of a little horse and a merciful God, and my life has never been the same,” says author Kim Meeder . And her book proves that hope is not only for us to keep…but to give.
“Stirring, encouraging, and inspirational, Bridge Called Hope reminds us that hope is heaven sent for everyone, and that we, too, can make a positive difference in others’ lives."
Eric Close
Actor
“Kim Meeder vibrantly shares—and lives—an amazing story of hope and restoration. A triumph of recovery for wounded hearts!”
Louie Giglio
Director, Passion Conferences, and bestselling author
Story Behind the Book
“I was moved to write Hope Rising and Bridge Called Hope because, when I needed it the most, someone shared hope with me and it saved my life. During the darkest days I’d ever known, I was introduced to the unconditional love of a little horse and a merciful God, and my life has never been the same. Everything in our life is about choices. We cannot control our circumstances, but we can control how we choose to feel about them. The pain that we feel in this life is certain. What is equally certain is how we choose to feel about the pain. It can destroy us—or it can define us. The choice is uniquely ours.” —Kim Meeder
Customer Reviews:
As beautiful as the first! .......2007-09-19
Most sequels don't measure up to the first book, but this one is a rarity. It is as well written and beautiful as the its predecessor. I hope it's not the end of the author's writen journey.
Wonderful inspiration.......2007-09-04
This book was much like Kim's first book - "Hope Rising". Full of wonderful stories about the many horses and children who have spent time at the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch and because of their time there, have come away with new hope about life itself. Great reading!
Keep your tissues handy.......2007-08-26
Kims stories of abused children will bring a tear to almost anyones eyes. Her writing paints a vivid image in your head, as if you are there yourself. But this is not merely a book about unwanted and abused children. It's a story of how one couple takes God's message of hope to ones who have none.
Bridge Called Hope.......2007-08-23
This was a beautiful story with and important message of reaching those who feel they are without hope in this world. the title is very appropriate and the message is one that is greatly needed in our world today. There is hope!
Hope Rising.......2007-08-19
Second book by this author that offers true, inspiring, heart-tugging stories how horses and children that need mending from abuse or other physical/mental issues help pull each other through to a path of healing; and the husband and wife team that makes it all happen through faith.
Book Description
Gus was a lucky dog. Injured and abandoned, he could have become another of the 7 million animals euthanized every year. Then Stephanie Williams entered the picture. A successful journalist, she had been diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer at the age of 30. On medical leave and living alone, she wanted a warm four-legged companion. When she saw Gus's soulful eyes and goofy grin, it was love at first sight: she would rescue him, and he would return the favor.
Just Gus is about how much one dog did to make a dying woman happy — giving tireless love, comfort, and support. This extraordinary story shows how one dog brought joy and hope to a woman's last days.
Customer Reviews:
A Heartfelt Book.......2007-08-16
This book, although sad, makes you feel so good. The devoted love an an unwanted dog helps a dying woman to get through her last two years of her battle with cancer. Written well and with photographs.
Very moving story.......2007-05-14
I absolutely loved this book. It was a quick read, but very moving. Another perfect example of how therapeutic and healing having an animal in your life can be. Bravo!!
Sweet story disappointing book.......2007-03-23
This was a very sweet, compelling story. But I read the book in a metter of 20 minutes, way too short! My fault for not reviewing the number of pages.
A very touching story........2007-02-23
Not many pages but what the book says is very powerful. It makes you wonder how much fate and destiny really does factor in our lives. Hope was given to a woman in the form of a dog and hope was given to a dog by someone who I believe was meant to be the one. They found and needed each other is a under statement. The story will make you laugh and cry. Worth every dime and I would recommend it to anyone.
just gus: a rescued dog and the woman he loved.......2007-02-12
a wonderful story, very well told and covered beautifully in photographs. it reminds us that taking just one poor little lost pup from an animal shelter and giving it love and understanding, can so enrich our lives, no matter what our situation is or what lies ahead.
Customer Reviews:
pipi.......2007-08-14
A beautiful book about some unknown hero's of Setpember 11.
A must read for all.
Wonderful tribute and RIP Jake..........2007-07-31
Received the book on the same day that Jake (page 58) crossed the rainbow bridge. He will be missed...
Dog Heroes.......2007-03-24
I sat down and could not put this down until I finished reading. Anybody who loves animals (especially dogs) will love this. I cried at several of the dog stories.
Phenomenal job on an inspiring subject.......2007-02-22
Nona Kilgore Power signed her book at BookExpo America and bought some of the hero dogs along -- the animals and their handlers received well-deserved respect from people in the long autograph line.
The author has done a fine job collecting beautiful photos of the dogs and interviewing their handlers on what they did at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, Fresh Kills and in Shanksville, Pa. There is undeniable heartache in the fact that so few dogs found bodies let alone survivors. But the search was necessary and the fact that some search teams couldn't hide their disappointment just demonstrates that courage requires forging ahead even if the outlook is bleak.
Some of the notable stories here include that of Piper, a shepherd hero from New Jersey who helped find the bodies of 15 firefighters.
More often, the dogs' role was like that of golden retriever Bretagne (Brittany), from Texas. Her handler Denise Corliss relates in the book, "Sometimes she would leave my side and go sit next to a firefighter. Not just anyone ... she was very deliberate about whom she chose." Often she found a silent firefighter and joined him in a solemn moment.
Corliss remembered how unexpected the dogs' roles were. "One man especially stands out. He started petting Britanny and told me he didn't even like dogs. He knelt down beside her and told me his best friend was missing. His friend really loved dogs and would be very upset if he didn't pet this dog."
Other dogs consoled the families of victims at the Pentagon.
"Dog Heroes of September 11th" is certain to inspire more Americans to get involved in canine search and rescue and to help us remember those dogs, many of whom have retired or passed away in the past five years, who didn't hesitate, despite conditions infinitely worse than those they had seen in training, to search deep voids in hopes of finding people they could help.
Inspiring.......2007-02-12
If you're a fan of K9 helpers like me, you'll love this book. It was a great look at so many dogs, their trainers, and their stories. Truly great to see and read about all these dogs, their efforts make you feel warm inside :)
Book Description
When the Iraq war began, conservationist Lawrence Anthony could think of only one thing: the fate of the Baghdad Zoo, located in the city center and caught in the war's crossfire. Once Anthony entered Baghdad he discovered that full-scale combat and uncontrolled looting had killed nearly all the animals of the zoo.
But not all of them. U.S. soldiers had taken the time to help care for the remaining animals, and the zoo's staff had returned to work in spite of the constant firefights. Together the Americans and Iraqis had managed to keep alive the animals that had survived the invasion.
Babylon's Ark chronicles the zoo's transformation from bombed-out rubble to peaceful park. Along the way, Anthony recounts hair-raising efforts to save a pride of the dictator's lions, close a deplorable black-market zoo, and rescue Saddam's Arabian horses. His unique ground-level experience makes Babylon's Ark an uplifting story of both sides working together for the sake of innocent animals caught in the war's crossfire.
Customer Reviews:
Tragedy to Triumph.......2007-10-02
I truly enjoyed reading "Babylon's Ark." The news is often full of disheartening examples of man's inhumanity to man and to animals. It's wonderful to see examples of courage and love that show us man's great humanity. Such is the case of Lawrence Anthony, a conservationist from South Africa, who felt compelled to rescue the animals in the Baghdad zoo.
Anthony pulled many strings to be able to enter a war zone in his eagerness to save these animals, but he was unprepared for the terrible condition of the animals and the places they lived. I loved his philosophy " whatever happens finish the task you start." It was his ability to concentrate on one task at a time that kept him from being overwhelmed.
The stories of individual animals are sometimes tragic and sometimes heartwarming and always interesting. And when Anthony set out to do the impossible, others joined in. A great story!
Truly Inspiring.......2007-07-26
This book was impossible to put down. It was more gripping than most fiction I read and even more fascinating given that it's a true story.
I felt many emotions while reading this book -- it was very moving, frustrating, funny, and sad -- but above all, learning about one man's gritty determination to save the animals, against all odds, was truly inspiring.
Riveting.......2007-06-11
The author's passion for animal welfare at the expense of his own safety is extraordinary. His regard for Iraqi counterparts reflects personal sacrifice and humility in the face of real danger. Unlike Matthew Bogdanos (author of "Thieves of Baghdad"), Lawrence Anthony and Graham Spence hold the reader's attention throughout "Babylon's Ark" due to a coherent writing style. Major players are identified and fully integrated into the context of the rescue mission. Also, the authors suspend political judgments. However, an astute reader can discern the foolhardiness of the Bush administration's ill equipped shock and awe campaign. This is one of those rare books that you don't put down until the last page is read!
Save a zoo! Save the world! Lawrence Anthony is a leader for us all!.......2007-05-25
I'm not much of a nonfiction reader, but after hearing about Lawrence Anthony's book on the CBS Sunday Morning News I had to have it. Ever slowed down the car to let a squirrel or goose get out of your way? Ever caught a small bird or mouse in your garage and taken it outside to set free? Although your animal-loving efforts are certainly appreciated, you will never believe the conflicts Anthony faced to save the Baghdad zoo.
Arriving on the cusp of the war, Anthony discovers most of the animals have died of starvation or been stolen by looters. With only 36 animals left, guns firing in the distance, food and supplies stolen, and only a handful of people for a staff, Anthony questions whether he should shoot the animals to end their misery or do what he came to Iraq to do. Save the zoo!
As an outsider, Anthony paints an amazing picture of a war-torn country, surrounded by American troops, but his focus stays on the animals. The story he tells of the animals that have survived, either because they have sharp claws or teeth (or both) and could defend themselves, is just haunting. His struggles to provide food, water, and safety are a never ending battle. It was also good to read how many American soldiers helped provide aide. Some soldier's bought an entire flock of sheep with their own money for Anthony to use as food for the carnivores.
Lawrence was also responsible for setting up an Iraqi SPCA which closed down a black market zoo and rescued tons of animals that were in even worse conditions. They also went in search of Saddam's million-dollar Arabian horses after they came up missing from Saddam's palace, and they rescued a pack of lions from Uday Hussein's abandoned palace. The stories and struggles are never ending, but Lawrence's determination will definitely inspire you.
So far, this is the best book I've read all year! I doubt any other book of such strength and will could ever come close! Animal lover or not, don't miss out on this story. It's a different side of the war that television and news deprives us of!
Great dedication to saving animals .......2007-05-20
I'm currently stationed in Iraq and work at the Baghdad Zoo and wanted to know what the first guys did to get this place back up and running. I heard about this book from a friend who had seen it on Amazon.com, so I thought why not try it. I began to read it and I could actually see all the stuff Lawrence Anthony was talking about. I went back to the zoo a couple days later and sat down with the director and discussed the book with him and asked alot of questions and he told me the same stories. I now have a great outlook on working with this place and the staff, thanks to this wonderful book. If it wasn't for people like Lawrence Anthony doing these amazing things the animals would have died and the zoo would no longer be a part of this city's future. I wrote to Lawrence Anthony after reading this book and told him thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the animals and now we comunicate often and he is planning another trip here to see what progress has been made. I would recommend this book to any animal lover who wants to read about the great lengths some people will go to save them. Thank you again Lawrence.
Sincerely,
SFC Herb Mowery
Baghdad, Iraq
Book Description
Wild Orphans tells the emotional tale of eight baby elephants living in the nursery of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Orphanage at the Nairobi National Park in Kenya, East Africa. It chronicles their story over two long years, including memorable images of the rescue of abandoned baby elephants, their upbringing by dedicated 24-hour surrogate human "mothers," the lessons they learn, and ultimately, their release back into the wild. The stars of Wild Orphans are the "Orphan 8": eight babies who arrived at the orphanage during the summer of 1999, a time of prolonged drought and increased ivory poaching. They are: Natumi - Rescued froma well at just two months old after her mother was killed by hunters, she is the ringleader of the eight and is very possessive of the smaller babies; Icholta - Rescued at six weeks old after being abandoned by her herd. She is small for her age, with soft fuzz on her head, and is very gentle and friendly; Ilingwezi - Rescued at just one month, she was abandoned by her herd after falling into a deep gully. She is very sweet and playful; Idie - Four months old when rescued from a well, Idie grieved deeply for the family that abandoned her. Idie and Ilingwezi are now best friends; Nyiro - Found in a trench, he is sturdy and tough. As the smallest and most out-going of the group, he is a great favorite among the bigger elephants; Salama - Just three or four months old when abandoned by a herd that was fleeing poachers, Salama is tough, confident, and occasionally pushy; Lolokwe - He was rescued after falling into a well at just one month old. It is possible that he, Salama, and Nyiro all share the same father; Laikipia - She was rescued at four months after falling down a well. While Wild Orphans focuses on the adventures of these elephants, the reader will also be introduced to other orphans living in the nursery, their caregivers, older "graduate" elephants who return to teach the babies, and the greater story of the African elephant's plight. Never before has a photographer been granted this kind of access or spent this length of time photographing these orphans of Nairobi. Never before has their return to the wild been documented. Wild Orphans is certainly a landmark in nature photography and journalism, but it is also, perhaps more importantly, a story: One that will warm the soul and pull at the heart-strings of all animal-lovers.
Customer Reviews:
Captivating Photographic Essay of Orphaned African Elephants.......2004-11-21
Photographer Gerry Ellis spent 2 years with the orphaned elephants of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust at the Nairobi National Park in Kenya in order to document the rescues, daily lives and preparation to return to the wild for these young elephants who have fallen victim to natural and unnatural disasters. In the summer of 1999, prolonged drought and increased ivory poaching brought brought more orphaned baby elephants to the Trust in one season that it had seen in the entire previous decade. Gerry Ellis followed, photographed, and got to know 8 of the young elephants who were one month to one year old when they arrived at the Wildlife Trust. Through more than 100 photographs and accompanying text, we meet the "Orphan 8", learn of the challenges of raising them, observe as the youngsters recover from their injuries and fear, adjust to life at the Trust, develop relationships with one another and with their human keepers, and, after 2 years, move to Tsavo National Park, where they will eventually be released into the wild. An essay by Gerry Ellis introduces each of the book's 6 chapters. Detailed explanations accompany all photographs -not as captions, but full-sized text. I've long been a fan of Gerry Ellis' fine art nature photography, but "Wild Orphans" is fantastic photojournalism and more personal work than I have seen from Ellis before. Ellis' love for this project shows. Admirers of elephants and those concerned with their fate -or that of African wildlife in general- won't want to miss "Wild Orphans".
I LOVE THIS BOOK.......2004-09-29
I love this book. The text was written by the photographer. The photographs alone are priceless. I think it is also a very valuable contribution to the ongoing oftentimes contentious debate about human intervention in the animal kingdom. This book makes an eloquent statement that there are times when it is appropriate to intervene, save the lives of the animals and educate humans on the importance of maintaining animal habitat in the process.
What I enjoyed the most was the gradual realization of the author that we are all connected - human and animal. We have created the conditions that are killing these animals through our unsound environmental practices. There is no conscionable way to turn our backs on the animals that are being forced to live in what we have created. We must admit our responsibility for the environmental chaos we have created and help where we need to. To simply look the other way as these elephants die and throw out the excuse that it's "nature", "the law of the land" or worse yet "survival of the fittest" is inhuman.
It is extremely touching. For those of you who can't tolerate another anthropomorphic happy-meal animal book, some die as they are being rescued and some after.
The information on GLOBIO and the work they are doing world wide is a valuable teaching tool for children.
You wont forget it!.......2003-06-10
Bought this for my niece, she loves it. Beautiful photography.
Fantastic.......2002-09-09
The photography is amazing and that alone is worth getting this book. However the stories behind each picture and story of each member of the Orphan 8 are extremely touching, and provide a wonderful insight between humans and elephants. It will leave you in awe of the difference the wonderful people at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust make in this endeavor to help save the African Elephant.
Book Description
The inspiration for Rescued was the tragic situation with pets during the Katrina disaster — thousands refusing to leave without their pets, and many animals dying due to official indifference to these “disposable” creatures. Extensively trained in animal rescues, Allen and Linda Anderson interviewed hundreds of volunteers, hurricane survivors, and government officials for this book. Rescued offers both hope and practical suggestions, as well as the latest information on official policy and how to help in future catastrophes. It goes beyond the recent tragedies to talk about the various rescue and sanctuary operations, what volunteers and staff do, and how to help. Using a dramatic structure and photos, the book presents the before, during, and after journeys of people separated from their animals. Rescued puts attention on an unheralded world of animal shelters, organizations, and brave individuals who made a difference during the largest animal disaster in American history.
Customer Reviews:
Not a true picture............2007-09-10
I was one of the many people the Anderson's interviewed for this book and was eager to read it when it came out. When there was not one mention of the toll of the animals and the groups who tried to save them in MS I was severely disappointed. It wasn't as important to mention WHO was there but that Mississippi's animals, their shelters and rescue groups were destroyed in the hurricane...and no one even knows that by reading this book. Overall this book was NOT a clear or true depiction of what happened in New Orleans and MS. This book was a sugar coated pandering attempt to increase sales and appease the ever almighty HSUS, who by the way left New Orleans and the Gulf Coast at the end of Sept. of 2005. The end of Sept. 2005. There are STILL many groups saving the animals of the Gulf Coast today (and as a lingering result of the devastation wrought by the hurricane)...that's right Sept. 2007.
Saving Animals from Disaster.......2007-07-24
This book deals with tragedy and hope. It concerns itself with professionals in the animal control business and others who volunteered to help and who found a new calling. It concerns itself with the mundane and heroism. As well, it provides recommendations for the average pet owner in case disaster strikes.
A Wealth of Knowledge.......2007-04-13
As somone who was detailed to New Orleans in the hurricane aftermath and being a huge animal lover, I found this book very valuable. After seeing so many markings on the houses for animals that didn't make it, it gave me a sense of closure knowing that there were many who were saved and people there who made the animals a priority.
The book also paints a realistic picture of the steps you need to start NOW in order to be qualified to help after the next diaster and also how to prepare your own household for disasters that find their way on YOUR doorstep.
Enjoyed this book!.......2007-01-09
This book was very eye opening. I learned so much about what really happened to people and their pets. Some parts I would find myself smiling and in others I was fighting mad. Every doglover should read this book. It should motivate you to want to help in the next disaster.
Great book..........2007-01-06
If one loves animals, this will inspire others to volunteer or seek employment to work with animals. Excellent insight into the plight of animals in the time of natural disasters.
Book Description
From the one and only Kate DiCamillo comes an irresistible new hero for early chapter book readers, brightly captured with comic nostalgic flair by Chris Van Dusen.
To Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Mercy is not just a pig — she's a porcine wonder. And to the portly and good-natured Mercy, the Watsons are an excellent source of buttered toast, not to mention that buttery-toasty feeling she gets when she snuggles into bed with them. This is not, however, so good for the Watsons' bed. BOOM! CRACK! As the bed and its occupants slowly sink through the floor, Mercy escapes in a flash — "to alert the fire department," her owners assure themselves. But could Mercy possibly have another emergency in mind — like a sudden craving for their neighbors' sugar cookies? Welcome to the wry and endearing world of Mercy Watson — an ebullient new character for early chapter-book readers in a series that's destined to be a classic.
Customer Reviews:
Great beginning chapter book.......2007-08-10
My niece was not inspired by any chapter books. The clerk at a local bookstore recommended this series and BAM!--the niece was hooked. My only question is: can Kate DiCamillo write these fast enough to satisfy a book-hungry seven-year-old?
This is also a great book to read out loud. The characters and humor jump off the page, even when a non-actor such as myself attempts to "do voices."
Mercy Watson or anything by Kate Dicamillo is a hit around here. .......2007-07-30
My kids LOVE all of Kate Dicamillo's books. My youngest children really love Mercy Watson so when I saw this book was available I had to buy it. Easy to follow, fun story, nice illustrations, another hit by Kate Dicamillo.
Thanks for putting out such wonderful work Kate!
Mercy Watson to the Rescue.......2007-07-04
Mercy is a delightful pig and her family loves Mercy like a child. The story is very cute and Kate Dicamillo does an excellent job of keeping the reader involved. My 4th grade students enjoyed it as a read aloud and then some students read it on their own.
Fun book to read!.......2007-05-25
This book is enjoyable for any young child. The story has humor and conflict that makes it a quick and interesting read. The pictures make it appealing and help tell the humorous story. Mercy Watson is a bit of a spoiled pig. He gets tucked into bed with a bedtime song and an abundance of hot buttered bread which happens to be his favorite snack. A catastrophe happens one night when he sneaks in bed with Mr. and Mrs. Watson. Will Mercy get help before it too late? Read the adventure that Mercy goes on to find out if he becomes a hero.
10-page plot in a 68-page book.......2007-01-30
Beginning readers may well enjoy this story, and especially the cute illustrations. But as an adult reading to a preschooler, I found it too short on plot to justify its length and quickly became bored. Even my daughter was squirming about halfway through. Furthermore, the fact that one of the old ladies in the story was named "Baby" was really confusing to her ("That's not a baby!"), and just seemed weird to me. After the first time reading the book, I hid it from her so she would not ask for it again. In a couple of years when she's reading on her own, I'll probably give it back to her and see if she's interested.
Book Description
There are approximately seven million horses in America. Each year, over seventy thousand are abused, abandoned, and fated to slaughter by callous and irresponsible owners. With a heart as big as a pasture, author Melanie Bowles takes some of these horses into her sanctuary called Proud Spirit. Here, horses that arrive listless and broken find a home where they finally know safety.
The bond between horse and caretaker does not happen overnight. It hangs by a fine thread of trust that the author earns with endless patience and a full commitment to the well-being of the horses in her care. The horses, some of which have suffered severe abuse, astound her time and again with their ability to trust, return the love they are given, and enjoy the companionship of other horses.
You will meet a whole stableful of remarkable horses:
Dusty, a Thoroughbred who recovered from severe injuries to reveal a rambunctious personality and a knack for stealing hats;
Maddy, an old mare, and Dancer, a gallant Appaloosa, both of whom had been isolated for years but whose ecstatic first acquaintance at Proud Spirit was, mysteriously, like the reunion of two soul mates;
Annie, a little sorrel mare who will break your heart with her weary kindness and who found peace and compassion, at last, under an old oak tree in a pasture at Proud Spirit;
Wrangler, a Miniature whose premature separation from his dam turned him into a tiny tormentor. His rowdy innocence helped Marshal, a huge Palomino gelding with neurological trauma, become playful and engaged as he educated Wrangler in horsy manners. Horses of Proud Spirit is an homage to the spirit of these alluring creatures and a moving memoir of lessons learned in compassion, strength, and loss.
Customer Reviews:
. . . knowing this story.......2007-09-21
Melanie and her husband, Jim, are to be commended for all their work with these wonderful, great, grand animals - HORSES! Horse lover all my life, but never worked with them although had one in early teens. Worked summer of '06 on horse slaughter bill which I got involved with while doing research on horse book I am writing - story of Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner of 1966 - Kauai King. Have been to rescue farms and send money as I have it to help support. From all the reviews of this book, Melanie, besides being a good woman with a tremendous heart, she must be a good writer also. I am going to order this book, but must admit that it may be a while before I read it. I am sure there will be lots of new stuff I will learn about, but the "stuff" that, at this time, I do not want to know more about, is how man has abused the horse - I, all to sadly, KNOW THIS STORY. I thank Melanie for her courage in writing this book, for herein, (and books like hers), lies any and all hope for better treatment of our wonderful horses - the love and respect they deserve, the rescue when this is not given. Again, to Melanie and Jim and all like them, all those special souls out there in this hard world, who when they hear of an abused or neglected horse (or any animal for that matter) will go and get them, bring them "home" in their arms as if these massive creatures were no more than a kitten and give them safe harbor and peace - THANK YOU! Shelby Staples - Virginia
If you think you love horses.......2007-08-11
If you love horses or even think you love horses, read this book. Sue can break your heart and heal it again on just one page. A great book for kids and adults, just starting with horses. Sue takes readers with her as she grows from rank beginner to one who not only loves horses but learns to understands and appreciates their amazing minds, hearts, and spirits.
Great book for animal lovers.......2007-07-05
I thought this book was really good, especially for people who love horses. The stories in each chapter are very interesting and different from each other, so you don't leave off on a chapter wondering what will happen next.
Great book!.......2007-06-27
I am involved with a horse rescue here in Michigan & bought the book after seeing the tv show about Proud Spirit on PBS. I can identify fully with this book - I was an inexperienced horse person & was thrilled to find out that the author was too when she started, and is from Michigan herself! The book is an easy read & will stir up emotional reactions from any animal lover. I have cried while reading this book several times - please keep in mind that I do horse rescue, so I've witnessed some of these things firsthand. The book is so well written in my opinion that you feel like you're there.
A Special Book by a Special Person.......2007-06-09
The Horses of Proud Spirit is really three stories in one. First, it's Melanie Sue Bowles' story as she tells us about her experiences with some of the first horses who came to live at Proud Spirit. We follow Melanie's progress from pure novice to knowledgeable caregiver, and she tells of her experiences just as if we were sitting on a porch, swapping horse stories with friends who are nonjudgmental because at one time or another in the course of our own learning process, we've been in Melanie's shoes. Melanie becomes our friend on the very first page of The Horses of Proud Spirit, and that's because she has the ability to make us feel her horror and disgust at what humans do to horses, whether out of ignorance or pure malice.
In what I consider the second story within the story, Melanie tells us the tale of each horse, unfolding the sequence of events in her comfortable, down-to-earth manner, even when the events are tragic. We rejoice with her when the outcome is good and weep with her when a horse is lost.
The third story is ours, the reader's, because if we've been insulated from the terrible things humans do to horses, Melanie opens our eyes to reality, so perhaps, if faced with signs of abuse, we will be quicker to take action. For those of us having cared for an abused horse (and hopefully, never as many as Mel and her husband, Jim) we share our understanding of what she goes through with each horse.
Depending upon whether you're new to horses or an old-timer, you'll either learn what's right when it comes to being responsible for the care of a horse, or, like what happened with me, Melanie's story brought back warm comforting memories of horses I've known in my lifetime.
You will enjoy The Horses of Proud Spirit and the way in which Melanie tells her story. You will turn the last page and wish she would tell you more. You will also use up one or more boxes of tissues by the time you close the back cover. And, you will never again take your horses for granted.
Average customer rating:
- Great illustrations increase participation of listeners!
- FUN!
- ITS A BIRD, ITS A PLANE, ITS DA SUPERCHICKENS!
- heroic chickens
- some funny chickens
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Chickens to the Rescue
John Himmelman
Manufacturer: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Flotsam (Caldecott Medal Book)
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ASIN: 0805079513
Release Date: 2006-10-03 |
Book Description
Meet the most heroic chickens in town!
On Monday, Farmer Greenstalk dropped his watch down the well. . . .
On Tuesday, Mrs. Greenstalk was too tired to make dinner. . . .
Who will help the poor Greenstalk family? Chickens to the rescue! The amazing chickens on the Greenstalk farm race to help various family members and farm animals every day of the week. Every day until Sunday, that is, when Emily Greenstalk has a little trouble . . .
John Himmelman’s expressive illustrations are filled with the kind of hilarious details that will delight young readers.
Customer Reviews:
Great illustrations increase participation of listeners!.......2007-05-29
I lead storytime programs for our local library and do outreach to area nursery schools. I just read this book last week and have nothing but raves for it. Not only is the story successful, the illustrations draw the listener in and provide ample opportunity for comments and laughs. The author also uses the days to sequence the action, which was good reinforcement for learning the days. On Monday..., "what day comes next after Monday?"..., etc. The final page, as someone already mentioned, shows an illustration of pigs, leading readers/listeners to predict what will happen next. Be prepared for the almost immediate "Pigs to the rescue!".
An A+ book, it has become one of my faves.
FUN!.......2007-03-13
My son and I have fun reading this story. I read everything up to "Chickens to the rescue!" and then he bursts out thoses words and laughs every time.
It is a really cute book for kids.
ITS A BIRD, ITS A PLANE, ITS DA SUPERCHICKENS!.......2007-01-29
I think this book is great because it is hilarious and the illustrations added to the humor. Da chickens do homework! Da chickens swim in wells! Da chickens make dinner! Da chickens can do it all! Da book rocks!!!!!!!
YOU will like da book! Dis books da bomb!
heroic chickens .......2007-01-29
I think chickens to the rescue should have won because it was funny and was fun to read about chickens saveing the day. i think 2+ could read this book.
some funny chickens.......2007-01-24
this is why I think Chickens to the rescue should of won the Caldecot medal...
this book is very funny how the chickens go to the rescue and save the day!
each time they go to the rescue its always funny!
you will never get tired of it and it also shows great details in every part of the book
I wouls recamend it for 2+ and it is such a good book
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