Lois Szymanski

I read this to my 7 year old granddaughter over several Skype calls during the COVID19 lockdown. Though I read it for her amusement, we both enjoyed it. I have read several books from the 'pony' genre and, frankly, they usually bore me to tears (and I recognize that I, as a crusty old grump, am not the intended reader). This entry into pantheon of the equine literary tradition, though, I found to be a surprisingly well-written, cute, simple, and heart warming tale.

I particularly appreciated that it avoided using the oft-traversed, magical unicorns plot device which, in my admittedly c.o.g. opinion, should be tied to a concrete block and dropped into the deepest part of the ocean.… (més)

As a child I loved reading Misty of Chincoteague and other books by Marguerite Henry. When I read this story, it brought back those memories. This story is for a younger audience than these other ones and therefore the story is a bit romanticized, as the author discusses in the afterward, but it describes the situation on Assateague Island well for younger children.

Surfer Dude is a beautiful foal with one blue and one brown eye. The daughter of one of the Cowboys falls in love with him and names him. The story follows his life as he grows, gets expelled from the herd, finds friends during his bachelor life, develops his own herd, and finally dies with his son taking over his herd. There is descriptions of the yearly round up, swim to Chincoteague, horse auctions and more. This is all done in a child friendly way. At the end of the book there are short descriptions of other horses mentioned in the story as well as animals that live on the islands. This story is based on a true animal which is also nice. I absolutely loved the illustrations. They were beautiful water colour pictures that depicted very realistic horses, colts, foals, mares and stallions. If you have a child that loves horses, then pick up this book. It would also be a good one to teach about eco-systems. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.… (més)

***This book as reviewed for Schiffer Kids via Netgalley

Surfer Dude is a beautifully illustrated children's book that tells the story of a real horse, a stallion named Surfer Dude who lived on Chincoteague. With a beautiful brown coat, pale blonde mane and tail, and a most unusual blue eye, this gentle horse became beloved of thousands who visited Chincoteague and Assateague. He was so mild-mannered that he tolerated his son staying within his herd for longer most stallions would. Like lions, stallions rarely tolerate competition, especially younger competition. Even more extraordinary, was the transition between father and son when Surfer Dude neared his death.

The artwork in this book is just wonderful. I loved the different animals drawn into each scene. At the end, there is a guide telling what each of these animals are, and another guide telling about other horses in the herd.

Though it is meant for younger readers, many of my older cubs enjoyed this book too. There are several who love horses. C’mon, who doesn't? I found the story sweet, if a little romanticised. It’s quite true that Surfer Dude was loved by many, and this is a children's book. It's allowed that. Besides, the author acknowledges this in the afterword, and gives a more factual accounting of Surfer Dude and his life, cliff notes style.

📚📚📚📚 A great gift for any youngling who loves horses… (més)