A sweet story told from the viewpoint of a horse, Black Beauty. A little preachy in parts in regard to animal treatment and alcoholic drink (not that I would advocate animal abuse or excess drinking), but you do learn a fair bit about horses, and it’s fun having the tale come from Black Beauty himself. Plus, the way the story wraps up in a gratifying way.

Originally published in 1877, this particular version from Barnes and Noble is stunning – with a leather cover, gold-colored paper edges, a lovely, built-in ribbon bookmark, and beautiful, poppy-filled end papers. Also included are 24 lovely illustrations/plates and numerous black and white artwork throughout. These are such a bargain from Barnes and Noble, at only $10.00 each. They can be found at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barnes-noble-leatherbound-classics-black-beauty....

A great gift for that chapter book reader in your life, or for any lover of classics, or horses. ( )

Independent Reading Level: Grades 3-4
Awards:

Black Beauty is a biography of a wonderful horse. He describes the love he felt, and the excellent care he received from many good owners, their families and their grooms. He always did his best work for them.

Sadly, sometimes he ended up sold to nasty folks who overworked, underfed, and abused him. But he still tried his hardest to carry many passengers and packages despite their weight because he was especially good. But... eventually the poor care he received wore him down. Fortunately he was purchased by a kind grandfather whose grandson provided excellent, loving care and Black Beauty regained his health. His final home is with another caring family, and their groom Joe Green now grown up and much more experienced with horses than when he started as a young teen.

Sweet, beautiful story of a sweet, beautiful horse; the huge difference between good and bad owners, and the need for horse owners to be responsible, kind and loving.

One of my all-time favorite books as a horse-mad girl, even though my riding days were cut short by family dynamics. I loved getting into the mind of a horse as best one can, and to see what good treatment vs. unkind treatment yields. I often thought of Ginger and her views on humans, and how many adventures Black Beauty had throughout his long years.

As an adult reading this book I was struck by many things that I didn't notice at the time: the cause of Black Beauty's accident that ruined his knees being caused by the evils of drink. And there were many instances of lectures against alcohol, what was called in the US "Prohibition," together with many instances of an effort for more humane treatment of animals.

The story of Old Captain in what was probably the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War is now something I have historical reference to; then, it was just simply a horse charging into battle. The care of horses' injuries being warm bran mash points out the strides in veterinary medicine since this book was written. But I was glad to read the many instances both animal and human characters advocated for the better treatment of the horse. I just wish there were more of them around! ( )

"Black Beauty" is a nice, bitter-sweet movie.