Horses in the Circus Ring - Hardcover

Saville, Lynn

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0525444173 ISBN 13: 9780525444176

Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers, 1989

Synopsis

Describes how circus horses are trained to perform a variety of feats, including precision teamwork, carrying a pyramid of humans, and stunt riding.

About this title

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-- A professional circus photographer, Saville has accompanied examples of her art with explanatory text. Almost every page of spotlighted action features one or more color photographs of equine entertainers. Photos were shot at five circuses around the world, giving the book an international aspect. Many of the photos, all excellent from an artistic standpoint, convey a sense of imagery more than crisp portrayals of the well-trained performers. Young readers will probably concentrate on the dramatic shots which depict the agility of horses and their riders. In the text, they will learn minimal information about the animals' training and the bond between equine and human performers. The photo essay's drawback is a tendency toward anthropomorphism, but this will not detract from readers' enjoyment. Suggest this to those circus lovers who are fascinated with the portrayal of the gentle Percheron in Marguerite Henry's Album of Horses (Macmillan, 1951). --Charlene Strickland, formerly at Albuquerque Public Library , N.Mex.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly

Action shots show the exciting vision of horses prancing around the center of the big top. Saville establishes, from the start, that although horses have a natural charm, it is the artifice of special training, costume and lights that add to their luster in the circus setting. She explains the different ways in which horses are employed by their trainers, everything from "Solo" riding to stunt riding to "Comedy Partners," in which a horse misbehaves for its trainer right on cue. The book is a good idea, well-executed, and while there isn't any way for a still photograph to capture the antics of performers, Saville's work is a reasonable substitute for a day at the circus. Ages 5-9.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0525444173
• ISBN 13: 9780525444176
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32