Horses (Early Bird Nature Books)

Patent, Dorothy Hinshaw

ISBN 10: 0822530457 ISBN 13: 9780822530459

Publisher: Lerner Pub Group, 2000

Synopsis

Describes the physical characteristics, history, and behavior of horses and discusses their interactions with humans.

About this title

From Kirkus Reviews

A particular favorite among children is presented in terms that will appeal to fans and young researchers alike. Touching only briefly on the history of the horse and the evolution and development of contemporary breeds, Patent focuses on horses' behavior in the wild (explaining why, technically, they're ``feral,'' not ``wild''), their needs, and the interaction of individuals and the organization of bands. A detailed chapter on ``How Horses Communicate''--and the many signals they offer observant humans--is especially useful and interesting; Mu¤oz's agreeable color photos are particularly apposite here. The text concludes with comments on what keeps horses happy (they'd rather be with other horses, and outdoors) and some contemporary issues: rodeos; overpopulation on public lands (the US Bureau of Land Management has had an adoption program since 1991). Solid and attractive. (Nonfiction. 8-12) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8-Patent gives a basic history of the animal; describes equine social, reproductive, and eating behaviors; and details how horses differ from other herd animals. Suited for either browsing or reports, this attractive volume relates scientific facts about domestic and wild horses in the author's familiar conversational style. There is some crossover with her Where the Wild Horses Roam (Clarion, 1989; o.p.). The chapter on "How Horses Communicate" will help newcomers to the subject understand equine language. Every page includes one or two full-color photos with captions. (One caption incorrectly labels a team of Clydesdales as Percherons, and readers may wonder why rare Przewalski's horses are shown several times.) Overall, an engaging overview.
Charlene Strickland, formerly at Albuquerque Public Library, NM
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Lerner Pub Group
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0822530457
• ISBN 13: 9780822530459
• Binding: Library Binding
• Illustrator: Munoz William
• Number of pages: 48