Midnight Rider

Charlie becomes friends with Mr. Grimm through her love for his horse, and the two of them share a secret that even wise Old Fig doesn't know

Gr. 2^-5. After the death of her horse, Charlie begins making secret visits to Starbright, the horse that belongs to her cold and sullen neighbor, Old Mann Grimm. One stormy night she rides Starbright through the ocean waves, falls off, and lies unconscious at the sea's edge. Grimm rescues Charlie, who discovers the gentle manner beneath her neighbor's cold exterior. Attractive paintings by Ulrike Heyne, reproduced in full color, appear on nearly every page, giving the book, which was first published in Switzerland, an accessible look and adding immensely to its appeal. A good story for young horse lovers. Carolyn Phelan