Synopsis
In the small town of Port Washington, on the Herman Horse Farm, lives a retired champion pony named Mint. Grandpa Tom owns the farm and is the horse trainer for all who live there. Mint is one of the only Christmas gifts he ever gave. Given to his granddaughter on her sixth Christmas, Mint has become a permanent fixture on the farm since reaching the age of thirty. During a harsh Christmas Eve snowstorm, while his entire family is at church (he wants nothing to do with Christmas), Grandpa Tom tries to bring Mint in from the field and into the warm barn. Mint refuses. After using every horse trainer's trick to lead the old pony into the barn, he fails. Grandpa Tom reaches the point of despair. Mint is starting to freeze and lies down in the field. Helplessly, he kneels over the freezing pony and whispers "If I were only a pony, I could communicate with you and lead you to safety." Alone in the field, Grandpa Tom's thoughts turn to Christmas and with clarity the meaning of the day enters his heart. For the first time he understands that as he wished to become a pony to save Mint, God needed to become human, to save people. He understands why Christ needed to come to earth. As Grandpa Tom's thoughts become clear, Mint stands up and walks into the barn towards his stall full of soft bedding and warmth. Grandfather Tom receives Mint's Christmas Message.
About the Author
Mary Y. Spitz grew up in Port Washington, New York and was educated at George Mason University. She makes her home in Virginia and Jackson, Wyoming with her husband, daughter, their dogs, cats, and pony. This is Mrs. Spitz's first picture book for children and adults.Joanne Y. Pierce has had a lifelong love for hosres and has spent as much time as possible with them. Known for her Long Island landscapes, Mrs. Pierce finds horses to be a great inpsiration for her artwork. Raised in Port Washington, New York, she received a degree in Art Education from the State University of New York at New Paltz. Mrs. Pierce and her family live on the east end of Long Island.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.