The Saturday Appaloosa

Crystal is fascinated by all the horses near her Granmama's. They belong to Gramama's neighbour, who lives across the creek. Crystal's favourite horse is the Appaloosa-- and she pays special attention to her, too. She would love to ride the Appaloosa, but Gramama says, "We do not ride other people's horses. Unless they offer."

One Saturday when they reach the horses, they can't find the Appaloosa -- until Crystal spots the horse, caught up in the barbed wire at the far corner of the field. While her grandmother wades across the river to get the owner, Crystal puts aside her own fear and softly pets the Appy so it won't be frightened. Gramama and the horse woman return to free the Appy, and Crystal's kindness is rewarded in a way she never expected.

Thelma Sharp's poetic tale of a young girl's love for a horse will resonate with all children who have similar yearnings, and award-winning illustrator Georgia Graham brings to life the majesty of rural landscapes with her pastel and pencil illustrations.

Georgia Graham has been hooked on chalk pastels since she was given a set as a child. A graduate of the Alberta College of Art and Design, she first used her art to entertain children when she drew pictures for her Sunday school class. She has been drawing for children ever since.