Book of the Week: Andy and Spirit in the Big Rescue by Mary Jean Kelso

This week’s story is the third in the Andy and Sprit stories. Once again Andy and Spirit show what a great team they make.

We are back at the State Fair. It’s the day after Andy won the ‘Grand Champion’ ribbon in the 4-H riding competition. He and his mom have stayed over to see the rest of the fair and see how the other 4-H clubs do in their competitions.

Tracy, Spirit’s owner, has promised a ride around the tents to show Andy all the 4-H animals and the rest of the livestock that’s at the fair. When they arrive at the rodeo arena, Andy is watching a girl practicing barrel racing when suddenly one of the bulls breaks down the gate to his pen. The bull races after the girl and her horse then takes off out of the arena chasing Spirit, Andy and Tracy. When they reach the barn, the bull and Billy (the school bully) enter it at the same time. Will Billy be hurt? Will Spirit be hurt? See what happens and how Andy and Spirit save the day.

Mary Jean has once again done a wonderful job portraying the love between horse and boy. Her imagery brings you to the fair and makes you feel like you’re riding with Andy. K.C.’s illustrations show you all the action in this thrilling story.

So, how does this book go beyond reading? At the end of the story, Mary Jean has two pages about ‘hippothrerapy.’ And several links to learn more about the procedure.

Check out:
American Hippotherapy Association
North American Riding for the Handicapped Association
You can also google “equine therapy” for more information and maybe find a location near you.

On a personal note: I have done some volunteer work with one near my home. This is an amazing type of treatment with unbelievable results. They can always use more volunteers too.

You can buy this and the other books in the Andy and Spirit series from Guardian Angel Publishing.

posted by Joy Delgado
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Book of the Week: Andy and Spirit Go To the Fair by Mary Jean Kelso

This is the second story in the Andy and Spirit series. Back in March I reviewed the first in the series where Andy and Spirit met. You can read it here.

In this week’s story, Andy has joined a 4-H club called the Dusty Riders. Andy and several other members of the club are competing at the State Fair for ribbons. He’s very excited about being at the fair, even though he doesn’t think he’s the best rider in the group.

When the time comes for the competition to start, Andy’s a bit nervous. He’s used to working Spirit with his friends around, but this is different. When it’s his turn, Billy, the school bully, yells out from the crowd and lets out a shrill pitched whistle. Will Spirit react and run off with Andy on her back? How does the competition end? I don’t want to spoil the story for you, so I’ll just say that Andy and Spirit prove what a great pair they are.

Mary Jean has once again done an excellent job sharing the experiences of horse and rider and the bond they form. She shows how having a handicap doesn’t have to keep you from doing the things you want to do. The illustrations by K. C. Snider let you see and experience being at the fair with Andy.

This book goes beyond reading with the added information at the end about how wild horses are managed in the U. S. and horse adoption. Mary Jean also gives you some insight to 4-H clubs which have been around for over 100 years.

Learn more about horse and burro adoption

You can also learn about volunteering with horses and burros.

If you’re interested in reading about 4-H go to their web site .

You can buy this book at:

Guardian Angel Publishing

See you back here Wednesday.

posted by Joy Delgado
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Book of the Week: Andy and the Albino Horse by Mary Jean Kelso illustrated by K.C. Sinder

Today’s story is one of struggle and triumph. Andy is a young boy who spends his days in a wheelchair. He feels different that all the other children in school and is the school bullies favorite target. Andy wishes he could stand up and walk, then maybe Billy the bully would leave him alone.

In another part of town there is a lady named Tracy. She’s a horse trainer. During a severe winter she encounters an albino filly who’s been shunned by the rest of her herd because she’s different. Eventually the Bureau of Land Management puts the filly up for adoption and Tracy adopts her. She trains the filly, named Sprit, and Andy’s mom brings him out one day to ride her.

I won’t give away the ending, but this story teaches us that even though someone is different they still have feelings and dreams like everyone else. This is the first in a series of Andy and Sprit adventures.

Mary Jean takes this book beyond reading in several ways. At the back of the book she has “Horse Safety Tips” which anyone interested in being around horses should read. There is also a list of web sites that deal with wild horses. I think the most interesting part of this mini study guide is the last two pages. There Mary Jean talks about horse body language, or ear magic as she calls it. She has pictures of horse heads with different ear positions and explanations for each. Like for example if a horse’s ears are drooping downward or straight out to the side this may indicate that the horse is bored, tired or possibly in pain.

You can follow Mary Jane at her blog Andy and the Albino Horse
You can purchase the book at
Guardian Angel Publishing
And right here

Come back Wednesday. I have some great home schooling resources to share with you.

posted by Joy Delgado
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Laughing Zebra – Books for Children
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Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog