But there’s more to Marguerite Henry than just Misty. In total, Henry penned almost 60 books, including sequels to Misty. Here are a few of Henry’s lesser-known but equally wonderful books that you may want to check out.
San Domingo, the Medicine Hat Stallion
Marguerite Henry was the queen of the underdog tale, and San Domingo, the Medicine Hat Stallion is a perfect example. Young Peter Lundy cannot please his intimidating father, and matters turn worse when Mr. Lundy trades away Peter’s beloved San Domingo, a medicine hat stallion. Furious at his father, Peter runs away–and is reunited with San Domingo when he joins the Pony Express.
Born to Trot
Gibson White has grown up in the world of Standardbreds and racing. His father is a trainer and driver and Gib dreams of following his father’s footsteps. But when Gib is hospitalized, his ambitions get put on the backburner until his father gives him a Standardbred filly named Rosalind, who just may be the horse to make all of Gib’s dreams come true.
The story of Gib and Rosalind is artfully intertwined with that of farmer William Rysdyk and his special trotting colt, Hambletonian, the “Father of the Trotting Horse”.
Misty’s Twilight
Ever wondered what happened after Misty of Chincoteague? There are a handful of sequels that continue the story, but Misty’s Twilight is particularly delightful. Misty’s descendant, Twi, is a pinto pony with no apparent talent. Adopted by the single mother of twins, Twi fails in both the rodeo arena and as a jumper, landing in the hands of a cruel trainer before being rescued again. But any descendant of Misty of Chincoteague is bound to be special, and perhaps Twi’s future lies not in the action-packed worlds of cutting and jumping, but in a more elegant sport…
Album of Horses
Album of Horses is not a single story, it’s a compilation of stories about many breeds of horses, from the circus-performing Percherons and racing Thoroughbreds to the Lipizzan dancers and ancient Arabian warriors. Some essays tell about the history of a breed, some deal more with the ways a breed is used today, but all of them celebrate the unique and wonderful aspects of each breed. This wonderful book combines fact with delightful fictional short stories.
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Samantha Johnson is a freelance writer and the author of several books, including The Field Guide to Horses, (Voyageur Press, 2009). She raises Welsh Mountain Ponies in northern Wisconsin and is a certified horse show judge. Follow her on Twitter: @miraclewelsh.
cool
I have everyone of those books listed. In fact, I am rereading “Born to Trot” right now to my little ones.
thanks for the list
I had all four of these as a kid. I would love to have them again.
I had the Album of Horses memorized! And I still have my copy 50 some years later. I loved Marguerite Henry;s stories — King of the Wind was my all time favorite.
I recently found the book written about her illustrators over the years, Wesley Dennis and the others, fantastic to read.
And brought her and them and the books to life all over again.
i had each of these books growing up- Christmas gifts from Santa!!!
I have a signed copy of the Album of Horses – she was signing them at a department store in Milwaukee in 1978 I think it was. Lovely
Born To Trot was my favorite MH book as a kid. And Album of Horses was my bible. I had most of her books and cherished them. One of the biggest thrills of my life was taking my kids to Chincoteague and Assateague Islands to see where the Misty stories got their start. The wild ponies are still there, and they still do pony-penning.
Liked it used to have Album of Horses and Born To Trot, don’t remember whatever happened to them. Had them so long they became kind of ragged around the edges. Had a couple more, one about Misty’s foal the other about The Gof. Bard can’t remember spelling of the last one. Some by Wesley Dennis too. Still have my collection of many books by Walter Farley The Black Stallion etc., The Blood Bay Colt etc etc.
I have read all of Marguerire Henry’s books and still have 2 of them. Loved them.
I grew up reading her books. I love them all!
I have read and own nearly all of the Marguerite Henry books, and loved every one of them. I still do even now at 24 years old. Marguerite and Bonnie Bryant were my first two favorite authors as a young rider and would recommend anything they have written.
I am so glad your are highlighting Marguerite Henry books. But I must remind you that almost all her books were illustrated by Wesley Denis, not Marguerite Henry.