Saturday, January 23, 2016

Welcome Home! by Kristin Earhart -- OPTIONAL

Earhart, Kristin Welcome Home! (Marguerite Henry's Misty Inn #1), illustrated by Serena Geddes. Aladdin (Simon & Schuster), 2015. $5.99. Content: G.

Willa's family has just moved to Chincoteague Island, an area that -- together with Assateague Island -- is known for its wild ponies. Helping her family prep for the opening of their new bed-and-breakfast is a lot of work for Willa, but the new locale pays off when someone drops off a pony at her grandparents' house -- and Willa's there to witness the whole thing.

Horse stories still have a good audience in many libraries, and quite a few children will relate to the feeling of moving to a new town. The plot could have moved a little faster and been more focused, however, and some of the issues -- such as the relationship with the neighbor girl -- are quickly and superficially resolved.

EL (K-3) -- OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Caryn

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