Rosie and Scamper was written by Vicki Watson, illustrated by Becky Raber and published by Christian Cowgirl; Second Edition (2012). Rosie's grandmother owns Sonrise Stables. Rosie loves being around horses. She loves riding and dreams of competing. When the novel opens, Rosie is eight and has only recently been allowed to ride. Jet is her pony. Grandma tells Rosie that Jet is going to have a foal. Rosie is very excited.
One March night, some months later, there is a big storm. Going out to the barn, Grandma finds that Jet's stall is empty. She searches for her. In the woods Grandma discovers a newborn foal. Going a little further she finds the dead Jet, and a coydog trampled to death beside her. Grandma takes the foal and with the help of the vet begins to take of him. She names him Scamper.
When Rosie comes to her grandmother's the next morning, she learns of Jet's death and is brokenhearted. Grandma says that she has been praying. Brushing away her own tears, Grandma shares that Jet's sacrifice to protect her foal helps her see a little better how much Jesus loves her and everyone—how in His love He died for all of us.
Grandma wisely does not make light of Rosie's sadness and tells her that she will hurt for some time. In the meantime, she would like Rosie's help feeding the newborn who must be bottle fed every two hours. Rosie agrees to help.
Three months later when Grandma is teaching Rosie how to train Scamper, Carrie, a foster child, living with one of Grandma's neighbor comes to the farm. Carrie goads Rosie into getting up onto Grandma's horse, Kezzie. Rosie is forbidden to ride when Grandma is not present. Grandma scolds her for not only breaking that rule, but also for not practicing safety rules—wearing a helmet and putting a halter on Kezzie. Grandma says Rosie may not come to the farm for two weeks.
In a few weeks Grandma takes a "sorry" Carrie under her wing and Carrie and Rosie become friends. Grandma begins teaching Carrie to ride. The story fast forwards two years and it's time for Scamper to accept a rider. Rosie is frightened to ride him for the first time and makes an excuse, but Grandma sees through the excuse and with a personal experience story helps her to overcome her fear and ride Scamper.
The story has more fun and interesting times coming for young readers. Grandma is planning Cousins Camp. All of her grandchildren, their parents and Carrie are being invited to come to the farm for a week of work and horse riding activities.
The whole family work and play together. There is also a trail ride. Remembering some of the things Grandma has told her and sensing the love of God, Carrie invites Jesus into her heart. The novel ends with a horse show competition at the county fair in which Rosie and Carrie participate. There's a surprise for Carrie.
For girls, eight- to ten-years-old, who love animals and horses in particular this book will be a delight. There is a lot in it about taking care of horses, training them and riding. Raber's sweet illustrations of horses and girls riding horses will also delight them. I think girls will also like and learn a lot from Grandma's (stories) lessons because they usually involve horses. Her stories often have a God-application as well and that will bless young readers. Rosie and Scamper is the first book in the Sonrise Stables Series.
Books can seem expensive, but I think when you can find a book like Rosie and Scamper it is worth the price. Also consider forming a group with your child's Christian friends so the children can share their books.
Nancy Ellen Hird is a mom, a writer and a credentialed teacher. (She taught seventh grade and preschool.) I Get a Clue and We All Get a Clue are her most recent works. These novels are mysteries for kids, ages 10 to 13. For several years she was a freelance reviewer of children's and teen's literature for the Focus on the Family website.
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