Is Black Beauty a children's book?


    Black Beauty, although told by a horse, doesn't really contain a story line to which today's children could relate. Most children live in cities and do not experience horses, and if they do, it's a real luxury. I think it would be very difficult for today's youth to fully grasp the need to depend upon an animal for transportation. It's almost unthinkable for them. Most youth today couldn't imagine a world without VCRs and remotes and microwaves!

    On page 113 [of the Puffin Classics edition], a command is being given:

    "Unbuckle the black horse! Run for the winch and unscrew the carriage pole; cut the trace here, somebody, if you can't unhitch it."
    Now, how many children of today could follow that dialog with a running picture of what is happening in their minds? Very few I'm sure.

    To the right child, who perhaps shows interest in animals either historically or in fantasy, this book could be enjoyable. Black Beauty is wonderfully written from the viewpoint of a horse, which can hold great appeal to young and old readers alike. If a child today struggles with some of the vocabulary or terms - get a dictionary. It could really broaden their perspective.

          - T.W., December 19, 1997

 
       
       
       

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