Robin: The Lovable Morgan Horse by Ellen F. Feld Ages 9-12 204 pages Willow Bend Publishing February 2006 Paperback     Robin: The Lovable Morgan Horse is a gentle canter into an exciting adventure. Author Ellen F. Feld’s realistic details, combined with an imaginative storyline, give young readers a book sure to please. The action immediately begins in the first chapter, when Karen Greene experiences a traumatic riding accident as a result of a bad decision. In an effort to please some so-called friends, she disregards her own safety. Although she recovers well physically, she needs to regain her confidence around horses. A special friend, and her own Morgan horse, Robin, lead her back on the path to recovery. This renewed bond between horse and rider is later tested and strengthened through a harrowing ordeal. This part of the storyline shows young readers the importance of making sound decisions based on facts and not feelings. Karen’s desire to fit in with her friends overrides her common sense and costs her dearly. The author addresses the serious topic of peer pressure in a thoughtful way, thereby allowing her audience to come to satisfactory conclusions. The emotionally perceptive plot is creatively built around the fascinating details of horses, which gives the story an additional layer of interest. The characters are shown grooming, riding and showing horses, all of which actively engages the minds of readers. This information is presented in a practical, down-to-earth manner, as it both instructs and inspires. It was wonderfully refreshing to see the young people in the book showing tender care to these magnificent animals. The author is to be commended for writing a story that captivates readers with an exciting adventure while appealing to both their emotions and intellect.       web reviews   Joyce Handzo/2006 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)