There have been several famous horses in recent history.
Trigger was as well-known as his owners, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, thanks to their 1950s TV show.
In the 1960s, Mr. Ed had people flocking to watch his adventures.
There’s also Jim Key. His name might not be as familiar today, but in the late 1800s, he and his owner Bill “Doc” Key were quite famous.
Author and illustrator Emily Arnold McCully tells their story in Wonder Horse: The True Story of the World’s Smartest Horse (Henry Holt, 2010).
The pair toured the country showing off Jim’s ability to count, identify primary colors, spell basic words, dance and make change.
They put on quite a show. Jim had beauty, brains and a compelling story.
He was born with crooked legs. Doc, who had hoped Jim would be a racing champion, was disappointed. He was also sad because Jim’s mother, an Arabian mare he’d rescued from an abusive home, died shortly after giving birth to Jim. But Jim soon convinced Doc how smart he was and Doc spent hours training him.
Doc’s story was a good one, too. He was born a slave. Later, as a free man, he worked as a self-trained veterinarian, liniment salesman and general showman. His success, though well-deserved, wasn’t always appreciated, and he encountered some racism. But he persevered and became a successful businessman and an untiring champion of animal rights.
Bill encouraged schoolchildren to pledge “always to be kind to animals” and helped the growth of animal-rights and anti-cruelty groups.
Let’s see what today’s guest reviewer has to say.
Today’s reviewer: Tanner
Age: 7
I like: Fried chicken.
This book was about: A smart horse.
The best part was when: Jim Key and Doc Key performed their shows.
I surprised when: The horse was born with crossed legs.
This book taught me: The importance of showing kindness to animals.
Other kids reading this book should watch for: That it’s kind of like a fable. It teaches a lesson.
Three words that best describe this book: “Funny.” “Happy. “Kind.”
My favorite line or phrase in this book is: When Doc Key says, “Put down your whip.” He thought everyone should be kind to animals.
You should read this book because: “It has horses.”
Thanks, Tanner!
Tanner isn’t the only one who liked the book, Booklist gave it a starred review, saying:
“McCully’s storytelling is as sensitive, engaging, and well paced as her brightly colored, expressive artwork, which highlights the period setting as well as the remarkable friendship between man and horse … A winsome celebration of an extraordinary man and the immeasurable effects of kindness.”
Emily Arnold McCully is the author and illustrator of many books, including the Caldecott Medal-winning Mirette on the High Wire, Marvelous Mattie, and Manjiro.
To learn more about Emily, visit her website or read this interview.
