School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-8This abridged version of the classic is presented in a slick format that intersperses factual information, full-color pictures, and labeled diagrams throughout the story. Although the artwork is excellent, it contributes more gloss than substance and may even distract from the importance of Sewell's theme of the often inhumane treatment of horses. The images of their suffering rarely convey how painful their lives could be. Even at the worst moments of his life, Black Beauty never appears ribby or sweated up and his coat never loses its sheen. Only Ginger takes on all of the traits that an abused horse might exhibit, and this occurs in only one illustration. One sketch also shows a neglected horse. The information about horses often consists of broad statements that are sometimes incomplete. For example, after heavy exercise, a horse should be cooled out and not just blanketed and left standing. Horses' hooves don't usually break, they break up (chip, get cracks). The historical information about the different types of carriages and vignettes of life in the 19th century may be more useful and accurate. This classic deserves to be read in its entirety so that its message about the need to treat animals humanely is not diluted. Many young readers will be dazzled by the illustrations but the story is really shortchanged by them.Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
'Black Beauty' and 'Dracula' are abridgments; 'Hunchback' is an adaptation. All three books are copiously illustrated in color. The margins include supplemental material such as maps, photographs of historical artifacts, and technical information on architecture, horse training, and world cultures. Many of these details do enhance the texts, but they also impede the flow of the stories somewhat. From HORN BOOK 1997, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
