Life Cycle of a Horse by Robyn Smith is a thorough recount of the young life of a horse through the lens of Merlin. The book is chock-full of activities that educate the young reader and reinforce important concepts. This book is perfect for intermediate-age children (9-12 years old), although, with parental support, younger children could enjoy it as well. The mission statement at the beginning of the book clearly defines the intent of the story, which is to educate parents and young readers, “to decrease the number of horses and donkeys often ending up at rescues, sanctuaries….”. Life Cycle of a Horse indeed fulfills that mission!
Judy Cook, elementary public school teacher, Nationally Board Certified, Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle.