Misty of Chincoteague

I bought this as I had read it hundreds of times as a child. The book was in the condition as described, and the story has brought back meny happy memories of the times I read it so many decades ago.

This book is fast paced and a lively read. Inspiring a sense of freedom and connection. Drawbacks are it is dated in its sexism and portrayal of deference by the girl to the boy. For that reason I would not pass it on to any children I know.

I first read this book when I was about 12, and I really loved it. I had in my mind that it was about the love of horses, and 2 children who cared for them, while still in the wild. My memory wasn't strictly accurate; the children helped round up the horses and take them from their home on a wild island, in order to be sold.As an adult, I now feel deeply for the horses; they were living a joyous life on their island, largely undisturbed by humans, no predators, then once a year the men turn up to capture some of them, take them away, and sell them as work horses. It seems cruel to me now, which I didn't see as a child. The children mean well of course, but we all know about good intentions, don't we . . . Still, it's a good read, and at that time, people weren't so sentimental about animals a we are now. If you can accept that, it's enjoyable.

This book is excellent but I think it is very sad when the Phantom leaves Misty for the Pied Piper.

A lovely story. Something to read in bed

Little bit worn but i was expecting that,happy to have this book again had it as a kid like having an old friend back!

I read this book back in the late 50s when I was 9 or 10 loved it .. the book belonged to my sister but she didn't read books much and she let me read it brilliant book and I was into horsey adventures and I was a veritable bookworm still am I absolutely love books I 've got my own small library which annoys my husband no end

Misty is the golden foal of a bay filly called the Phantom - because she is uncatchable. The ponies of Assateague Island spend the year running wild on saltgrass and facing storms, then once a year the firefighters of neighbouring Chincoteague Island round them up and swim them across the channel to sell some of the foals. Phantom is only caught because she has a foal at foot, and two children keep the pair together. Their grandfather helps them raise the foal and break in Phantom, and the boy decides to ride Phantom in a pony race. However having demonstrated her speed, Phantom sees a wild stallion back on Assateague who calls her, and she swims back to him leaving the children with her foal, Misty.This book, based closely on a true story, was filmed and while it is not a patch on Henry's 'King of the Wind' it does tell the children's story well and demonstrates that some creatures just are not meant to be tamed.The second in the series is called 'Sea Star, Orphan of Chincoteague' and the third is 'Stormy, Misty's Foal'.Stormy is born during a terrible storm on Chincoteague Island. This is the third in the series relating the true story of Misty the golden pony and her owners. There is massive flooding and people are left destitute. By now, with a book and film out about Misty, the pony has become a national name, so suggestions to christen her foal come in by each post. The name Stormy is chosen. The two children are asked if they will allow Misty and Stormy to go on a nationwide tour of cinemas, in order to publicise the film for a disaster relief fund. Of course this is a terrible wrench, but they agree and contributions come in from all over America.This is a lovely story for young children who are pony mad, and Henry tells it well.