Fiction - age 9 up

TO BE PUBLISHED EARLY NOVEMBER

NZ Writer

Stacy Gregg

The Princess and the Foal

HarperCollins 2013  $25.00hb  317pp

ISBN 978 0 0074 6902 4

Themes:  Jordan/ Show-jumping

At the age of thirteen Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein was the first female rider to represent Jordan internationally in equestrian sport when she won an Individual Bronze Medal in show jumping at the Pan-Arab Equestrian Games in 1992.

Although the book is a work of fiction it is inspired by the early life of the real Princess Haya  (and is told with her blessing). It tells of a small girl who was born a princess but who felt much more at home in the Royal Stables than in the Royal Palaces and who reared a motherless foal to become a champion show jumper. This is not your average Pony Club Series story although it will be gobbled up by children (small girls) who do read in that genre. It is a carefully researched, moving, poignant and well-written account of a real life. This is a ‘good looking’ production and even has its own bookmark.  However not many readers will make use of it as they will want to read on way after bedtime and finish it (reluctantly) at just one sitting.    

 

Year 5 up/ Age 9 up