Kitsy’s Mischief and Horses
by Emma M. Glover
as told to
her by Kathryn “Kitsy” Johnstone
Illustrations
by KC Snider
“Kitsy’s Mischief and Horses,” by Emma M. Glover, as told to her by
Kathryn “Kitsy” Johnstone, with illustrations by KC Snider, is a chapter book
for ‘tweens. It’s about Kitsy and her two brothers, Jimmy and Bobby, growing up
in the California high desert towns of Victorville, Apple Valley, and Barstow,
in the 1940s. I’ve been to all of those towns in the 1970s, so I know what the
climate and layout is and I also know the area's employment struggles.
That period of
time was a difficult one for Kitsy’s family, with her parents having to leave
their three children in the care of other families in exchange for the children
“helping out.” Then their parents could go where they needed to go to find
work. In each of the foster homes they were sent to, Kitsy develops a bond with
the farm work horses. She longs for a horse of own, and her father tries to get
her one, but the pinto he finds isn’t suitable for a young girl. Will Kitsy
finally get her own horse? When you read the book, you’ll find out about all
the mischief Kitsy gets into on the way to finding her place at her boarding
school in the end.
The black and
white artwork by KC Snider is perfect for the period. It’s a look back to a time
that many families struggled through. Children grew up fast and rough. KC
Snider’s images show both the joys of a freer childhood, along with the simplicity,
everyday struggle to make ends meet—the harshness of that era.
Ms. Johnstone’s
personal remembrances in the skillful hands of author Ms. Glover, and talented artist KC Snider, has
given readers a look into both a simpler and a harder life back in the 1940s.
The book is readable and enjoyable. Teachers, librarians, and parents will find this book useful to show students what life was like for families and children in California's high desert in the 1940s. Highly recommended for ‘tweens, ages 7 to
10.
Information on author Emma M. Glover is on Facebook at Emma
M. Glover-Writes and on her Amazon Author page. Here are some of her other books published by www.guardianangelpublishing.com
"Benjamin Jay was a Bully"
"Katie the Heavenly Hound:
Information on author KC Snider is at www.kcsniderart.com
Reviewed by:
Penelope
Anne Cole
Tri-Valley
Writers Conference 2017 Prose Award
San
Mateo County Fair Short Story Award 2017
Award
Winning Author of Magical Matthew, Magical Mea,
Magical Mea Goes to School, Magical Max and Magical Mickey, and
Magical Mea Goes to School, Magical Max and Magical Mickey, and
Magical Max and Magical Mickey’s Big
Surprise
In and Out, All ‘Round About –
Opposite Friends
What’s for Dinner? and ¿Qué vamos a comer?:
For
Halloween: Ten Little Tricksters and Diez pequeños bromistas
New: My
Grandma and Me Coloring Book
Coming Soon: My Grandma’s Pink House
