Author Marguerite Henry’s rich tales of horses and the humans who loved them inspired generations of horse lovers. This year, Trafalgar Square Books and Heels Down Magazine are celebrating Marguerite and her collection of horse loving works ahead of the release of “Dear Readers and Riders,” a biography of Marguerite, and her storied career writing children’s books based on true stories of horses and other animals.
Marguerite Henry wrote 59 books over the course of her long career. She won the Newbery Medal for “King of the Wind” in 1948. Most of her books were illustrated by Wesley Dennis, an artist well-known for his depictions of horses. Wesley and Marguerite collaborated together for 20 years. “Misty of Chincoteague”, of course, was among her best sellers and paved the way for movies and other attractions about the feral horses, pony penning, tourism and culture of Assateague Island. But Misty wasn’t the only star from Assateague in her writings: “Sea Star, Orphan of Chincoteague” (1949) and “Stormy, Misty’s Foal” (1963) were other popular stories from this timeframe. It was her exploration of these wild ponies living off the coast of Maryland that became her legacy.
We asked you, dear readers, to tell us what you love most about Marguerite Henry’s books and you delivered. We’re feeling all the nostalgia today. Here are some of the highlights from our survey about Marguerite’s works.
Join us by sharing your favorite books and writers by using the #BuyAHorseBookDay hashtag and tagging @horseandriderbooks and @heelsdownhappyhour on Friday, May 10.