Stick Horse Derby: Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite
Stick Horse Derby is an educational adventure book for children, grades k-3, written and illustrated by Mark Wayne Adams. The little boy in the story fell in love with the idea of becoming a jockey and racing in the derby on a huge red thoroughbred as he watched his first derby on television. Churchill Downs and those sleek racehorses captured his imagination -- he knew he was destined to be a jockey -- but how? He lived in what people called the sticks, and there was no way his parents could buy him the thoroughbred of his dreams. Their yard was too small, and horses like Big Red were expensive to buy and maintain. But his mom and dad had an idea. Racehorses were out of the question, but a stick horse might be the answer.
Mark Wayne Adams’ Stick Horse Derby is a fun and action-filled story about a boy whose ambitions to become a jockey are fulfilled by the trusty stick horse his parents craft for him. His early dismissal of the stick horse and erratic attempts to make it work are fun to watch, as is his growing appreciation for his stick horse and his willingness to start slowly in learning how to ride. Adams’ story is both humorous and uplifting, and his illustrations are superb. I especially enjoyed the expressions on the stick horse’s face, which became more animated and real as the relationship between horse and rider grew. The author includes a Kentucky Derby Facts page for kids who want to learn more about that event; a Vocabulary page, and several derby-related games, including a word search and crossword puzzle. Stick Horse Derby is an imaginative and entertaining book that is most highly recommended.
