Stick Horse Derby: Reviewed by Karen Walpole for Readers’ Favorite
The enchanting book, Stick Horse Derby, written and illustrated by Mark Wayne Adams, delights readers and teaches life lessons simultaneously. A young girl watches the Kentucky Derby on television for the first time and dreams of riding horses in the Derby. Although she tries to convince her parents to buy her a thoroughbred, Mom and Dad help her make a stick horse instead. Disappointed, she pretends to ride it but gets discouraged quickly. Stick horses do not seem to be much fun and she cannot go fast. Mom encourages her to start by walking with the horse. The little girl begins to train with her stick horse and gets her friends involved in stick horse racing. Readers learn good life lessons and details about the Kentucky Derby, too. The book ends with fun facts and word puzzles about the Derby.
In Stick Horse Derby, Mark Wayne Adams writes “when life gives you sticks, make stick horses.” I enjoyed the playful notion of living in the sticks and making stick horses. The little girl’s behavior, not being enthusiastic about the stick horse but trying not to show it, seems authentic. The writing is quirky in a good way. Bright illustrations and rhymes add whimsy to the story. I think the author did a great job of teaching kids to start where they are and make the best of what they have. It also shows children how to be innovators and leaders. Including the facts and puzzles makes Stick Horse Derby fun and educational.
