Everything That Shines

Nikki Tate-Stratton writes novels for preteens; her latest books are
Jo’s Triumph; Jessa Be Nimble, Rebel Be Quick; Raven’s Revenge; and
Tarragon Island.

Maddie lives with her parents and grandfather on a Prince Edward Island
farm. Each evening while the adults are busy with farm chores, Maddie
visits with Shekinah, a big old horse whose working days are over. When
Grandpa (a horse-lover from way back) lifts Maddie onto the gentle
giant’s back, the horse not only allows Maddie to climb all over her
but seems to genuinely enjoy the attention. One day, when Shekinah is
out in her pasture, nobody is around to lift Maddie up—except the old
horse herself. The horse lowers her head so Maddie can crawl over her
ears, slide down the mare’s neck, and settle safely on the horse’s
back.

Inspired by a true story, David Weale deftly captures the trusting bond
between an old horse and a little girl. When Shekinah dies at the end of
the book, Maddie is devastated. Her grandfather helps her see that even
though the horse is gone, the warmth and joy of Maddie’s love for the
animal will last forever.

As in many stories where a child’s beloved pet dies, the ending is
somewhat sentimental. Despite this, Weale’s characters, both human and
animal, have a ring of authenticity, and there is considerable warmth
and depth to this simple story. Dale McNevin’s renderings of Shekinah,
Maddie’s home, and family reflect the mood established in the text and
help make this a good choice for young horse lovers. Recommended.