Book Three in The Adventures of Stormy Normy.
Stormy Normy Goes Reining
By Leisa Fail
Illustrations by Amy Rennie
Paperback $15.50
Join Stormy Normy, the beloved Australian wild horse (known as a brumby), in his new book as he faces his biggest challenge yet, learning the sport of reining!
He’s proven he can ride 160km in a day, but now it’s time to slow down and master lots more tricky moves. With the help of a new trainer, he and his human mate Charlie prepare for the National Reining Show. Just as things are falling into place, health issues threaten to spoil his progress. At home, Stormy Normy also has two new little brothers, Johnny and Tuxedo, who are looking up to him for guidance in the human world. Can Stormy Normy balance it all and still chase his dreams? Saddle up for another heartfelt adventure with your favourite brumby colt who relates each story in the first-person. Yes, Mr. Ed isn’t the only “talking horse”.
Author Leisa Fail writes for 6-12yr old readers, especially those who love horses, and in this, her 3rd Stormy Normy book, she carefully describes all the special saddlery, training and discipline needed for reining, an exciting sport based on real life activities on the ranch. Her personal knowledge of horses and country life add a sense of reality and excitement, as well as compassion and understanding.
The author takes us through Normy’s learning process along with Charlie, how mistakes are just opportunities for the wild-born horse to improve, and when Normy is introduced to his young brothers, confusion is turned into another life lesson. In fact, Fail incorporates lots of valuable life lessons for readers, both subtle and easily absorbed.
The Rider recommends this book for Christmas gift-giving for young booklovers - it’s available November 7th in both e-book and soft cover format from Amazon, Kindle and your favourite online bookstores.
Glenda Fordham for The Rider