This moving book tells the story of how Brigadier was selected, trained and served as a horse in the Mounted Unit of the Toronto Police Department. From the time he came to Toronto for training, his gentleness and sense of horse humor made him a favorite of the officers in the unit. That same gentleness made him a favorite among the civilians he met while on patrol. Thus the loss of this majestic horse to a senseless act of violence was felt by the people of Toronto both police officers and civilians. The book also relates how the fate of this wonderful animal has impacted the Canandian Laws concerning the treatment of all animals.

Reviewed by: caroll

Date read: 1/29/2010

ISBN-10: 0887769047

ISBN-13: 9780887769047

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Bright Path: Young Jim Thorpe by Don Brown is a picture book biography of, 'the greatest athlete in the world,' Jim Thorpe. Born in Oklahoma in 1888, Jim's real name was Wa-tho-huck meaning Bright Path. Each day, he worked hard tending the crops, feeding the livestock, and taming wild horses. He loved his life until he was sent away to a school that taught Indian children how to live in the white man's world. Jim hated being kept in a schoolroom instead of being able to run free in the open fields. Many times, Jim would run away only to be caught and brought right back to school. One day, Jim Thorpe's life changed dramatically. After watching many of the school athletes fail at making a high jump, he asked to try. Jim cleared the bar with room to spare. With the help of his school coach, Jim joined the school team and learned to play different types of sports. This eventually earned him a spot in the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm. At the Olympics, Jim Thorpe won the decathlon event and set a world's record that wasn't broken for 16 years. Read this amazing story of how Thorpe's life started down a rocky path but eventually led him to greatness.

Similar authors: Ron Knapp; Jack Kavanagh: Glen Macnow; George Sullivan

Similar books: Thorpe!: The Sports Career of James Thorpe by James Hahn; Jim Thorpe: Orginal All-American by Joseph Bruchac; Jim Thorpe's Bright Path by Joseph Bruchac; Sports Great by Nolan Ryan; Great Lives: Sports by George Sullivan

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/12/2010

ISBN-10: 1596430419

ISBN-13: 9781596430419

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The author traces the history of the buffalo in relation to Native American tribes. Native Americans have great respect for the buffalo that were regarded as another tribe that lived on the earth. Buffalo were on the prairie long before horses came. Find out about the arrival of horses, and the White Man, how buffalo almost became extinct, and whether or not there are any buffalo in the United States today. Each chapter begins with a retelling of a Native American story.

Similar books: Buffalo Hunt by Russell Freedman

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/14/2009

ISBN-10: 0618485708

ISBN-13: 9780618485703

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This is the true story of Steve and Anna Tolan who retire early from the British Police force to become wildlife protectors in Zambia, Africa. The one thing they miss the most from their lives in England is a dog. Though warned by friends that having a dog in the African bush would only bring heartbreak, they go ahead and adopt a scrawny runt, a Jack Russell mix. Bulu, meaning wild dog, in the African language, quickly becomes part of the family helping to raise orphan warthogs, vervets, a baboon, a bushbuck and an elephant. He can charm and calm another animal like no one else. He stands his ground to protect his owners from anything from a lion to an alligator. He is nearly blinded by cobra venom, infected with a deadly virus from a tsetse fly, and barely survives a lion attack. Through it all, he shows remarkable strength, love, and courage for his human and animal family. This is a wonderful story for anyone who loves animals, adventure, and the rare and rich excitement of Africa.

Reviewed by: ewl

Date read: 10/4/2010

ISBN-10: 0375947205

ISBN-13: 9780375947209

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Do you know someone who needs a little help finding his or her courage? Most people are afraid of something, and this book teaches different ways to deal with fears. Catherine is afraid of being away from her parents, and we follow her as she learns skills to manage her fear such as practicing being calm, taking small steps, 'changing channels' in her mind, positive self-talk, and asking for help. While not an exciting 'just for fun' type of reading choice, the strategies for dealing with fears are useful and simply explained. This book could also be shared as a read-aloud title with younger students who are held back by their fears.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 10/28/2010

ISBN-10: 0974778923

ISBN-13: 9780974778921

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