176 Results in the "Children’s Fiction" category


    • Chapter 27: Ruined and Going Downhill Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 27: Ruined and Going Downhill unfolds a bittersweet transition in Black Beauty’s life, capturing the aftermath of injury and the fading of former glory. After the wounds on his knees began to heal, Beauty was sent to rest in a meadow—lush and quiet, but lonely. Days passed in solitude, the emptiness of the field reminding him of the constant companionship he once knew. Relief arrived when Ginger, also recovering from an accident, was brought to the same pasture. Her gait was slower, and her…
    • Chapter 28: A Job Horse and His Drivers Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 28: A Job Horse and His Drivers reflects a period in Black Beauty’s life where consistency and compassion are replaced by unpredictability. As a job horse, he is rented to a variety of temporary drivers, each with differing levels of skill, patience, and concern. Beauty’s nature is calm and responsive, which makes him a favored choice even for beginners. However, that same gentleness leads to regular misuse. Some drivers pull the reins so tightly that his mouth aches for hours. These men…
    • Chapter 29: Cockneys Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 29: Cockneys paints a vivid picture of how ignorance and speed-focused driving endanger horses every day. Black Beauty observes how some town-bred drivers—often referred to as Cockneys—treat horses not as living beings but as mechanical tools. These drivers are known for pushing horses at a relentless pace, completely disregarding the terrain, traffic, or fatigue the animals may feel. They rarely use the brake going downhill, allowing the carriage to press against the horse’s shoulders. This…
    • Chapter 30: A Thief Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 30: A Thief introduces a shift in Black Beauty’s life as he is purchased by a well-off bachelor living in Bath. Recommended by his doctor to take up riding for his health, the man secures a private stable and employs a groom named Filcher to oversee Beauty’s daily care. At first, everything appears in order—fresh bedding, polished tack, and a generous supply of oats. Beauty feels the benefits immediately: his coat glows, his energy is steady, and he performs well during rides. Yet slowly, a…
    • Chapter 31: A Humbug Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 31: A Humbug begins with the arrival of Alfred Smirk, a groom hired for his appearance rather than his ability. Tall, confident, and well-dressed, Smirk impresses the master with polished boots and smooth manners. To the casual eye, he seems perfect—always brushing Beauty’s mane, oiling his hooves, and keeping his coat shining. But these efforts are only skin deep. While Smirk ensures Beauty looks good when the master is around, he fails at the fundamental tasks of a groom. The saddle is put on…
    • Chapter 48: Farmer Thoroughgood and His Grandson Willie Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 48: Farmer Thoroughgood and His Grandson Willie begins with Black Beauty standing tired and unnoticed at a bustling horse fair, surrounded by others who, like him, have seen better days. His coat is dull, his legs ache, and his spirit has dimmed after a long stretch of hard labor and neglect. Buyers pass him by without a second look, some poking him indifferently, others dismissing him for his age and condition. Yet among the crowd, one man and a boy pause. Farmer Thoroughgood, a weathered yet kind…
    • Chapter 33: A London Cab Horse Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 33: A London Cab Horse begins a new chapter in Black Beauty’s life, bringing a wave of comfort and stability through the hands of his new owner, Jerry Barker. Jerry, a cabman by trade, lives with his wife Polly and their two children, Harry and Dolly. Their home is not grand, but it is full of warmth. From the first morning, Black Beauty feels the difference—Polly greets him with gentleness, and Dolly offers a carrot with a shy smile. Young Harry, already familiar with stable work, praises…
    • Chapter 49: My Last Home Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 49: My Last Home begins with a shift in atmosphere for Black Beauty as he senses a change is coming. He is groomed carefully on a warm summer day, his coat shining under the sunlight, which usually signals something important. When Willie and his groom accompany him to a new location, he arrives at a pleasant-looking home surrounded by greenery and charm. There, he meets Miss Blomefield, Miss Ellen, and another lady who approach with both interest and skepticism. They observe him closely, paying…
    • Chapter 34: An Old War Horse Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 34: An Old War Horse begins with the voice of Captain, an experienced military horse whose calm tone reflects years of service. In his younger days, Captain was proud to serve in the army. He trained tirelessly, mastering every drill with precision, always moving in sync with his rider. He describes the early days fondly—quick trots, sharp turns, halts on command, and galloping across open fields. The discipline gave him purpose, but more than that, his bond with his young cavalry officer brought…
    • Chapter 35: Jerry Barker Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 35: Jerry Barker introduces a turning point in Black Beauty’s life, marked by comfort, fairness, and sincere care. From the moment he begins working under Jerry Barker, the atmosphere changes. Jerry, with his gentle voice and honest hands, treats his horses not just as tools but as partners in his livelihood. His family shares the same warmth—Polly manages the home with calm efficiency, while young Harry and Dolly bring laughter and curiosity into each day. The household runs on unity, where…
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