203 Results in the "Children’s Fiction" category


    • Chapter 10: A Talk in the Orchard Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 10: A Talk in the Orchard begins with Black Beauty and Ginger reflecting on the pleasure they feel when carrying considerate riders. They discuss how a rider’s light touch on the reins makes a world of difference, bringing not only comfort but also clarity in communication between horse and human. Black Beauty notes that his mouth is very sensitive, and a gentle hand allows him to perform at his best without fear or pain. Ginger agrees, contrasting this kindness with past experiences where rough…
    • Chapter 11: Plain Speaking Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 11: Plain Speaking begins by reflecting on the steady sense of contentment Black Beauty experiences at Birtwick Park. The kindness shown by the master and mistress isn’t limited to people—it extends genuinely to animals, shaping a household where compassion is a guiding principle. Their influence slowly spreads through the community, especially in curbing the use of harsh devices like the check-rein. The mistress, gentle yet determined, often speaks to local drivers and tradesmen, persuading…
    • Chapter 12: A Stormy Day Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 12: A Stormy Day begins with a brisk autumn morning as Black Beauty is harnessed for a journey with his master and John, the coachman. Though recent rains have made the ground soft and the river dangerously high, the atmosphere at the start is pleasant and fresh. The dog-cart, being light, moves easily along the early part of the route. They pass through villages and fields, the roads already muddy from the season's downpour. The group is in good spirits, unaware of how quickly the day will turn.…
    • Chapter 13: The Devil’s Trade Mark Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 13: The Devil's Trade Mark begins during an errand as John and Black Beauty encounter a troubling incident that reveals much about character and cruelty. As they pass a quiet field, a scene of distress catches their attention—a boy attempting to force a small pony over a gate. The boy, later recognized as young Mr. Bushby, strikes and kicks the frightened creature without mercy. Despite the pony’s clear fear and refusal, the boy continues his assault, driven by frustration rather than any need.…
    • Chapter 14: James Howard Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 14: James Howard begins on a quiet December morning as Black Beauty returns from his exercise. Inside the stable, their master arrives holding a letter, his expression thoughtful as he inquires about James Howard’s performance. John, always fair and observant, does not hesitate in his reply. He praises James for being reliable and diligent, a young man who treats the horses with care and approaches his work with seriousness. His tone is firm, almost protective, as he assures the master that James…
    • Chapter 15: The Old Hostler Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 15: The Old Hostler begins with a long journey as Black Beauty, along with his master, mistress, and driver James, travels forty-six miles to visit distant friends. On the first day, they cover over thirty miles, navigating demanding hills and rough terrain. James manages the route with great care, always considering the horses’ stamina. He adjusts the pace, allows rest on the inclines, and makes sure no unnecessary strain is placed on Black Beauty or his fellow horse, Ginger. Their journey is…
    • Chapter 16: The Fire Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 16: The Fire unfolds during what begins as an ordinary evening at the stable, when a traveler's horse is brought in for the night. As the other horses settle into their stalls, an unnoticed danger begins to brew. A young man named Towler enters the loft carelessly with a lit pipe—a seemingly harmless act that sets off a chain of consequences. Without realizing it, he likely drops ash or a coal, which smolders quietly until the loft bursts into flame. The fire starts subtly but soon consumes the…
    • Chapter 17: John Manly’s Talk Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 17: John Manly's Talk begins during a time of transition as James prepares to leave the stables and his position, soon to be filled by young Joe Green. The change unsettles James, who wonders whether someone as inexperienced as Joe can truly care for the horses with the same attention and love. John Manly, ever the calm and thoughtful guide, reassures him with a balanced perspective, explaining how growth comes not from perfection but from learning. He reminds James that everyone, even the most…
    • Chapter 18: Going for the Doctor Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 18: Going for the Doctor begins in the stillness of night, broken only by the sharp ring of the stable bell. The sound signals urgency, pulling John from sleep as he rushes to the stables. Black Beauty senses the tension even before the saddle is fastened. Mrs. Gordon, the mistress of the house, has suddenly fallen ill, and the squire needs a doctor immediately. There is no time to waste. John swiftly prepares Beauty, whose calm but alert manner reveals his readiness to help. With only a few words…
    • Chapter 19: Only Ignorance Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 19: Only Ignorance opens during a slow and painful recovery for Black Beauty, who remains weak after a serious bout of illness. The fever had left him drained, and a harsh bloodletting treatment had worsened his condition. He was moved to a quieter stall, away from Ginger and Merrylegs, where the silence made every faint sound more noticeable. In this stillness, Beauty became acutely aware of even the subtlest movement—of hooves outside, or the rustle of hay. He was too weak to lift his head for…
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