203 Results in the "Children’s Fiction" category


    • 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…
    • Chapter 36: The Sunday Cab Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 36: The Sunday Cab begins with a polite but firm refusal. When Mr. Briggs asks Jerry to drive him to church on Sundays, Jerry declines, explaining that his license limits him to six days of work each week. But the reason goes beyond regulation. Years of working nonstop wore Jerry down physically and spiritually, and the same held true for his horses. After making the switch to a six-day license, he gained back not just energy, but dignity. Sundays became sacred—not only for worship but also for…
    • Chapter 37: The Golden Rule Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 37: The Golden Rule unfolds on a quiet Sunday morning, when Polly gently tells Jerry that someone needs his help despite it being his day of rest. Mrs. Briggs, a woman who had always respected Jerry’s choice not to work on Sundays, now finds herself in an unusual situation. Her neighbor, Dinah Brown, must urgently reach her sick mother in the country but is too weak to take the train due to having recently given birth. The urgency of the situation touches Polly, and she appeals to Jerry’s…
    • Chapter 38: Dolly and a Real Gentleman Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 38: Dolly and a Real Gentleman begins in the heart of winter, when icy roads and biting winds make every journey more difficult. Horses strain to keep their footing as heavy carts slide over slick cobblestones, and drivers spend long hours in the cold with little shelter or warmth. Many go without food for stretches, hoping a fare will appear before the day ends. Jerry, though facing the same weather and work, is buffered by the steady support of his family. Polly prepares warm meals, and young…
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