124 Results with the "Children's Literature" genre


    • 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 32: A Horse Fair Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 32: A Horse Fair begins with Black Beauty standing among a sea of horses, each with a different story written across their bodies. Some are sleek and well-fed, trotting proudly for attention, while others show signs of exhaustion and neglect—coats dull, ribs visible, hooves cracked. The fairground is crowded and noisy, filled with the sounds of haggling voices and the restless shuffling of hooves on packed dirt. Beauty watches it all, his thoughts tinged with worry. Though still strong, he knows…
    • 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…
    • 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…
    • Chapter 39: Seedy Sam Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 39: Seedy Sam opens with a quiet tension on the cab stand as a thin man named Sam pulls in with a weary, worn-out horse. His coat is ragged, his hat drooping from overuse, and every step his horse takes is marked with fatigue. Onlookers notice the condition of both man and animal, and a nearby governor steps in to speak with Sam, who answers not with excuses but with weary honesty. Sam doesn’t ask for sympathy—he lays out the reality of his trade with blunt clarity. He doesn’t own his horse…
    • Chapter 40: Poor Ginger Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 40: Poor Ginger brings with it a moment of quiet shock and deep sorrow as Black Beauty encounters a figure from his past in heartbreaking condition. Resting near the stand, Beauty notices a worn cab being pulled by a thin chestnut mare, barely able to lift her legs as she strains against the shafts. Her ribs are visible through her dull coat, and her knees look swollen and stiff with overuse. There is no grace left in her step, only the trembling of a body pushed far beyond its strength. The mare…
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