Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Misty of Chincoteague (Misty #1)

4.01 of 5 stars 4.01 · rating details · 18,966 ratings · 460 reviews

Nobody could capture the Phantom. She was the wildest mare on Assateague Island. They said she was like the wind, that the white "map" on her shoulders was her mark of freedom.

Paul and Maureen Beebe had their hearts set on owning her. They were itching to buy and tame her, and worked hard to earn the money that she would cost. But the roundup men had tried to capture her a...more

Paperback, 176 pages

Published December 26th 2006 by Aladdin (first published January 1st 1947)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Favorite books from my childhood

72nd out of 2,636 books — 4,868 voters

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

What Book Got You Hooked?

69th out of 2,180 books — 6,646 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jun 23, 2011 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-aloud-to-t-and-j-too-sort-of, my-happy-childhood

This was one of those cases when bedtime arrived, and it was time to start a fresh chapter book, but I hadn't visited the library that day, and so pulled a book from my own collection off the shelves. It wasn't one I'd planned on reading aloud because I thought maybe it was too old-fashioned, and the details of the wild pony round-up tradition on Chincoteague Island might be a little esoteric for present-day youth, but it worked out well; another beloved book from my childhood is now beloved of...more This was one of those cases when bedtime arrived, and it was time to start a fresh chapter book, but I hadn't visited the library that day, and so pulled a book from my own collection off the shelves. It wasn't one I'd planned on reading aloud because I thought maybe it was too old-fashioned, and the details of the wild pony round-up tradition on Chincoteague Island might be a little esoteric for present-day youth, but it worked out well; another beloved book from my childhood is now beloved of my seven-year-old boy. I'm glad it turns out you don't have to be a girl to love a book about ponies. We're heading South to visit my mom next week, and there in the basement of her house is the old collection of Breyer model horses from when my sisters and I were kids, Misty included. I think the time has come to pass her down to the next generation, chipped ear and broken hoof and all.

My son was gripped by the story, and at one point during the reading, he said, "I hope that the Phantom and Misty are still alive, so I can go to Chincoteague Island and round them up!", and I had to gently explain to him that the book was published in 1947 and ponies generally don't live much more than twenty years. But I told him he was right in thinking that the Phantom and Misty were real. "This is a true story" I told him, "and this is a special copy of this book. Look I have something to show you." I turned to the title page and showed him four penciled signatures. Paul Beebe. Maureen Beebe. Clarence Beebe (Grandpa). Ida V. Beebe (Grandma). "Look, the real characters from the book signed their names here." If there's one thing my son does well, it's that utterly gratifying shiny-eyed "wow" look that makes everything worthwhile. So then I tucked him and his brother in and then went and looked up Misty on Wikipedia -- and promptly wished I hadn't. According to what I read, the real-life story was actually quite different from what's told in the book. But well now, we all know about how unreliable Wikipedia is, right? Obviously someone was messing around with that entry. I'm pretty sure the true story is still between the pages of my special copy. And now I'm off to mapquest to see how feasible a detour to Chincoteague VA is on a trip from NYC to DC.

(less)

11 likes · like · see review

Jul 29, 2011 Cheryl in CC NV rated it 3 of 5 stars

Of course this was *the* horse story four decades ago. Ironically (because I did grow up in a rural environment), I knew nothing about horses irl. But I loved learning about the island culture and about horses. Henry's stories are so much more than just horse stories.

3 likes · like · see review

Feb 04, 2012 Susan Henn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: children

6/10 A favorite story from my childhood - reread for a summer book club. Well written - good tension and suspense. Both male and female horse lovers have a character to relate to in the book and for an old book, (written in 1947) the girl wasn't thrust into a traditional female role! As an adult reading the book, I found myself thinking more about the rightness or wrongness of the actions and feeling more for the wild horses than for the desires of the children. I felt the rounding up of wild ho...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 20, 2011 Alexis rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was a fun interesting read I loved every minute of it .Started off trilling good for horse lovers!!!!

Misty of Chincoteague : The Beginning "Neigh" shot throught the air as the boat started to rock side to side .The capition of the Santo Cristo paced back and fowarth .The wind had died with no wind they were going no where . The poor poneys didn't have long if they didn't get there soon .Almost out of water and their hay had gone musty .Bammm!! the ship shuttered it had been hit by a sh...more

like · see review

Jan 26, 2011 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult

There are few things children like better than horses. I myself was no exception and even to this day love reading Misty of Chincoteague. Even though its a children's novel, it can still be enjoyed by all ages.

Paul and Maureen have lived on Chincoteague with their grandparents for awhile. While most on the island work on the water, Paul and Maureen have it good as their grandfather works with horses and raises the ponies to sell. This is a good thing because of the proximity to Assateague, the i...more There are few things children like better than horses. I myself was no exception and even to this day love reading Misty of Chincoteague. Even though its a children's novel, it can still be enjoyed by all ages.

Paul and Maureen have lived on Chincoteague with their grandparents for awhile. While most on the island work on the water, Paul and Maureen have it good as their grandfather works with horses and raises the ponies to sell. This is a good thing because of the proximity to Assateague, the island of the wild ponies very close to Chincoteague. The story starts off in the past when a galleon wrecks and wild moor ponies are stranded on the island. It goes through the generations of the horses becoming wild and thriving on the island and brings us to the more modern day in which Paul and Maureen dwell. They both decide that this year will be the year they capture the Phantom for their own. The phantom is a wild mare no one has been able to capture in the yearly pony drives from Assateague to Chincoteague. But this year Paul is able to go on the roundup and he manages to drive Phantom, and her newborn foal Misty to Chincoteague where he and Maureen can try to claim them as their own. But will they truly ever be able to tame the wild phantom's spirit?

Because it is a children's novel I didn't really expect the characters to be too developed. However, Henry does a great job with the characters in this book. You really feel a warmness for grandpa Beebe and hopeful for Paul and Maureen in their quest to own the wild horse. There are other characters of course, but they play minor roles in this book.

Henry's writing is clear and easy to understand and well suited to young children. With the exception of the place names, nothing would be too hard for a young child to read on their own. There isn't anything offensive or hard to read in this book either. She did include some interesting accents to her characters, but that just made them more charming, especially Grandpa Beebe.

A great story and really any horse story by Henry is. She does a wonderful job of writing for children and even adults can enjoy her stories.

Misty of Chincoteague
Copyright 1947
159 pages including pictures (less)

like · see review

Nov 13, 2010 Cathy rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Horse lovers

Shelves: childrens-classics, juvenile-fiction, audio-books, award-winning, historical-fiction

Each year the ponies of Assateague Island are rounded up and coaxed across the narrow strip of ocean to Chincoteague. There, to thin out the herds, they are sold. The ponies are shaggy and untamed, but one of them has captured the hearts of a young boy, Paul, and his sister, Maureen.

As Pony Penning day dawns, the two children hope that they can capture the mysterious Phantom, buy her, and lead her home. Weeks of odd jobs to earn the money and hours of cleaning out a stall have built up their con...more Each year the ponies of Assateague Island are rounded up and coaxed across the narrow strip of ocean to Chincoteague. There, to thin out the herds, they are sold. The ponies are shaggy and untamed, but one of them has captured the hearts of a young boy, Paul, and his sister, Maureen.

As Pony Penning day dawns, the two children hope that they can capture the mysterious Phantom, buy her, and lead her home. Weeks of odd jobs to earn the money and hours of cleaning out a stall have built up their confidence that they can succeed though others have failed to get near the elusive horse.

How the siblings came to capture, tame and befriend her and her newborn foal is a classic children's tale. Marguerite Henry is wonderfully adept at capturing the nuances of horses and the friendship that exist between horse and owner. I read all her books as a horse-loving girl and it was so fun to return to those days through this book.

Once again, reading this makes me want to visit Chincoteague Island at the end of July and watch the real-life annual pony round up!

More information:
"Misty of Chincoteague" is based on a true story that tells of a young brother and sister that grew up on Chincoteague Island. They attended the pony swim event and purchased an Assateague wild pony they referred to as "Misty". The children raised money to buy Misty by harvesting clams, which is still a source of income for some Chincoteague residents today. Misty was unique in that she had the markings on her side of a map of the United States. Later in life, Misty lived with Marguerite Henry while Marguerite wrote the book "Misty of Chincoteague". A Hollywood movie called "Misty" was made which featured the Chincoteague Pony Swim and many residents of Chincoteague Island that appeared in the movie.

Many of the Chincoteague local firemen that "round up" the wild ponies for the Pony Swim, have participated in the event most of their lives. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Dept. began to hold it's annual carnival in 1925 with an auction of some of the wild ponies after the pony swim. At the carnival, some of the foals & yearlings are auctioned off before the wild ponies swim back to Assateague Island a couple days later. The tradition began when the town of Chincoteague found itself in need of fire equipment in order to protect itself. Several devastating fires had occurred during the early 1900's, and since Chincoteague Island was isolated from the mainland with no bridges, the town needed protection. Today, most of the proceeds go to the fire dept. for new equipment. The Annual Pony Swim at Chincoteague has now become a national treasure. Many visitors as well native residents of Chincoteague return to the Pony Swim year after year to take part in this island tradition.

The annual pony swim and auction help manage the number of wild horses on Assateague and prevent them from adversely impacting the sensitive barrier island ecology.(less)

like · see review

May 06, 2010 Shanna Gonzalez rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: children-08-12

Paul and Maureen, two siblings living on Chincoteague Island, are rambling together one day when they spot a wild mare. Transfixed by her beauty, they set about earning money to buy her after the wild pony roundup & auction for which the island is known.

The story of this venture is full of action and suspense (will they succeed or not?) in the context of a secure family home. The two children live with loving grandparents -- no mention is made of their parents, and the children express no an...more Paul and Maureen, two siblings living on Chincoteague Island, are rambling together one day when they spot a wild mare. Transfixed by her beauty, they set about earning money to buy her after the wild pony roundup & auction for which the island is known.

The story of this venture is full of action and suspense (will they succeed or not?) in the context of a secure family home. The two children live with loving grandparents -- no mention is made of their parents, and the children express no anguish over their absence. The brother and sister are polite to grownups and genuinely loving toward one another.

One appealing aspect of the story is the differentiated gender roles the kids take on as they mature: while working as equal partners toward their shared goal, they divide responsibilities according to their natural abilities. Paul manfully goes off to physically labor at building a pony pen, while Maureen stays home to do his chores for him. A few times Paul is the first to become aware of danger, and he protectively shields or warns his sister. It is he who goes away to Assateague Island with the men to capture the mare (a coming-of-age moment), while Maureen awaits the outcome at home.

But Maureen's stay-at-home choices are clearly an expression of self-sacrificing love toward her brother, rather than resignation to a disappointing fate. When the two debate over who will ride in a horse race, Paul draws the longer straw, and Maureen graciously accepts this outcome, showing real selflessness and grace. It takes strength of character to prefer another's interests above your own (Philippians 2:3-4), and Maureen is a quiet example of this kind of practical love. And when in the end the pony is brought home, the two of them share equally in her care and ownership.

This story provides a view of a close friendship between siblings, an interesting and challenging goal for both protagonists, healthy family relationships, and respect for authority. It is romantic, refreshing, and inspiring, full of beauty and life.(less)

like · see review

Apr 30, 2010 Janis rated it 4 of 5 stars

Newbery Honor Book.

Growing up in Chincoteague, Virginia, siblings Paul and Maureen love horses. When Paul is old enough to participate in the annual Pony Penning Day, they decide to save their money for "their" horse--the elusive Phantom. At PPDay, men and boys (no women!) round up wild horses and ponies on nearby Assateague Island and drive them through the water to Chincoteague. Phantom is surprisingly easy for Paul to catch--she has lagged behind because of her newborn colt.

Paul and Maureen...more

like · see review

Dec 28, 2010 Mara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, horses, children

Paul and Maureen have been thrown at the Beebes because their parents are gallivanting around in China (for what seems like five and a half years), only their parents have made a crucial error. The Beebes own horses. Not only do they own horses, they live on Chicoteague island, an island packed with ponies. An island packed with ponies that holds annual pony festivals where they basically give these ponies away to any kid who mows enough lawns during the summer.

There is no way those parents are...more

like · see review

Sep 17, 2008 Jim rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kids, animals

I had a pony as a kid & lived on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, not too far from Chincoteague. We went there & I got to put a real place to the book. The 'Paul' in the book was in his early 30's then, as I recall & I supposedly got to meet him. I was pretty young, about 7 or 8 I guess. I was told he was Paul, anyway. I don't think we got to see Misty, but one of her foals - Stormy? Anyway, it was a memorable book, all my kids read them & my wife too.

3 likes · like · see review

Jul 28, 2009 Jomariem rated it 3 of 5 stars

I think this is a wonderful book, even in spite of the sometimes hard-to-understand dialogue at some points. This is a great story about two kids who were willing to work for what they wanted, instead of expecting adults to simply hand it over to them for the asking. I loved the part about how the kids got their horse (actually, both horses) when it looked as if they wouldn't get them, and about how they made the difficult, but right, decision about setting the Phantom free.

Just one thing, thoug...more

like · see review

Jul 27, 2011 Stampie rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was probably my favorite book/thing in the world as a 4th and 5th grader. I read it over and over and played "horses" with my best friend dreaming of going to Chincoteague one day. Finally, I went as part of my honeymoon and saw the islands for myself! We even did the Assateague wild life bus tour and saw so many wild ponies! Even a filly that looked just like Misty! It was a dream come true.
I bought a new copy of the book while on Chincoteage and reread it. A fantastic story for all ages!...more

like · see review

Jul 19, 2010 Josiah rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Here is one of the most famous horse stories of them all. Marguerite Henry, the master of telling equestrian tales in a way that lets even people who have no special affinity for horses get inside the mind of the majestic animal and develop a love for its natural power and deep personal affections, relates the true story of brother and sister Paul and Maureen, who live close by Assateague Island on their grandfather's farm. Paul and Maureen have grown tired of taking care of horses only to have...more

like · see review

Dec 08, 2011 Mary rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: appeal-animals, appeal-sweet, appeal-classic, type-j-fic, genre-realisticfic

This is one that I'm pretty sure I read when I was a kid. I grew up loving horses and I'm pretty sure I read this before we had horses. I also think I liked it. I did not like it this time. It reeked of imperialism to me, somehow. And it's not so much that the Pony Penning. That's a responsible way to control a population that has a limited amount of space for its habitat. It was the kids and their feeling of entitlement to Phantom and Misty. Just because they wanted that horse they should have...more

like · see review

Feb 08, 2011 Marci Christensen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: marissa-s-books, classics

We started this a few nights ago after reading Sea Star. It would have made more sense to read this one first, but I let Marissa pick out the book we were going to read and she picked Sea Star first. It didn't seem to matter too much.

I have had this copy of the book since at least first grade. It is great to see all my little marks in it. My first grade or kindergarten teacher used to make an "x" in the book at the spot where we stopped reading. I guess she didn't have a bookmark. So I started...more

like · see review

Jan 09, 2009 Jennifer Morrill rated it 5 of 5 stars

I've read this, and most of Marguerite Henry's books when I was younger and now it is nice to relive them through my daughter's eyes.

When reading this...I remember thinking the same thing as a child. Why was this book called Misty of Chincoteague when it's primarily about her mother, the Phantom.

It's an exciting book. Paul and Maureen are endearing characters. Younger readers might have trouble understanding the dialect of the books. Grandpa and Grandpa in particular have have heavy accents whic...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 20, 2012 Stephanie A. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: horses, childrens-books, vintage

There are a lot of well known "classic" horse stories that have reached a massive audience, but not many of them so fully deserve their popular status. This one does. It is honestly one of the best horse stories in existence. It's impossible not to fall in love with Misty (or thrill to the Phantom's ever-present wild spirit), but Paul and Beebe and their grandparents are nearly as iconic as the filly herself herself. The charming slice of rural 1940s life is what I think of when it comes to clas...more

like · see review

Aug 14, 2009 Logan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: audio-book, animal-but-not-cat

We listened to this on tape and I was surprised at how well Logan liked it. We're on our 3rd time through now. I read it as a child of 8 and loved it and the sequels and read them many, many times. As an adult, I do find Paul's treatment of Maureen a little sexist, but on the other hand, older brothers still probably tease their sisters for being "such a girl!" I like all the details of life at the place and time, like calling jam "the goody" and using a brier root as a softer, gentler bridle. I...more

like · see review

Aug 23, 2009 Arianna rated it 3 of 5 stars

**21 august 2009**
We stopped at Chincoteague on our road trip up the coast this past week; I have read this and other works of M. Henry, but I didn't recall the story and wanted to, so purchased the book while there.

**23 august 2009**
Finished this yesterday; I thought I had read this before when a child, but I guess I only knew of it...interesting. I definitely have read others of hers, notably King of the Wind, which I remember absolutely loving. This one was not quite as engaging...fun, but d...more

like · see review

Jun 02, 2012 Joanne G. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paperback

When I was little, I was horse crazy. I read every book possible about horses. I know I read Misty, but I didn't remember it as a favorite. A reread revealed why: the little girl isn't allowed to participate in the round-up because she isn't a boy. She shares her brother's dream of buying Phantom at the next round-up, and she works extra chores to add to their savings. When it comes to the big race, a pull on a wishbone gives the boy the right to ride Phantom. I always felt as though he should h...more

like · see review

Jul 04, 2010 Jodi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: horse lovers

Shelves: books-in-a-series, books-read-to-my-children, horses

I read this book to my horse-crazy daughter and my son in preparation for our summer vacation to Chincoteague Island! While we are there, my children will get to ride a Chincoteague Pony, visit the Beebe Ranch, see the lighthouse talked about in the book, and see the Misty statue downtown. They are excited and so am I - I love especially too that they are prepared for the visit with the reading of the book AND seeing the movie! My only complaint about the book is that the language of the Grandma...more

like · see review

Sep 22, 2009 Heidi rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009-book-challenge, audio, children-0-12, fiction, award-winners, juv-6-12

This is a book I probably would have enjoyed more when I was 7 or 8, horse lover or not. The writing style would have appealed more to me then. It wasn't bad, but as an adult I found myself a little bored. And there were only 2 parts in the story that I was really interested in. The rest was predictable and all right. I think my horse-loving niece would find this one ideal. And I did enjoy hearing places mentioned that are not far from me--indeed, a place I'd like to visit sometime soon.

Not the...more

like · see review

Dec 29, 2012 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: childrens-chapter-books, classics, young-adult-lit

Gosh, I read Misty of Chincoteague back when I was in elementary school, so about 30 years ago! I still remember this book in a hazy way. I remember reading it, and although I have never been a girl who loved horses, this book pulled me in, and held me in its thrall. The way Marguerite Henry described these wild horses was beautiful, and had a way of sitting me right down in their world. I don't know how this book would hold up for me now, but I sure do remember liking it when I was young.

like · see review

Apr 02, 2012 Damieka {LivingInYABooks} rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: will-have-my-daughter-read, made-me-cry

This is a beutiful, witty, outragausly funny at times, heart wrenching book. I love how Marguerite Henry captures the full essence of horses and the islands. I was a 6th grade horse lover when I first read this and not much has changed I still love horses and this is still one of my all time favorite books.I felt drawn into the story from page 1. I blame this for my first ever yelling at when my teacher caught me reading it and confenscated it for a day. Imagine that! At a school too! When she g...more

like · see review

Oct 04, 2011 Jenny rated it 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED this book. I read it in third grade then promptly read all her other books. It's based on a true story. Each year Chincoteague swims a number of wild ponies from Assateague island over to Chincoteague. This not only helps keep the herd numbers in check but is the main moneymaker for the Chincoteague Fire Department. I recently visited Chincoteague and while seeing the horses was fabulous, Chincoteague itself was the biggest tourist trap I've ever seen. And not even a pretty one like Mack...more

like · see review

Sep 06, 2011 April Brown rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, pre-teen

A childhood favorite re-visited.

Is the story as good as I remember? – Yes

What ages would I recommend it too? – All ages. Children will enjoy the single storyline; while adults enjoy an easy afternoon read (especially while waiting on a bus, show, doctor, or other appointments).

Length? – Reasonable for an afternoon.

Characters? – Memorable, several characters, though a bit confusing in the beginning.

Setting? – Real world, Recent times (1940′s).

Written approximately? – 1947.

Does the story leave que...more

like · see review

Jun 22, 2011 Carol rated it 5 of 5 stars

I adored this book as a child. I loved horses, and devoured the story of the annual Pony Penning Day. A year or so after I read it, we were on a family camping tree. I always read the billboards outloud (looking back I can only imagine how annoying THAT was) but I happend to read Visit Chincoteague, Home of Misty. We followed the signs and visited Misty's home. What I did not know at the time was that Misty was still alive and living on the farm. She was very old, but I got to pet her nose and f...more

like · see review

Feb 21, 2009 Katy Rikard rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was one of my favorite books growing up because I was one horse-crazy little girl!
I read it to the part where Misty's mom got sold and then threw the book at my Mom and packed up all the books on my shelf and said I would never read another book again *amid tears* and mom had to convince me to keep reading because there wouldn't be that many more pages in a book about a horse unless there was more to the story after the horse getting sold and the kids getting disappointed so I read it to th...more

like · see review

Aug 05, 2012 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars

The first moments of reading this book, I just wasn't content. It seemed that there was no real thing the two children had to overcome. By page 93, I was well ready to stop. But I didn't. Instead, I pursued. It turned out to be more then I thought it was. Even though it wasn't a story like Paint the Wind or Where the Red Fern grows, I got a sense of trust between Phantom and Paul. That was what made me keep reading, and the part about how every child has got to grow up. I think that it a importa...more

like · see review

Feb 10, 2012 Rosemary*1D Stole My Heart* rated it 4 of 5 stars

we finished this book

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (47)

More editions...

Genres

Childrens

205 users

Animals > Horses

166 users

Classics

143 users

Animals

124 users

Young Adult

106 users

Childrens > Juvenile

40 users

Historical Fiction

39 users

Realistic Fiction

20 users

Childrens > Middle Grade

16 users

Childrens > Chapter Books

13 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Marguerite Henry

Marguerite Henry (April 13, 1902-November 26, 1997) was an American writer. The author of fifty-nine books based on true stories of horses and other animals, her work has captivated entire generations of children and young adults and won several Newbery Awards and Honors. Among the more famous of her works was Misty of Chincoteague, which was the basis for the 1961 movie Misty, and several sequel...more Marguerite Henry (April 13, 1902-November 26, 1997) was an American writer. The author of fifty-nine books based on true stories of horses and other animals, her work has captivated entire generations of children and young adults and won several Newbery Awards and Honors. Among the more famous of her works was Misty of Chincoteague, which was the basis for the 1961 movie Misty, and several sequel books.

"It is exciting to me that no matter how much machinery replaces the horse, the work it can do is still measured in horsepower ... even in the new age. And although a riding horse often weighs half a ton and a big drafter a full ton, either can be led about by a piece of string if he has been wisely trained. This to me is a constant source of wonder and challenge." This quote was from an article about Henry published in the Washington Post on November 28, 1997, in response to a query about her drive to write about horses.

Marguerite Henry inspired children all over the world with her love of animals, especially horses. Author of over fifty children's stories, including the Misty of Chincoteague series, Henry's love of animals started during her childhood. Unfortunately, Henry was stricken with a rheumatic fever at the age of six, which kept her bedridden until the age of twelve. Born to Louis and Anna Breithaupt, the youngest of the five children, Henry was a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Because of her illness, Henry wasn't allowed to go to school with other children because of her weak state and the fear of spreading the illness to others. While she was confined indoors, she discovered the joy of reading. Soon afterwards, she also discovered a love for writing when her father, a publisher, presented her with a writing desk for Christmas. On the top of stacks of colored paper her father wrote, “Dear Last of the Mohicans: Not a penny for your thoughts, but a tablet. Merry Christmas! Pappa Louis XXXX.”

Henry's first published work came at the age of eleven, a short story about a collie and a group of children, which she sold to a magazine for $12. Henry always wrote about animals, such as dogs, cats, birds, foxes, and even mules, but chiefly her stories focused on horses.

In 1923, she married Sidney Crocker Henry. During their sixty-four years of marriage they didn't have children, but instead had many pets that inspired some of Marguerite’s stories. They lived in Wayne, Illinois.

In 1947, she published Misty of Chincoteague and it was an instant success. Later, this book—as well as Justin Morgan had a Horse and Brighty of the Grand Canyon—were made into movies.

She finished her last book, Brown Sunshine of Sawdust Valley, just before her death on November 26, 1997 at the age of 95.(less)

More about Marguerite Henry...

Books by Marguerite Henry

King of the Wind: The Story of the Godolphin Arabian

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Misty of Chincote...

7 trivia questions
2 quizzes

More quizzes & trivia...

title link	preview: Misty of Chincoteague
avg rating	preview: Misty of Chincoteague Goodreads rating: 4.01 (18966 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17461.Misty_of_Chincoteague?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348751818l/17461.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17461.Misty_of_Chincoteague?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry[/url]

Misty of Chincoteague (Misty #1)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website