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12th out of 17 books
—
4 voters
Wonder Horse: The True Story of the World's Smartest Horse
In the late 1800s, former slave andveterinarian Bill "Doc" Key realized that his new foal, Jim, was no ordinary horse. Believing in the power of kindness and patience,Doctaught Jim to spell, recognizethe primary colors, and even make change from a cash register!
Performing in shows across the country, Jim stunned audiences with his incredible skills. But when some people
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published
June 22nd 2010
by Henry Holt and Co.
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Wonder Horse is a nominee for the 2012-13 South Carolina Picture Book Award.
This book is a great story to share with students about showing kindness to animals (and, of course, since it revolves around a horse, my students will be lining up to check it out). Wonder Horse is about Doc Key, a former slave, who went on to become a well-respected veterinarian. Unlike so many others during that time, he preached about being kind to animals, and he definitely practiced what he preached.
Jim Key was a v...more
This book is a great story to share with students about showing kindness to animals (and, of course, since it revolves around a horse, my students will be lining up to check it out). Wonder Horse is about Doc Key, a former slave, who went on to become a well-respected veterinarian. Unlike so many others during that time, he preached about being kind to animals, and he definitely practiced what he preached.
Jim Key was a v...more
Straightforward account of the achievements of Jim Key, called "The World's Smartest Horse." Jim was born with crippled legs but managed to overcome his handicap and learn to walk and trot. When Doc Key, the successful African-American veterinarian who owned Jim, saw the horse's determination, he began a grand experiment: could this intelligent horse learn to "read"? With time, perserverance, and kindness, Doc was able to teach Jim to recognize primary colors and the letters of the alphabet, and...more
4.5 STARS
Even during his childhood, as a slave in 1830s Tennessee, Bill Key loved animals and had a special talent for understanding them and, often, curing them. When he grew up and slaves were freed, he became a veterinarian, and would often speak with people about the treatment of animals. He noted that horses, especially, were often mistreated, whipped or beaten in order to perform better, but he urged kindness, compassion, and understanding. (So heartbreaking to imagine that he would have s...more
Even during his childhood, as a slave in 1830s Tennessee, Bill Key loved animals and had a special talent for understanding them and, often, curing them. When he grew up and slaves were freed, he became a veterinarian, and would often speak with people about the treatment of animals. He noted that horses, especially, were often mistreated, whipped or beaten in order to perform better, but he urged kindness, compassion, and understanding. (So heartbreaking to imagine that he would have s...more
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I don't know where I came across this book, I think it might have been when I was looking for a wholesome movie for family night and was researching Secretariat. I think it must have popped up in the "other people also looked at.." window on the web-page. Anyway it's time for the summer reading program so I borrowed this with a healthy arm-load of other books.
I highly recomemnd this book to animal lovers of all ages. It's a sweet heart-warming story about Bill Key and his clever horse Jim Key w...more
I highly recomemnd this book to animal lovers of all ages. It's a sweet heart-warming story about Bill Key and his clever horse Jim Key w...more
Wonder Horse is a wonderful story about kindness and the power of compassion. In the 1800s, Bill “Doc” Key, a veterinarian and former slave, teaches an orphaned colt, Jim, to perform amazing mental feats such as recognizing letters and colors.
The humane education element (on behalf of both humans and animals) is outstanding, especially considering the time period in which the book is set. As the text notes, few people at the time cared about animals or believed they had feelings. Some animal ad...more
The humane education element (on behalf of both humans and animals) is outstanding, especially considering the time period in which the book is set. As the text notes, few people at the time cared about animals or believed they had feelings. Some animal ad...more
Kids love animal stories, and they are sure to be amazed by Caldecott-winning author/illustrator Emily Arnold McCully's newest picture book about Jim Key, a 19th century horse who astonished audiences with his incredible talents.
This enchanting book is not just an animal story, however; it is also a story about slavery, the power of kindness and patience, and overcoming prejudice. Jim's owner, Bill Key, was born a slave in 1833. McCully's heartwarming water-color illustrations portray the child...more
This enchanting book is not just an animal story, however; it is also a story about slavery, the power of kindness and patience, and overcoming prejudice. Jim's owner, Bill Key, was born a slave in 1833. McCully's heartwarming water-color illustrations portray the child...more
I think this is a good book because it shows that not all animals are dumb.
Summary: This book is about a former slave and veterinarian, Bill “Doc” Key. He always wanted a horse and when he saw that the circus had a horse, he gladly bought it. He set up his horse with a champion horse in hopes to have a nice strong foal. When the foal was born it could barely stand, let alone run. But then Doc realized that his new foal, Jim, was no ordinary horse. Doc believed in the power of kindness and patien...more
Summary: This book is about a former slave and veterinarian, Bill “Doc” Key. He always wanted a horse and when he saw that the circus had a horse, he gladly bought it. He set up his horse with a champion horse in hopes to have a nice strong foal. When the foal was born it could barely stand, let alone run. But then Doc realized that his new foal, Jim, was no ordinary horse. Doc believed in the power of kindness and patien...more
Sep 13, 2011
Lisa Vegan
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
humane education; horse lovers
Recommended to Lisa by:
Kathryn
This is an outstanding book (story and pictures and note/photo in the back) about an ex-slave veterinarian who believed in and taught kindness to animals. A horse he raised from its birth, he taught it to recognize the letters of the alphabet, colors, and do other remarkable things, all through patience and love.
I thought I’d heard of this horse, but it was actually another horse (mentioned in the author’s note) I’d heard of, and always thought the man was a charlatan. But Bill and Jim were a t...more
I thought I’d heard of this horse, but it was actually another horse (mentioned in the author’s note) I’d heard of, and always thought the man was a charlatan. But Bill and Jim were a t...more
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This is a slightly fictionalized biography of Bill Key, a man who was born a slave in 1833 and became a veterinarian. He believed in treating animals with kindness and tried to teach others that animals have feelings and it is wrong to make them suffer. This is also the story of Jim Key, Doc Key's horse, who he trained to spell, count, do math, identify colors, and make change from a cash register. This seems like a fantastic, made-up story, but the author's note which includes a photograph of D...more
Who: 1st thru 5th grade
I thought I would love this book and it would be right up there with the likes of "Two Bobbies", "Nubs" and "Little Pink Pup"...but even the the story idea is amazing and inspiring for some reason I didn't care for the book all that much.
This is based on a true story about a former slave who has a way with animals. After the horse he purchases from a circus dies he works hard with the baby foal to "educate" the animal by training it to recognize numbers, letters and colors...more
I thought I would love this book and it would be right up there with the likes of "Two Bobbies", "Nubs" and "Little Pink Pup"...but even the the story idea is amazing and inspiring for some reason I didn't care for the book all that much.
This is based on a true story about a former slave who has a way with animals. After the horse he purchases from a circus dies he works hard with the baby foal to "educate" the animal by training it to recognize numbers, letters and colors...more
This is a slightly fictionalized story of a real man and a real horse. Kids who like animals are going to enjoy this story, but younger ones may ask a lot of questions about slavery and other issues raised within the story.
The story itself, of a horse learning both "tricks" and actual recognition of letters, colors and numbers, is itself a lot of fun. The illustrations make it something special. The story of both man and horse devoting themselves to the Humane Society movement was also very inte...more
The story itself, of a horse learning both "tricks" and actual recognition of letters, colors and numbers, is itself a lot of fun. The illustrations make it something special. The story of both man and horse devoting themselves to the Humane Society movement was also very inte...more
3.5 actually...
I found it interesting in looking for this title that there were so many books with "wonder horse" in the title, yet only this one seemed to be about Jim Key, the horse who could add, subtract and identify colors. Part of the premise was that this horse was trained with "kindness." Of course animal lovers appreciate that message being shared. I did think that an important aspect to explore was how his owner, Bill "Doc" Key, who was born a slave, went on to become a vet in the late...more
I found it interesting in looking for this title that there were so many books with "wonder horse" in the title, yet only this one seemed to be about Jim Key, the horse who could add, subtract and identify colors. Part of the premise was that this horse was trained with "kindness." Of course animal lovers appreciate that message being shared. I did think that an important aspect to explore was how his owner, Bill "Doc" Key, who was born a slave, went on to become a vet in the late...more
n the late 1800s, former slave and veterinarian Bill "Doc" Key realized that his new foal, Jim, was no ordinary horse. Believing in the power of kindness and patience, Doc taught Jim to spell, recognize the primary colors, and even make change from a cash register!
Performing in shows across the country, Jim stunned audiences with his incredible skills. But when some people called Jim a fake, Doc set out to prove them wrong and to show the world that, thanks to the power of kindness and patience...more
Performing in shows across the country, Jim stunned audiences with his incredible skills. But when some people called Jim a fake, Doc set out to prove them wrong and to show the world that, thanks to the power of kindness and patience...more
This is a very entertaining story about a man who loved animals and taught others to use kindness, not whips to train them. He worked tirelessly with a horse named Jim Key and taught him to write, count, and make change from a cash register.
Whether the horse actually learned these concepts or merely mastered numerous tricks is not conclusive, but the kindness and patience with which Bill treated his animals certainly reaped great rewards. The illustrations are terrific and we loved that the sto...more
Whether the horse actually learned these concepts or merely mastered numerous tricks is not conclusive, but the kindness and patience with which Bill treated his animals certainly reaped great rewards. The illustrations are terrific and we loved that the sto...more
This is a really great story and it's a great teaching story as well. I learned more than one thing from the story myself and it opened up an intense conversation with my daughter about the shameful period in history where this country was inhabited by slave and slave owners. Julia, at only 5 years old, was completely and utterly horrifed. We had a long talk about it and I think she understands as much as someone her age can understand this.
The story is extra special in so many ways. That Doc K...more
The story is extra special in so many ways. That Doc K...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this story about Doc Key and his extraordinary horse. Based on a true story, the book is both entertaining and awareness-building. The author does a good job of pulling us back into the times and attitudes of the past without being overly preachy. The book has a nice balance of challenge and triumph and shows much of the spirit of both human and horse. Perhaps most important of all, this amazing horse is sure to draw young readers in.
Kathryn Krull chronicles the story of Bill Key who was born into slavery in 1833 and his horse, Jim Key. Even though suffering racial discrimination and humiliation Bill educated Jim to perform in shows. He used kindness to educate his horse. The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animas eventually teamed up with Bill and Jim Key to spread the message, "Treat Animals with Kindness". Interesting biography of both Bill Key and his horse.
Emily Arnold McCully's forte is nineteenth and early twentienth century non-fiction stories about the pop culture stars of their times. In this story, McCully tells the story of a ex-slave turned vet who raises horses. He ends up taking to the road with his "wonder horse." This book is sure to resonate with the younger students at my school as it highlights kindness and how important it is for all living things.
Sep 07, 2010
Erin
added it
A really amazing story about a piece of history I knew nothing about. McCully does a great job of simplifying the story and making it accessible. The historical note in the back provides a little more information and notes how remarkable it was that Doc Key was able to do what he did considering the time frame. It's incredibly sad to think that as a society we haven't gotten too much better about cruelty to animals.
Jul 02, 2012
Scarlett
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Elementary children, librarians, educators
Recommended to Scarlett by:
FRA
Shelves:
childrens-books,
fra
Based on a true story, this book was used during Black History Month. It has wonderful vocabulary, but is best used with older elementary children. My younger students had to have just about everything explained to them, page by page. I found myself having to scale down the amount of text. Part of this is due to the large ELL student population. But the book was still a bit too wordy.
Picture book adaptation of a true story, by the always-wonderful Emily Arnold McCully. Be kind to animals; they are intelligent and have feelings too! I love how Doc Key always believed in Jim, even though he wasn't the race horse he'd hoped for.
Includes an Author's Note and Bibliography. And check out Beautiful Jim Key's web site: http://www.beautifuljimkey.com/
Includes an Author's Note and Bibliography. And check out Beautiful Jim Key's web site: http://www.beautifuljimkey.com/
Wonder Horse tells the story of "Doc" Key and Jim, his horse. After Emancipation, Bill Key became a veterinarian who focused on animal welfare. He bought an Arabian mare from a circus for $40. She had a foal who Bill trained to know letters, numbers, colors, addition and subtraction.
Based on a true story with historical information included.
Based on a true story with historical information included.
Picture Book
This is a wonderfully illustrated book. The illustrations engage prereaders while the information is engaging to readers as well. This allows it to be a dual use book. I read this to my son over and over again. I think it would be more likely to be included in the curriculum of a slightly older classroom than mine.
This is a wonderfully illustrated book. The illustrations engage prereaders while the information is engaging to readers as well. This allows it to be a dual use book. I read this to my son over and over again. I think it would be more likely to be included in the curriculum of a slightly older classroom than mine.
Delightful story about an intelligent horse named Jim who is lame from birth. Jim tries so hard to prove himself, that his owner (Bill "Doc" Key, takes him on the road. Doc, a veterinarian, believes that animals should be treated with kindness and patience. Is is amazing to learn about Jim and his relationship with Doc.
To me this is by far one of my favorite picture book. The author really made it entertaining but educational at the same time. It shows how important it is to take care of horses and to treat them almost like humans because they have feelings too. I recommend this book to elemantary kids and older who love horses.
I liked the story which will have immediate appeal to most children. However, after reading the non-fiction description of Jim Key, I found myself wondering how factual the book really was. I would have liked to have seen a clear connection of the events described within the book to the non-fiction summary.
What makes this an excellent children's book.
1. Illustrations are beautiful and charming.
2. It is based on a true story
3. The theme is kindness to animals
4. It includes a bibliography and some historical facts (for the adults)
Having read the book "Beautiful Jim Key" by Mim Rivas I know that there was a lot left out, but what you do have is enough to make many, if not most, people want to know more.
1. Illustrations are beautiful and charming.
2. It is based on a true story
3. The theme is kindness to animals
4. It includes a bibliography and some historical facts (for the adults)
Having read the book "Beautiful Jim Key" by Mim Rivas I know that there was a lot left out, but what you do have is enough to make many, if not most, people want to know more.
Based on the true story of a horse and his trainer. This is a story about kindness to people and animals alike. It is a little long and definitely reads like nonfiction even though it is fictionalized. The overall message is a great one and brings to light animal cruelty.
In addition to being a good story, this is based on truth and tells us about an unknown slave who became a vet and a businessman and who was one of the early believers in kindness when training animals. Author's notes are good and put the story in the proper place in history.
This is an amazing book! It sends a beautiful message to kids about being kind to animals as well as how to keep going when faced with adversity! My students are dressing up for the Red Clover Day parade on Friday as horses and I will be Doc Key.
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Emily Arnold McCully received the Caldecott Medal for Mirette on the High Wire. The illustrator of more than 40 books for young readers, she divides her time between Chatham, New York, and New York City.
More about Emily Arnold McCully...
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