The Little Horse Bus

by Graham Greene, Edward Ardizzone (Illustrator)

As Mr. Potter discovers, operating a grocery store is no easy business, especially when the competition takes all the business.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

47 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1952

About the author

Henry Graham Greene was an English writer and journalist regarded by many as one of the leading novelists of the 20th century.
Combining literary acclaim with widespread popularity, Greene acquired a reputation early in his lifetime as a major writer, both of serious Catholic novels, and of thrillers (or "entertainments" as he termed them). He was shortlisted for the Nobel Prize in Literature several times. Through 67 years of writing, which included over 25 novels, he explored the conflicting moral and political issues of the modern world. The Power and the Glory won the 1941 Hawthornden Prize and The Heart of the Matter won the 1948 James Tait Black Memorial Prize and was shortlisted for the Best of the James Tait Black. Greene was awarded the 1968 Shakespeare Prize and the 1981 Jerusalem Prize. Several of his stories have been filmed, some more than once, and he collaborated with filmmaker Carol Reed on The Fallen Idol (1948) and The Third Man (1949).
He converted to Catholicism in 1926 after meeting his future wife, Vivienne Dayrell-Browning. Later in life he took to calling himself a "Catholic agnostic". He died in 1991, aged 86, of leukemia, and was buried in Corseaux cemetery in Switzerland. William Golding called Greene "the ultimate chronicler of twentieth-century man's consciousness and anxiety".

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to my dear friend, Hilary, I discovered Graham Greene also wrote 4 children’s books. They were reissued in 1974 with these charming watercolor-like illustrations by Edward Ardizzone. It is a sweet little story about a grocer named Mr. Potter whose livelihood is threatened by the opening of a fancy new emporium. How the pony, Brandy, and the horse bus, help Mr. Potter resolve this crisis is the crux of the story and a more exciting adventure than you might think, including thieves, a dramatic chase scene and very happy ending. Sure to delight readers of all ages, especially if they like horses and ponies as my daughters did ... do. I think I will set it aside for her next visit. She is a grown woman now but the little girl who loved horses still lives in there. ☺♥ Sames goes for her sister!

[Dane Cobain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another one of Graham Greene’s children’s books and it’s probably my favourite so far. But I only read it because I’m a fan.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some books that I really, really wonder how they made the 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up list. This is one of those. Yes, the author is the magnificent author Graham Greene (though, it should be noted, I think, he is generally thought of as very much of an author for grownups, not kids). Yes, the illustrator is the magnificent illustrator Edward Ardizzone (who actually illustrates and/or writes a grand total of seven books on the 1001 list).

But is that enough to put this book on this list? Are there other, murkier reasons that I do not know? I liked it just fine, but it's shiny special-ness eluded me.

The plot is a simple tale of progress vs. tradition. Mr. Potter's Shop is the place where everyone does their marketing. Until the Hygienic Emporium opens up. Desperately trying to compete with a grand hansom cab used by the emporium for deliveries, Mr. Potter tidies up an old horse bus.

Old always beats new in children's stories. Not in the obvious ways, as new is always faster and shinier. But in the important ways.

A 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This most complex of his children’s stories (LOL), breaks the mold of his good versus evil view of life (more LOL). Okay, I’m through with these tales. Fortunately, this is my last to read. Apparently, shortly after this, Greene broke up with his paramour (Dorothy Craigie) – although in a long drawn out ending – and thus kaboshed the writer/illustrator engine.
We DO like the little horse bus, found “dusty and neglected in the corner” of a garage. We do like Mr. Potter and Mr. Potter’s shop, and we do like Tim (although he is not hygenic) and the pony named Brandy. We do like the bags of lollipops. BOO on Sir William Popkins and his new Hygienic Emporium Company Limited across the street which nearly puts Mr. Potter out of business and Brandy out to pasture. I won’t give away the ending, except to mention the thieves and the brave little horse bus.
In one of his greatest philosophical bursts, Greene concludes: “What is the good of dreaming…you will see that sometimes dreams come true.”

[Hermione Laake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book is a little old-fashioned now, that is part of its charm. It is based on things that really happened, when the face of transport and shopping were being changed by new ways. I think it would appeal to children who like non fiction because it is based on a true story. The illustrations add to the charm of this book.

[Ashley Lambert-Maberly]

reminder that when I read it to try to find the original Dorothy Craigie illustrations.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This child's story, by Graham Greene, is one I have never heard of before. It is a quaint an original tale with illustrations that are stylish and memorable.

[Jessie XU · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is the good of dreaming?

Because dreams come true.

[Angela Randall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teaching would-be entrepreneurs that it doesn't matter how much your customers like you - you'll be bankrupted when big business sets in. That is, unless you can last until your customers remember why they like you.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a lovely peek into the past with your kids - there's lots to talk about in this story of Mr Potter (no, that's NOT Harry's dad ...)