Mare in the Meadow (Animal Ark Series #31) Review

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(More customer reviews)School is back in session, which means less time rescuing animals, and more time hitting the books. For twelve-year-old Mandy Hope, and her best friend, James Hunter, this poses a potential problem. As die-hard animal lovers, the two friends find it hard to resist animals of all different shapes and sizes, and long for the careless days of summer, when they were able to assist Mandy's adoptive, veterinarian parents - Dr. Emily and Dr. Adam - in their clinic, Animal Ark. But, being the resourceful pre-teens that they are, the two friends quickly find a way to skirt around their current predicament, managing to balance their schedules effectively, so that they have time for boring schoolwork, along with fun, animal-friendly adventures. Luckily, they've arranged their schedules in the nick of time, for suddenly, they meet up with an older woman named Mrs. Tandy, and learn that her grown daughter, Laura, has left England for a bit to reside in the States, and that Mrs. Tandy is having a difficult time caring for Laura's gorgeous palomino mare named Chamomile, who spends her days galloping through a flower-filled meadow belonging to Mrs. Tandy. The problem is that Chamomile is rarely ridden by anyone, and seems to be falling into a slump of sadness, and loneliness. Mandy and James can't bear to hear that Chamomile is depressed, and vow to help Mrs. Tandy care for the friendly mare. Unfortunately, Mrs. Tandy doesn't live very close to Welford, and Mandy and James can only make it out to her place once a week - on Saturday's - to ride Chamomile, and assist with grooming and feeding her. Mrs. Tandy knows that Chamomile loves the time spent with Mandy and James, and realizes that being on her own all week isn't the best situation for her, and wants to sell beautiful Chamomile to a new family, where she can be ridden on a daily basis; but Mandy and James won't hear of it. Chamomile is so happy in the meadow, grazing, and lounging in the warm sunshine, and the two friends know that being displaced from the home that she has always known would only upset her. So, putting their heads together, the two friends begin to formulate a plan that will change Mrs. Tandy's mind. But for the plan to work, they need the cooperation of Rhian. Rhian lives next-door to Mrs. Tandy, and seems to love horses, but refuses to admit it. Born with a form of cerebral palsy, Rhian is unable to control the right side of her body very well, and takes offense whenever her strength is questioned. Mrs. Tandy believes that Chamomile would be too powerful for Rhian, but Rhian knows differently. Rhian has been riding horses since she was a young child, as a sort of therapy to help her keep up her strength in her right side, but since the move, she has given up riding; leaving her mother upset and confused as to what to do. Mandy and James are convinced that Mrs. Tandy will keep Chamomile, if only Rhian will go along with their plan. The problem is that Rhian is stubborn as a mule, and convincing her to do something she's unprepared for proves to be more difficult than the two friends thought. Now, they'll have to come up with a way to trick Rhian into assisting Mrs. Tandy, or they may never see Chamomile again!
One thing that I have come to realize over the past ten years that I have been reading Ben M. Baglio's ANIMAL ARK series, is that each installment is good enough to stand on it's own, and that the plot surrounding each book is always fresh and original - no repetition here! MARE IN THE MEADOW is no different. For some reason, Mandy and James never lose their appeal. From book one, KITTENS IN THE KITCHEN, up to now, their kindness and passion for animals has shined through, and had the ability to tell a delightful tale; while, at the same time, provide an array of wonderful facts about animals of all different shapes and sizes - from rabbits to horses; dolphins to squirrels. Mandy is a wonderful character, whose determination to succeed in school, and achieve good grades so that she can someday fulfill her dream of becoming a veterinarian is inspiring; while her inability to help anyone in need - be it animal or human - sets a wonderful example for readers. The friendship she shares with James is delightful. Together, they are like two peas in a pod; and the presence of a male character is a wonderful addition, as it will draw in both male and female readers. I believe that the introduction of Rhian was a very educational and compassionate one. Baglio's information about cerebral palsy gives readers the chance to learn more about the disability, and gives them a better understanding and acceptance of what symptoms accompany it. The fact that Rhian is so stubborn, and, at times, downright rude, instantly makes you sympathize with her, as opposed to disliking her, as you have the chance to see how difficult it is to survive with a disability, and put up with the constant questions and stares from people of all ages. Baglio has contributed another delightful story to the children's animal fiction genre, that will win over readers in a heartbeat. MARE IN THE MEADOW will quickly gallop into your heart!
Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

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Mandy and James are having trouble finding enough time to give Chamomile -- a mare whose owner has left the country -- all the attention and exercise she needs.When they meet Rhian, a girl who lives next to Chamomile's field, they hope she will help them out.But Rhian doesn't want to get to know the horse -- and she doesn't want to tell anyone why not.Can Mandy convince her new friend to care for Chamomile -- or will the horse have to be sold?

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