From School Library Journal
Grade 3-7 - A rich combination of scholarly but age-appropriate historical information and well-told story, this hybrid features eight tales about magical talking horses. The fascinating note that prefaces each story tells of the origins and distinguishing features of horses, such as the loyal Marwari of Northern India, the pintos of the Pawnee, or the sturdy "Iron Horses" of Canada. Tales that follow include Russia's "The Little Humpbacked Horse" and some lesser-known ones, such as the Iranian "Colt Qeytas" and the Basque "The White Mare." While seven of the tales feature boys who find a wife, the girls are strong, independent, and active in realizing their desires as well. A bare-bones list of sources is included. Acrylic paintings in warm blues and browns feature stylized portrait ovals, framed as if in ancient parchment, of each horse followed by romantic and dramatic illustrations of scenes from the story. The book satisfies readers on both informative and imaginative levels, and will no doubt gallop off the shelves when horse lovers discover it. - Susan Hepler, Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. Hoofbeats comprises short selections about horses from around the globe, each introduced with a brief description of a horse breed particular to the tale's culture. In each story, horses play a magical role as rescuers, protectors, and advisors for the humans in their lives. A full list of source notes concludes this lively, multicultural collection, which is beautifully illustrated with Wingerter's fanciful acrylic artwork. Teachers will want this for reading aloud or inspiring students to create their own folktale compilations. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Some of them can talk, others can fly; some can gallop faster than the wind, others can make themselves invisible - but whatever their special gifts, all of the horses and ponies in these stories are truly amazing. Each and every one of them knows just how to help its rider get out of trouble, and each of them will do everything it can to ensure that good triumphs over evil. Along the way, the adventures they have with their riders will transport you to places you have never dreamed of. In addition to its dazzling illustrations and spellbinding stories, Magic Hoofbeats also includes fascinating information about the different breeds of horse that live in the countries from which these tales are taken. So start reading - and swing into the saddle!

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Equine epics are explored in Magic Hoofbeats: Horse Tales from Many Lands by Josepha Sherman, illus. by Linda Wingerter. Historical details about different breeds of horses precede each tale, which come from lands as diverse as India, the Basque region of Spain, Albania and others. Wingerter's thick, swirling brushstrokes and velvety shades add drama to the proceedings; she portrays the horses in majestic scenes, tailored to each geographic region. A horse lover's delight. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature - Heidi Hauser Green

Come celebrate the horse in this captivating collection of exotic equine tales. Josepha Sherman has collected eight stories from a wide variety of locales, including North America, India, Albania, Iran, Russia, and more. Each celebrates the virtue, loyalty, and mystery of the beautiful creatures as they help good humans to overcome great challenges and, sometimes, evil powers. A story from the Pawnee tradition, "Lone Boy and the Old Dun Horse" tells how a boy cares for a dilapidated horse that, in turn, helps to show him a true hero of his tribe. A story from India, "Terror," celebrates a powerful horse that is drawn into the service of a teenage king and, after being coaxed by the land's first lady, rides to challenge—and defeat—rebel forces. "Petit Jean and the White Horse" is the story of a boy who, unknowingly, takes on work for a witch and forms an unusual alliance with a horse she abuses. Horse lovers will appreciate the inclusion of information at the beginning of each story about the countries and the horses native to those lands. Readers are sure to lose themselves in Linda Wingerter's beautiful, enchanting illustrations for these fast-paced, thrilling tales. Those who hear the tales before bed are sure to dream vividly of four-legged friends and faraway lands. 2004, Barefoot, Ages 10 up.

School Library Journal