Black Beauty: The Graphic Novel (U)

A handsome and sweet-tempered horse, Black Beauty is strong andspirited. His mother warns him that there are bad, cruel men in the world, but Black Beauty sees none of it in his fine, happy home. Until the day when he is sold, when his life changes immeasurably and he finally sees the truth in his mother's words. As he moves from master to master, Beauty's adventures will captivate readers, and June Brigman's wonderful illustrations will capture their imaginations.George Galuschak - KLIATTBlack Beauty is rightly considered a classic; Sewell's story of a horse's life, told from the horse's point of view, is a moving statement against animal cruelty. It's also a great story. After an idyllic childhood, Black Beauty is sold into slavery. He serves under a number of masters some kind, some cruel, some indifferent before being put out to pasture. Despite its happy ending, Black Beauty does not sugarcoat the fact that a horse's life is one of misery and drudgery. Whether it's cruel or kind, slavery is still slavery. This adaptation does justice to Sewell's novel. Brigman and Richardson are a husband-and-wife team, and their b/w artwork is quite expressive. Black Beauty looks suitably regal, a prince amongst horses, and he displays a wide variety of emotions. I'm sure it's not simple to draw a dejected horse, but the authors make it look easy. Black Beauty contains depictions of animal cruelty. Highly recommended for libraries with graphic novel collections. KLIATT Codes: JSA* Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2005, Penguin, Puffin Graphics, 176p. illus., Ages 12 to adult.