The Review

The narrative begins in the swirling mists and shadows of light and time where live ancient memories, forgotten dreams and legends. This is the legend of the ‘Night Mares.’ Eohippus, the Dawn Horse is where the legend begins. It is from tiny Eohippus that all horses came into being. You must look far beyond the big Dipper to find magical descendants of Eohippus. Long ago in the untamed lands of time lived Eclipse, a noble, wild stallion who kept his mares and foals safe, hidden from danger and well fed. Eclipse learned that man never hunted the wild herds at night. Eclipse guarded his mares from rogue stallions. Hunters came to capture the mysterious horses that ran through the night. And the chase began. The one thing the horses feared the most was capture. Eclipse looked up into the sky and whinnied a hunting cry for help. The sky spirits would help Eclipse once more as he led his herd through the darkness and fog. The magic of the moon and the stars spoke to Eclipse, ‘tell your mares to run. Let them keep running into the night mist and we will carry them up into the stars.’ Today we don’t have to be afraid of the dark. Night Mares prance against the background of black sky and glowing stars.

Writer Van Zant has crafted an appealing account designed to help children overcome their dread of the dark and night. Illustrations provided by Kim McElroy are fitting and nicely executed. I especially liked the protrayal of Golden Earth’. He very much resembles my own horse. On the pages of The No More Night Mares a dream of freedom author Van Zant has produced a creative epic regarding mythical wild horses. Written by Dawn Van Zant and illustrated by Kim McElroy the tale is sure to please horse lovers whether child or adult. The story of three untamed mares who are fated to light up the night sky is appealing. Children who fear the dark or have frightening dreams that make sleeping on some nights difficult can take comfort in the notion that Comet, Lucky Stars and Moonbeam are looking over them and are ready to help.

The No More Night Mares a dream of freedom appears to be a typical soft cover young children’s picture book, however, vocabulary used and subject matter make the work more suitable, I believe, for children ages 8 – 10. I will be taking the book to school soon to learn the reaction my fourth grade students may have for it. My students and I live in horse country, several children have their own horses and most are very interested in horses. I expect the book will not remain long on the reading shelf, rather will often be found in the hands of children during free reading time.

I like the mention of Eohippus, it will lead well into scientific research regarding horses. The No More Night Mares a dream of freedom has a place in the upper elementary/middle grade classroom, the school library and the home pleasure reading collection. I plan to use the book as dialogue starter for class discussions regarding fears, overcoming fears, legends and horses.

Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend. Reviewed by: molly martin 20+ years California classroom teacher Genre: children’s Author: Dawn Van Zant Illustrator: Kim McElroy Line/Publisher Wild Heart Ranch Books, www.wildheartranch.com 1385 Gulf Road, Suite 102, Point Roberts, WA 98281 ISBN: 0976176815

MOLLY’S REVIEWS