Post by vera on Nov 26, 2009 23:44:54 GMT 1
Book review
Bow down Shadrach
Joy Cowley
Hodder and Stoughton, 1991
Plot: A Clydesdale who has become a family pet is now too old and in too much pain from arthritis to survive another winter. The parents decided to sell him for dog meat and use the money for a new pony. The children are told he is going to The Rest Home for Aged Equestrian Friends. They find out about the deception and set out to rescue Shadrach.
Characters: Shadrach, the Clydesdale who was part of a circus act and then refused to become a farm horse, but became a family pet.
Jo and Sophie: The well-meaning parents.
Hannah: The young girl who lives in a world of imagination and superstition, with deep feelings.
Mikey: The practical younger brother who cooks and always sees the practical side of life.
Sky: the five year old youngest with his own unique view
The community of Waitaria Bay:
Setting: Part of New Zealand’s South Island.
This book won the New Zealand Children's Book of the Year for Joy Cowley. The main theme is how to cope with the imminent death of a beloved family pet. It follows a sense of betrayal at deception and a determination to make things right. Several times imagination and practicality collide.
Shadrach was part of a circus act with three Clydesdales. When the circus closed Joe bought Shadrach to work on the farm. Shadrach had other ideas and as he was so gentle with children, he became transport for Hannah and Mikey, until increasing old age makes this impractical.
The family lives in a small township; the local school has two classrooms and everyone knows everyone else’s business. Therefore when Sophie tells her children that Shadrach is going to The Home of Rest for Aged Equestrian Friends, the other children at the school tell the truth.
Hannah then sets out to rescue Shadrach and drags Mikey and Sky along. Hannah’s character is complex and well-drawn. She tells her brothers stories and has various magical rituals which mean everything will turn out alright in the end, but these rituals must be followed precisely. At the same time she is able to plot very practically how the rescue is to be achieved.
The New Zealand bush and coastline form an integral part of this story. Also the way that a small community draws together when it is needed.
In spite of the serious underlying theme, there are many humorous moments in the book. At one stage Shadrach is hidden in a caravan and when the children leave Mikey keeps telling Hannah they should have cleaned up the manure. There is the scene where Shadrach is hidden in a church and Mikey tries to stop Hannah from giving him a drink, because he doesn’t think God would like a puddle from Shadrach... Mikey’s prayer in the church is very touching. ”We’re in big trouble. Big big trouble. I don’t want any special favours or that magic stuff. Just do what you can.”
The story resolves in an unusual way, but one with which anyone who has ever lost a beloved pet can identify. It also examines family dynamics and relationships.
The story continues in two more books, “Gladly, Here I Come” and “Shadrach’s Girl”.
I am not sure what the exact definition of a pony book is, but Shadrach as a character is well drawn and this book combines serious themes, humour and a desire to read more of Joy Cowley’s works.
Bow down Shadrach
Joy Cowley
Hodder and Stoughton, 1991
Plot: A Clydesdale who has become a family pet is now too old and in too much pain from arthritis to survive another winter. The parents decided to sell him for dog meat and use the money for a new pony. The children are told he is going to The Rest Home for Aged Equestrian Friends. They find out about the deception and set out to rescue Shadrach.
Characters: Shadrach, the Clydesdale who was part of a circus act and then refused to become a farm horse, but became a family pet.
Jo and Sophie: The well-meaning parents.
Hannah: The young girl who lives in a world of imagination and superstition, with deep feelings.
Mikey: The practical younger brother who cooks and always sees the practical side of life.
Sky: the five year old youngest with his own unique view
The community of Waitaria Bay:
Setting: Part of New Zealand’s South Island.
This book won the New Zealand Children's Book of the Year for Joy Cowley. The main theme is how to cope with the imminent death of a beloved family pet. It follows a sense of betrayal at deception and a determination to make things right. Several times imagination and practicality collide.
Shadrach was part of a circus act with three Clydesdales. When the circus closed Joe bought Shadrach to work on the farm. Shadrach had other ideas and as he was so gentle with children, he became transport for Hannah and Mikey, until increasing old age makes this impractical.
The family lives in a small township; the local school has two classrooms and everyone knows everyone else’s business. Therefore when Sophie tells her children that Shadrach is going to The Home of Rest for Aged Equestrian Friends, the other children at the school tell the truth.
Hannah then sets out to rescue Shadrach and drags Mikey and Sky along. Hannah’s character is complex and well-drawn. She tells her brothers stories and has various magical rituals which mean everything will turn out alright in the end, but these rituals must be followed precisely. At the same time she is able to plot very practically how the rescue is to be achieved.
The New Zealand bush and coastline form an integral part of this story. Also the way that a small community draws together when it is needed.
In spite of the serious underlying theme, there are many humorous moments in the book. At one stage Shadrach is hidden in a caravan and when the children leave Mikey keeps telling Hannah they should have cleaned up the manure. There is the scene where Shadrach is hidden in a church and Mikey tries to stop Hannah from giving him a drink, because he doesn’t think God would like a puddle from Shadrach... Mikey’s prayer in the church is very touching. ”We’re in big trouble. Big big trouble. I don’t want any special favours or that magic stuff. Just do what you can.”
The story resolves in an unusual way, but one with which anyone who has ever lost a beloved pet can identify. It also examines family dynamics and relationships.
The story continues in two more books, “Gladly, Here I Come” and “Shadrach’s Girl”.
I am not sure what the exact definition of a pony book is, but Shadrach as a character is well drawn and this book combines serious themes, humour and a desire to read more of Joy Cowley’s works.