A horse novel for
preteens by Jennifer Walker
Arabian Horses are occasionally tagged stereotypically as
fiery, but these intelligent and highly trainable equines may also demonstrate
excellent athleticism and loyalty, as author Jennifer Walker portrays in her
latest Green Meadow Series.
Bubba
to the Rescue, Walker’s second installment in the young horse lover
collection, hits the ground running with a story that sweeps readers up in its
path. The 2011-published book opens with the wedding of the father of the
protagonist, teen equestrienne Leslie Clark, and her horse trainer/barn
manager, Helen Green. The happy couple fell in love in Walker’s first Green Meadow book, Bubba
Goes National, also published in 2011.
Next, the tale hits the trail, as a casual ride is
transformed in a few hoof beats into a fire-rescue adventure. Riding with pony
pal Alex, Leslie discovers a seemingly abandoned horse in the woods after the
two teens have saved a neighbor’s horse herd from a barn blaze. Fittingly, the
girls name the mysterious equine Spark.
As the story unfolds, Leslie attempts to find Spark’s real
owner, while helping her friends cope with such challenging real-life issues as
injured animal care, teen romance, abusive relationships, death and grieving,
financial responsibility, stepfamily relationships, and more.
The title focuses on Clark’s Arabian gelding Lucky (or
Bubba), which the teen rider purchased at auction in the first book. But
Walker’s plotline focuses much more on Clark, her family, her friends, and the
strange new horse known as Spark. With each page turn, readers are left to
wonder when Bubba will enter the story again.
Reviewer’s Note:This book reviewer received a complimentary copy of the book described and evaluated here, although the reviewer has no prior or existing relationship (either familial or professional) with the author or publisher.
Walker’s Bubba to the
Rescue is penned for young teen readers, but the story may appeal to older horse-loving
readers as well. Although this book is a sequel, per se, the story also stands
alone for readers who may have missed the first book.
Published by Twin Trinity Media, Bubba to the Rescue includes several drawings by illustrator Debra
Torrico, who created the cover art for the book. Torrico also illustrated Bubba Goes National.
About the Author: Jennifer
Walker
Horse lover Jennifer Walker is the author of Bubba to the Rescue, Bubba Goes National,
and Leslie
and the Lion. Her articles have appeared in Arabian Horse Times, Horseman’s News, Modern Arabian Horse and Sierra Style. Jennifer Walker has
published short stories in Elements
of the Soul and The
Ultimate Horse Lover.
Image/s:
Book cover / promotional photo / fair use
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