Dreams of a Dancing Horse
Animals Tales series
Dandi Daley MackallIllustrated by Guy Francis

Bloomsbury
2011 / ISBN 9781599906263
Chapter book, animals/horses (ages 7 and up)
Amazon

Reviewed by Bob Walch

Fred isn't your typical farm horse. Far from it! Born with a tune in his heart and happy feet, Fred loves to dance. Not only does this make the big horse unusual, but it also creates problems when he gets the urge to dance while harnessed to a plow.

In this humorous story, Fred's high spirits get him tossed off the farm. "I am not Fred the Plow Horse," says Fred. "I am Federico the Dancing Horse." And with that declaration, he's off on a journey to find his destiny. Along the way Fred will encounter a herd of friendly cows, a young painter and his girlfriend, and a young girl who longs for a pet to love.

Although all of these experiences and people are interesting and make Fred's journey interesting, he never loses sight of the goal. Fred needs to find a place where his "talent" will be recognized and appreciated.

Does he succeed? You'll have to read the book to find out, but you won't be sorry you decided to follow this unusual horse on his far-ranging adventures.