Official Review: Sally Gets a Curly Horse by Ron Gale

Post by **Kourtney Bradley** » 28 Nov 2017, 17:20

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Sally Gets a Curly Horse" by Ron Gale.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Sally Gets a Curly Horse is a 24-page children’s book written and illustrated by Ron Gale. Written with a Western theme, the story revolves around ten-year-old Sally and the horses that she dreams of having. Despite Sally’s love for horses, she is unfortunately highly allergic to them and has always thought she could never own one of her one. While visiting a rodeo with her family, Sally sees a rider with a curly haired horse, which the rider explained as being hypoallergenic. After learning that she has no negative reaction from the curly horse, Sally convinces her mother and father to get her a curly haired horse of her own.

The story is written in an easy to follow manner, with details included that children appreciate. The author’s writing style is both casual and entertaining, and written with enough action to keep children entertained, despite not being the traditional rhyming stories found in children’s books. The lessons that can be found within the story could teach responsibility, as shown by how Sally cares for her horse and makes sure he has all he needs.

In addition to the story line, Sally Gets a Curly Horse also includes adorable hand-drawn pictures that are full of imagination and precision. Featuring several different horses, I can imagine it would be fun for children to go back after reading and choose their favorite horse.

One complaint I have for the story is the author’s use of the word “tho” rather than “though.” Used a few times throughout the story, I felt myself cringing at the shortening, especially for a children’s book. I could easily see how this could create a reading barrier for children, as they could possibly think this is the correct way to spell and attempt to use the shortened version of the word in their writing.

From my reading, I can say that this story could be read independently from around ages 7 to 10, as there is some complex thinking involved, and a few words that could take some serious sounding out. I would easily recommend Sally Gets a Curly Horse to children who enjoy reading books about a farm or ranch, and also recommend their parents to read with them! This story would also be a great read for children who do suffer from allergic reactions. Due to the minor complaint I had for the story, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars, and will happily read it again with my child.

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Sally Gets a Curly Horse
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Marissa Michael · Post by **Marissa Michael** » 05 Dec 2017, 03:51

I like the responsibility lesson behind this story and I will definitely read this to my niece. Thank you for your review

Lincolnshirelass · Post by **Lincolnshirelass** » 05 Dec 2017, 04:32

This is a really good review, and I can imagine many horse-mad children (I know I shouldn't say it, but perhaps especially girls) would respond to it. I was such a child (still love them, though I would now call myself a cat person) and think I would also have been glad to find a book that wasn't just fixated on gymkhanas, pony club, etc, as sometimes tends to be the case here in the UK.

Post by **Kourtney Bradley** » 05 Dec 2017, 08:32

I thought the same!
Thank you for checking it out!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 05 Dec 2017, 10:43

My question is, is there really a curly haired horse that is hypoallergenic? I've never actually heard of it. If so, that's really cool! Thanks for sharing the book with us.

Mercelle · Post by **Mercelle** » 05 Dec 2017, 15:45

I like that there are different kinds of horses featured in the book. This peeked my interest. Thank you for the detailed review.

Post by **Kourtney Bradley** » 05 Dec 2017, 15:47

Thank you for checking it out!

Post by **Kourtney Bradley** » 06 Dec 2017, 00:03

kandscreeley wrote: ↑05 Dec 2017, 10:43 My question is, is there really a curly haired horse that is hypoallergenic? I've never actually heard of it. If so, that's really cool! Thanks for sharing the book with us.

Yes! I looked it up! Pretty neat, but I've never seen a curly haired one, and it makes me wonder why its the curly haired ones that are hypoallergenic.

Lincolnshirelass · Post by **Lincolnshirelass** » 06 Dec 2017, 03:39

It sort of makes sense as people with dog allergies can often keep poodles, which are curly haired.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 06 Dec 2017, 08:34

klbradley wrote: ↑06 Dec 2017, 00:03
kandscreeley wrote: ↑05 Dec 2017, 10:43 My question is, is there really a curly haired horse that is hypoallergenic? I've never actually heard of it. If so, that's really cool! Thanks for sharing the book with us.
Yes! I looked it up! Pretty neat, but I've never seen a curly haired one, and it makes me wonder why its the curly haired ones that are hypoallergenic.

That is really interesting. I too wonder why it's hypoallergenic. I mean, those hairless cats are considered hypoallergenic, but I understand why that is...

Post by **Kourtney Bradley** » 06 Dec 2017, 09:03

Lincolnshirelass wrote: ↑06 Dec 2017, 03:39 It sort of makes sense as people with dog allergies can often keep poodles, which are curly haired.

I hadn't thought of that!

inaramid · Post by **inaramid** » 06 Dec 2017, 09:55

Sounds like fun, alTHO (haha) I agree that the editor and/or author of the book should be more strict with the spelling, considering the intended audience of the book.

Post by **Kourtney Bradley** » 06 Dec 2017, 13:39

Agreed!
Thank you for checking it out!

Gunnar Ohberg · Post by **Gunnar Ohberg** » 06 Dec 2017, 21:02

Solid review. I agree, I don't like "tho" replacing "though" either. This sounds like an interesting story for kids who feel limited due to their allergies.