[.ca] Little White Horse (ISBN 0142300276)

Predictable, but definately worth your time:
Honestly, I just bought this book because my hero, J.K. Rowling, cites it as one of her all-time favorites. After reading it, I understand why that is. The story itself grabs you from the beginning and pulls you into the stunningly-constructed world. Every detail is described, from the meals to the scenery, everything. The ONLY complaint that I had, is that sadly it's rather predictable. It'd be great to read to a child, or for the young-at-heart.

Beautifully Written, Disappointingly Constructed:
How difficult it is to find children's novels that are actually well-written, in a language that is not dumbed-down. Elizabeth Goudge's prose is truly beautiful. Her ability to paint a picture with words is refreshing and satisfying, and her writing most certainly draws the reader in -- one can't put the book down because one simply MUST know what happens to little Maria! The story falls short not in the writing but in the actual content. Throughout the book, it is clear that Maria's every decision is made beforehand -- from the clothing that is mysteriously laid out for her in the morning to her trip to the castle of the Wicked Men. It is as though she is merely reading a script -- not boldly adventuring forth to seek her destiny. Perhaps the stunning writing of Ms. Goudge sets the reader up for a more complex, less predicatable storyline. In any case, I found myself sorely disappointed in the tale, while completely satisfied with the writing. Why 4 stars then? There is great value in a well-written book, and compared to much of what is out there today, The Little White Horse shines. My nine-year-old daughter absolutely loved it -- and she is our resident Bookworm. Borrow this book from the library before you invest in a copy. If your daughter's eyes are sparkling after she reads it, then by all means, grace your bookshelf with this novel. There are far worse choices out there.

The best fantasy ever!:
I loved this book, I first read it when I was little and even now 20 odd years later its still a firm favourite. It has everything you want from a true fantasy, never mind your Lord of the Rings rubbish, this is it.

The Sun and the Sickle Moon:
Maria Merryweather, her governess and the unfaithful dog, Wiggins, all set off to the home, (Or castle), belonging to Maria's cousin, Sir Benjamin. Maria soon finds out that the castle has a lot more to offer than expected, and she is delighted with her new home. However, Maria has a dangerous task to perform. She must make peace with the desendants of the Merryweather's greatest enemies, a task which should have been completed by Moon Princesses throughout the ages. Now, accompanied by Wrolf, her faithful dog, Wiggins, her not so faithful dog, Perrywinkle, her mighty steed, her hare, Zacheria the cat, and of course, her best friend Robin, Maria will go forth and try to make peace, securing the happines of her people.

The Moon Princess:
When Maria Merryweather moves house to a new home in the countryside, it seems that there is a lot more to the town than first meets the eye. Maria suddenly finds herself thrown into an adventure, based on a story that might not be true. But accompanied by her animal friends, and her best friend, Robin, Maria sets out on a quest to free the people of Silvereydew from a terrible mistake made centuries ago that was never put right. It is up to her to give back the land to its rightful owners and face the descendants of Black William in a battle of a moon princess and her little white horse.