Although pony-like in stature (measuring no more than thirty-eight inches at the shoulder), miniature horses nevertheless resemble small, well-proportioned horses with refined features. As pets or show horses, for driving, as well as therapy and guide animals, miniatures are ideal whether kept in limited space or on larger property. With stunning photographs by Bruce Curtis, The Book of Miniature Horses is as delightful an introduction to this fascinating breed as the horses themselves.

Donkeys are gaining in popularity across the country. They are used in trail riding, as pets, to guard livestock from coyotes and wild dogs, and as show animals. Donkeys are also used to breed mules, which are a hybrid produced by crossing a male donkey with a female horse. In The Book of Donkey, Donna Campbell Smith will cover the origin and history of donkeys world-wide. She will include chapters on breeds and types, care, housing, breeding, training, and the use of donkeys in the same format as her previous three books with Lyons Press. The Book of Donkeys will stand alone as an introduction to the world of donkeys and donkey keeping.

Pale as the Moon unfolds in the 16th century on one of the small, sandy Outer Banks islands off the North Carolina coast. This is the tale of the enduring friendship between a young Indian girl, Gray Squirrel, and a wild Outer Banks pony. Told primarily from the viewpoint of this visionary young girl, the book examines the tenuous relationship between the native Indians and the English colonists who settled on Roanoke Island. Through both mystical and practical means, Gray Squirrel and her pony manage to prevent war from breaking out, and help the colonists to survive. The story of these achievements is powerful, filled with adventure and distinguished by bravery. Original and imaginative, Pale as the Moon offers an alternative understanding of what might have happened to the Lost Colony of the Outer Banks. This well-crafted historical fiction quickly engages the reader and transports not only into the past, but also, with vivid description, surrounds with sound, taste and a clear inviting view of coastal life. Though the story is based on a true historical mystery about an English Colony that disappeared, Campbell Smith's creative interpretation of what might have happened makes Pale As The Moon, not only a good read, but entices the reader to question what really did happen. Included is a concise bibliography and study questions for teachers who might want to include this book in their curriculum. Topics covered include Native American Life, Early American Colonists and Explorers and the history of the Wild Ponies of North Carolina.

Chapter Book - Recommended Reader Age - 10-14 to Adult In her historical fiction book, An Independent Spirit: The Tale of Betsy Dowdy and Black Bess, author Donna Campbell Smith recreates fourteen-year-old Betsy Dowdy's all-night ride for freedom during the American Revolutionary War and reminds young readers that one person's self-determination can change the course of history.

Bear Song is the story of a small English Colony that history tells us mysteriously disappeared from Fort Raleigh on Roanoke Island in the late sixteenth century. In Bear Song the colonists have found refuge on the mainland with the Lake People. They learn survival skills from their hosts, and for a time the two cultures live in harmony. Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America, never knew any other life and fits happily into the village routine, but not without a few escapades. Eleanor, her mother, lives in fear of the wild animals and of their hosts. Gray Squirrel, known for her wisdom and healing skills, plays an important role in binding the two cultures. But the whole village is at risk of being wiped out when a small pox epidemic is brought to the village through an innocent act of kindness. First the old and very young die. Gray Squirrel tries everything she knows to heal her people but nothing works. Just as she loses all hope a bear comes to her in a dream. But does his healing message come in time to save the villagers?