What is the mystery of Beware's name? To Lily, who has outgrown her pony, the mare Gramp brings home seems to be the answer to her dreams. But Gramp is uneasy. He can't help wondering why the mare is called Beware.

Under Gramp's cautious supervision, Lily and Beware get to know each other, and soon she can truly claim the horse as her own. And when the mystery of Beware's name is finally revealed, Lily is able to handle the situation with the skill of an expert.

When Uncle Daney, a crippled logger, comes to live with the family, 12-year-old Cole expects someone big and tough. But Uncle Daney is a gentle, bright-eyed old man in a wheelchair. He does bring someone big, though, his draft horse Nip.

The family can't afford a horse, but Uncle Daney is determined to keep Nip, and has his own way of getting things done. Cole soon finds himself learning to use a draft horse, and learning how to wait for opportunity, then seize it. "A finely crafted tale of human ingenuity in the face of hardship." (SLJ)