Lori’s Norwegian Fjord horse, Billy, seems almost destined to become a movie star. But when Billy goes missing, it’s up to Lori to bring him home.
Lori’s Norwegian Fjord horse, Billy, seems almost destined to become a movie star. But when Billy goes missing, it’s up to Lori to bring him home.
Billy is a Norwegian Fjord horse. And many people might logically look at this little, yellow-colored stallion and think he’s just a pony. After all, he’s only about fourteen hands tall. (That’s a way of measuring horses that dates back more than 1000 years.)
He may be small, but in his horsey heart, Billy feels as big as the tallest Clydesdale. And it shows.
Those same people might also think that young Lori Allegria is Billy’s owner. Again, that makes total sense, since this seventh grader is always around the little horse. She feeds him daily and takes care of his every need, from keeping his hooves clean and healthy; to brushing out his mane, body hair and tail.
The truth, however, is that Lori isn’t Billy’s owner so much as a member of his herd. She was born the same year that Billy was foaled. They grew up together. And Billy trusts her like no other human.
Their peaceful herd is upended, however, when the bigger-than-life Billy is “discovered” by Marlowe Narang, a superstar kid actor. That boy-wonder is instantly impressed by the striking, golden equine and offers Billy the opportunity of a horsey lifetime—to star in a film!
Now, you might say, So what? Billy doesn’t know what Hollywood is. Or a movie, for that matter. But you see, Lori’s mom does know about those things. And the studio’s offer for Billy is enough to save the Allegria family’s struggling stables.
As painful as it is, Lori understands her single mom’s need. She gets the struggles, the mounting debt. So, she tearfully agrees to send her horse, her best four-legged friend, off to a new life.
However, it’s not just Billy’s size that people don’t understand. They don’t understand his heart or his loyalty either. They don’t quite get how brave or smart a little Norwegian Fjord horse can be.
By a turn of fate, Billy, Lori, Marlowe and a cast of others—including a mountain lion and a herd of wild donkeys—are about to become part of an unexpected adventure.
You see, sometimes it’s all about finding your herd.
None.
The closest thing to a sense of “faith” here is the moral obligation that Marlowe’s mom instilled in him to be aware of other’s needs and to take the time to do good by them. “Life is about helping others realize their dreams too,” the successful tween opines as he sets off to give his help. Marlowe’s agent/father reflects those ideals, too.
Marlowe’s dad, Fred, is a wheelchair-bound victim of cerebral palsy. And though he initially appears to be focused solely on money, he turns out to be a concerned and giving individual. In fact, Lori’s single mom, Tessa, is drawn to the man. (Marlowe’s mom is deceased.) And by the story’s conclusion, it appears that Tessa and Fred might become a couple.
In fact, every adult character here is earnest and helpful. And parents are caring and kind, while holding their children accountable. For instance, Lori runs away from home to find Billy and gets involved in a perilous situation. When Tessa finally finds her daughter, she embraces her in relief. “Kids, there will be consequences,” Tessa tells Lori and her friends, “But what matters most to all of us is that you and these animals are safe and sound.”
The closest thing to foul language is an exclamation of,” Oh my gosh!”
We’re told that Marlowe’s mom struggled with and eventually succumbed to cancer. A mountain lion attempts to attack a horse but is thwarted. Lori, Billy and others find themselves in a lightly dangerous situation that involves wild animals and exposure to the elements.
We’re told that Lori’s mom “chose to have Lori on her own.” The story doesn’t give us any more details than that, other than making it clear that Lori’s dad is not a part of the family picture.
Have you ever had a pet that you felt “connected” to? Why do you think we form those kinds of feelings and connections with animals? Do we sometimes “humanize” animals? Why?
Take a look at Luke 12:24 and Proverbs 12:10. Both of these verses talk about animals. But what are they telling us about how God sees us and how he wants us to treat animals around us?
While looking for Billy, Lori also makes friends with a girl she meets named Aiyana. What do you think the story is trying to tell us about friendships and the bonds we form with others? Do you think having things in common with someone makes a difference when it comes to friendship?
This short, sweet story helps young readers learn about horses and their care, and it gives them insight into how horses might think as well. In addition, the tale asks kids to consider their connections with others (both animals and humans) and to find new ways to push beyond their own insecurities.
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Book reviews cover the content, themes and worldviews of fiction books, not necessarily their literary merit, and equip parents to decide whether a book is appropriate for their children. The inclusion of a book’s review does not constitute an endorsement by Focus on the Family.
After spending more than two decades touring, directing, writing and producing for Christian theater and radio (most recently for Adventures in Odyssey, which he still contributes to), Bob joined the Plugged In staff to help us focus more heavily on video games. He is also one of our primary movie reviewers.
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