Bramble and Maggie: Spooky Season by Jessi Haas, illustrated by Alison Friend, 52 pp, RL 2


Bramble and Maggie: Spooky Season is the second book in this series for horse lovers by Jessi Haas and illustrated by Alison Friend. Haas, who has written several other children's books featuring horses and, while this is a lower level book, Haas does not talk down to readers when writing about horses and riding. In the first book in the series, Bramble and Maggie: Horse Meets Girl, we learn that Maggie wants a horse so much that she has been reading and rereading her big horse book. Bramble is tired of the routine life of giving riding lessons and walking in circles, but Bramble needs to sure of a few things about Maggie first. Will Maggie let her explore new places and will she protect her from strange things in the yard? The two become fast friends in Bramble and Maggie: Horse Meets Girl, but they still have a few things to work out in this new book.


The title, Spooky Season, works two ways. Because of the time of year, Halloween decorations are popping up all over the place, including all the places Maggie and Bramble like to ride. And, these spooky decorations just might spook Bramble as well. In chapter 1, Fall, we learn that Bramble loves fall, the "air was cold and it smelled like apples. It made her feel hungry." But, the crisp air and the chilly breezes also stir up noises that make Bramble jumpy. With the help of the big horse book, Maggie and Bramble navigate these new sounds and sights as they take their afternoon rides. When Maggie takes the time to show Bramble that she doesn't need to be scared, a close up introduction to the scarecrow in Mr. Dingle's yard leads to a little snack for Bramble when she eats some of the stuffing.


Chapter 2 is titled, A Fall, and that is just what happens to Maggie when an acorn falling from a tree spooks Bramble. But, as the big horse book says, you need to get back up on that horse right away before you have time to be scared. By the time we get to Chapter 3, Trick or Treat, Maggie and Bramble have worked things out and are getting in costume for Halloween night. Maggie rides Bramble from door to door and they both get all kinds of treats!

More Maggie and Bramble Books!



Source: Review Copy

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