"It was a nice book. It was about a horse, and it was interesting. I would recommend it to kids 7+." -7 yr. old A.R. ( )

*spoilers*

A "special edition" Horse Diaries book, this is pretty good. It takes place in 1915, when the Model T Ford was becoming popular. Jingle Bells works on a farm hauling the hay wagon and sled, and loves the satisfaction that comes from a long day's work. When one of the grown children of the farm comes home for the holidays he brings a "horseless carriage", a car, and it seems like maybe Jingle Bells might be replaced. Instead of Jingle Bells taking the family to the grandparent's house like they do every Christmas, the family goes in the car. However, the car gets stuck in the snow (twice!) and Jingle Bells proves that he is stronger and better for the job. I like how indignant Kari, the young human Jingle Bells is closest to, is when Martin says that cars may take over a horse's job. She's so proud of Jingle Bells, and looks down on the "stupid automobile", and I really like her attitude. ( )