The Dolls: Horse Fever
Natalie Jane Prior
Cheryl Orisin
Hodder Headline 2004
79pp., pbk., $10.95
0733617654
A stable fire, a mistreated horse, a mystery owner, and the title Horse Fever: this has to be a book for horse admirers! “Dusty” is the name given to a shaggy, lonely horse who becomes trapped in a burning grass fire. As the news gets out, the local paper searches for a sensational story that will shock its readers and clear up the mystery. The story unfolds, and it seems that “Dusty” has more than one owner, and more than one name.
The main characters are life-like dolls who work as a team to find the solution to several tricky mishaps. Their antics entertain the reader and after a slow beginning, the action hooks you into the story.
Despite a rude car driver and a bad-mannered news reporter, the 4 main characters manage to save the day and in an interesting twist, everyone finally gets what they want. Even little sister Cressy gets her big wish.
There are realistic illustrations and descriptive sections to help the reader understand the characters and their background. There are even little inserts to show you what the characters like to do and how you could do it too.
Although it was unusual to read a book where dolls act like humans, Natalie Jane Prior has created characters with real live personalities.
We would recommend this story for good readers (and horse lovers!) aged 8 and up. We are glad we read it!
Reviewed by: Abram, Hannah and Kiah
3/4V Wollondilly Public School
Goulburn N.S.W.
Who would think that going for a ride on a horse with her big sister’s friend could start them on a trail full of excitement and danger, only to end in happiness.
The story is built around a lonely horse that they name Dusty. Through near misses from cars to rescuing her from a fire, they find hope and love for Dusty.
One doll ends up in hospital with her big sister worried about her. The other two end up in a nasty newspaper article. However all ends well especially for little Cressy.
This book keeps the reader waiting for what is going to happen next. It is more suitable for girls.
Dana Year Three Bundaberg.
The Dolls : Susannah's Notebook
Natalie Jane Prior
Cheryl Orisin
Hodder Headline 2004
79pp., pbk., $10.95
0733617646
I was not hooked on this book from the beginning because I didn’t think that anything exciting would happen but the climax built up to a fun packed ending. While reading the book, I could see their world and hear the cars rushing past. I felt like I was an unwanted character watching the other characters thrive. I could have easily put the book down because it has no big event that could not wait to be discovered. It was so easy to follow that I could almost predict what was going to happen.
The Dolls are exactly like real people with feelings and personalities. They are as credible as a person in a factual recount. You easily form a bond with the girls because they are like real people who make mistakes and are not perfect. I was not the person to care what happened to them because the worst that can happen to them is that Madison frames them for a crime they didn’t do. I felt like I was part of the adventure, just not wanted. I didn’t feel like I was eavesdropping nor did I hear them talking.
The book is merely to entertain .There was no clear message.The main issue raised was that Madison stole the notebook. I need no questions answered after reading the book. The format is appropriate for the story. The illustrations make the book interesting but don’t interfere with the book. It is a book that I would not pick up if in a library or bookstore because the cover doesn’t catch my eye.
This book is suitable for seven year olds to read.
Emma, 10, Epping, NSW
