Be Well, Beware

From School Library Journal Grade 3-5?When Lily tries to catch her mare for an after-school ride, she discovers that something is seriously wrong. A visit from a veterinarian shows that Beware has colic. When pumping a mixture of mineral oil and water into the horse's stomach fails to clear the blockage in her intestines, it looks as though expensive and dangerous emergency surgery may be the only thing that can save her. Lily and her grandfather have difficult decisions to make. Haas's realistic description of colic, with its many different symptoms, conflicting theories on treatment, and unpredictable outcome, will pique readers' interest and concern. The plot takes off from the first page and maintains intensity right until the end, helping even reluctant readers stay with the story. Manageable chapters and succinct sentences make this title, along with Beware the Mare (1993) and A Blue for Beware (1995, both Greenwillow), appropriate additions to the slim selection of quality titles in this genre.?Christina Linz, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FLCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. From