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Casey Jones Rides Vanity
Katherine Corinne “Casey” Jones is outgrowing her beloved 13-hand pony, Top Notch. At a local show she falls for a golden dun mare named Vanity Fair. When the mare’s owner takes a tumble Casey has a chance to care for Vanity. But what will become of Top Notch?
194 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 1964
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 23, 2022
Big smile inducer
May 27, 2024
This is the third book by Marion Holland that I have read recently and once again I am impressed by her ability to draw out the childhood experiences that we can all identify with. Even children born sixty years later can identify with her characters because they feel what they feel and act as any kid would act with all their feelings of insecurity, envy, need for friendship and pride. I so wish her books will become better known and republished in the near future.
'Casey Jones Rides Vanity' reads smoothly and is one of those gems that gives us a glimpse into childhood of the 60's but still fits beautifully into the world of kids today in the way that Elizabeth Enright's 'Thimble Summer' might.
I think this book is about connection, and change. Through Casey's experiences we read about having patience with younger siblings, caring for animals properly, and using resourcefulness to achieve outcomes.
Casey is at a horse show, with her pony whose name is 'Top'. She is outgrowing Top, (along with her riding clothes), but loves Top. At this riding show she meets Marianne, a college student, riding her horse named 'Vanity' (after "Vanity Fair"). Vanity was once wonderful at jumping but now panics when presented with jumps in the ring and this leads to something happening that puts Casey in charge of caring for Vanity for an entire spring - from April to June. This is the story of Casey letting go and embracing change, not only through horses but through her interactions with other characters in the narrative.
I recommend this for any kids - those who love horses or not. It is wonderful!
I have a YouTube video where I chat about vintage children's books such as this one (including Holland's 'A Tree for Teddy'. If interested, check it out: Out-of-Print Children's Books
'Casey Jones Rides Vanity' reads smoothly and is one of those gems that gives us a glimpse into childhood of the 60's but still fits beautifully into the world of kids today in the way that Elizabeth Enright's 'Thimble Summer' might.
I think this book is about connection, and change. Through Casey's experiences we read about having patience with younger siblings, caring for animals properly, and using resourcefulness to achieve outcomes.
Casey is at a horse show, with her pony whose name is 'Top'. She is outgrowing Top, (along with her riding clothes), but loves Top. At this riding show she meets Marianne, a college student, riding her horse named 'Vanity' (after "Vanity Fair"). Vanity was once wonderful at jumping but now panics when presented with jumps in the ring and this leads to something happening that puts Casey in charge of caring for Vanity for an entire spring - from April to June. This is the story of Casey letting go and embracing change, not only through horses but through her interactions with other characters in the narrative.
I recommend this for any kids - those who love horses or not. It is wonderful!
I have a YouTube video where I chat about vintage children's books such as this one (including Holland's 'A Tree for Teddy'. If interested, check it out: Out-of-Print Children's Books
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews