School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-Maggie and her horse, Bramble, are back in another beginning chapter book. With a slightly mischievous, frisky attitude in the cooler fall weather, Bramble takes risks and pretends to be fearful, while Maggie introduces her to the sights and sounds of autumn. Both grow into their partnership and maturity as Bramble overdoes her imitation of anxious jumpiness, thoughtlessly unseats her rider, and finally accepts responsibility and returns home safely. Maggie is back in the saddle again with a final chapter, taking the lead and guiding her horse through a succession of surprises on a dark night of trick-or-treating. Softly colored gouache illustrations illuminate expressions and follow the action from a variety of perspectives and have appropriate visual clues and generous white space for younger readers. Dialogue, Maggie's occasional reflections, and a bit of onomatopoeia allow the narrative text to flow nicely as a trusting relationship develops between horse and rider. A solid addition for general purchase.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
"Bramble loved fall...The weather made Bramble feel spooky. It made her feel frisky and full of fun." In this third first-chapter-book series entry, friends Bramble (a horse) and Maggie (a girl) face some scares but find strength in each other. Maggie helps Bramble get over her fear of scarecrows; Bramble helps Maggie get back in the saddle after a fall. In the third and final chapter, set on Halloween night, Bramble and Maggie use what they've learned to keep their cool and have a good time--while consuming a lot of treats. Clear, lively prose and soft, expressive gouache illustrations combine for a Halloween friendship story. martha v. parravano (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Transitioning readers enamored with horses will be happy to immerse themselves in the third title of the Bramble and Maggie series, in which Maggie and her horse learn to cope with real and imagined fears. In each of the three chapters, Bramble spooks at the various sights and particular sounds of autumn. First Bramble is made uneasy by the new scarecrow in a neighbor's yard. But Maggie coaxes her equine friend to take a closer look. Who knew something a bit scary could be so tasty! The next chapter finds Bramble reacting to falling acorns. As she goes one way, Maggie goes the other wayand falls. Maggie wants to call it a day, but Bramble knows that "riders always got back on. That made them feel much better. Bramble stood very still.She waited." Finally it is Halloween, and the two friends need to decide how to dress up. But now the lanes are full of scary-looking creatures. Each of the pair must find her courage so that the other will not be afraid. Haas keeps descriptive language succinct while integrating entertaining dialogue. Friend's gouache illustrations ably depict Bramble's expressions of alarm and stubborn persistence, humorously extending the text. This well-crafted horse story explores the themes of friendship and facing fears for those getting ready to move on from early readers. (Early reader. 5-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
As Halloween approaches, Maggie's horse, Bramble, is sometimes spooked by strange sights and sounds, but occasionally she enjoys pretending to be scared. Maggie reassures Bramble each time, but the tables are turned when she falls off her horse and becomes fearful. Now Bramble takes on the role of protector, first by refusing to budge until her rattled rider gets back in the saddle and later by trying to safeguard Maggie, especially when they go trick-or-treating on Halloween night. Children needn't be horse lovers to enjoy this gentle story in which each character overcomes fears with a little help from her friend. Fans of the Bramble and Maggie series will love getting to know another side of these lovable characters. As warm, affectionate, and amusing as the story, Friend's gouache illustrations have a charm all their own. An original Halloween story for newly independent readers or for reading aloud to younger children.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2014 Booklist
