Reviews
" When eight-year-old Kirstie finds a mysterious egg on the beach after a big storm, no one in the family expects it to hatch. But the next day, after a night in the bathtub, a mysterious little creature is born: part turtle, part horse, part frog, with an alligator tail. Only Kirstie's grandpa knows its true identity: a Water Horse, the sea monster of Scottish legend. The creature becomes a family pet, tamable and lovable, though with a huge appetite. As he grows and grows, the family must decide where to place him, somewhere away from those who would exploit him or, worse, accidentally become his dinner; perhaps Loch Ness would be safest. This well-written, fast-paced fantasy combines a popular subject with appealing, distinctive characters, humor, and drama. King-Smith's imaginative spin on an old myth makes the outrageous possible." --Booklist " It's an ideal family read-aloud." --The Horn Book Magazine, "A rich, mostly tender fairy tale that combines elements of such children's classics as The Secret of Roan Inish, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, and Born Free . . . . Combining the best of fantasy and somber reflection, The Water Horse is a lovely ride." -- The Washington Post on the film adaptation "Well-written, fast-paced . . . with appealing, distinctive characters, humor, and drama. King-Smith's imaginative spin on an old myth makes the outrageous possible." -- Booklist "One of the most delightful children's authors." -- The Guardian on Dick King-Smith, "A rich, mostly tender fairy tale that combines elements of such children's classics as The Secret of Roan Inish, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, and Born Free . . . . Combining the best of fantasy and somber reflection, The Water Horse is a lovely ride." -- The Washington Post on the film adaptation "Well-written, fast-paced . . . with appealing, distinctive characters, humor, and drama. King-Smith's imaginative spin on an old myth makes the outrageous possible." -- Booklist "One of the most delightful children's authors." -- The Guardian on Dick King-Smith, "When eight-year-old Kirstie finds a mysterious egg on the beach after a big storm, no one in the family expects it to hatch. But the next day, after a night in the bathtub, a mysterious little creature is born: part turtle, part horse, part frog, with an alligator tail. Only Kirstie's grandpa knows its true identity: a Water Horse, the sea monster of Scottish legend. The creature becomes a family pet, tamable and lovable, though with a huge appetite. As he grows and grows, the family must decide where to place him, somewhere away from those who would exploit him or, worse, accidentally become his dinner; perhaps Loch Ness would be safest. This well-written, fast-paced fantasy combines a popular subject with appealing, distinctive characters, humor, and drama. King-Smith's imaginative spin on an old myth makes the outrageous possible."--Booklist "It's an ideal family read-aloud." --The Horn Book Magazine
