Bramble and Maggie: Give and Take - (Candlewick Sparks) by Jessie Haas (Paperback)

About the Book

Maggie and her mischievous horse, Bramble, are back for another spirited romp through the ins and outs of friendship. Maggie loves introducing her new horse, Bramble, to the neighborhood, the beach, and the backyard. Bramble has fun too, once she is cajoled into participating by a well-timed carrot or two. But when Maggie has to go to school, Bramble is bored and lonely and gets into some trouble with Mr. Dingle next door. A misbehaving hen and a midnight visitor finally help to turn Bramble into a good neighbor. This charming and funny early reader flows at just the right pace for kids who are learning that others don't always do exactly what you want, but that friends find a way to give and take.

Book Synopsis

"Portraying human and animal characters empathetically, the narrative features moments of humor as well as insight. . . . Highly satisfying." -- Booklist

Maggie loves introducing her new horse, Bramble, to the neighborhood, the beach, and the backyard. Bramble has fun too, once she is cajoled into participating by a well-timed carrot or two. But when Maggie has to go to school, Bramble is bored and lonely and gets into some trouble. This charming and funny early reader flows at just the right pace for kids who are learning that others don't always do exactly what you want, but that friends find a way to give and take.

Review Quotes

Haas combines realistic horse adventures and grade school pony love like no one else. Bramble is sassy but never scary; Maggie persistent and cheerful, but not all-knowing. Friend's enticing gouache illustrations appear on every page, a help to children just moving into longer books.
--Kirkus Reviews

For new readers gaining confidence, the simple sentences are peppered with more challenging vocabulary, and they build in complexity over the course of the book. The soft gouache illustrations delicately draw out and supplement the text's humor in both spot art and full spreads.
--The Horn Book

Portraying human and animal characters empathetically, the narrative features moments of humor as well as insight. Expressive watercolor artwork will draw horse lovers to this highly satisfying book for beginning readers.
--Booklist

Haas' short, accessible sentences ... are an inviting and achievable success for readers just moving beyond formal beginner series. Friend's gouache illustrations combine soft, sunny realism with a touch of bulbous cartooniness in Bramble herself, whose wide-eyed expression always seems to be questioning the world. Horse lovers who've moved past Bang-Campell's LITTLE RAT RIDES will enjoy Bramble and Maggie's company.
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Bramble and Maggie return in this delightful tale about a girl and her horse. ... Equine fans and those ready to progress to more substantial plots will enjoy this early reader.
--School Library Journal

About the Author

Jessie Haas has always loved horses and has written more than twenty-five books, most of them about horses, including the first story about Bramble and Maggie. She says, "Animals tell us what they need and expect. My horse, Robin, expects good food on time, and she expects me to keep life interesting. She sure keeps life interesting for me!" Jessie Haas lives in Vermont.

Alison Friend is the illustrator of several children's books, including Scrawny Cat, What Color Is Caesar?, and the first Bramble and Maggie story. She also illustrates and designs greeting cards. She lives in South Yorkshire, England.