Horse Power - by Jennifer Thermes (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Until the popularization of the family car, horses and humans lived, worked, and played side by side. With the invention of the wheel, saddle, bit, and bridle; horses pulled far-flung lands closer together at the speed of a gallop. Trade, agriculture, exploration, and war-none of these would have been possible in the same way without horses. In dazzling spreads packed with maps, sidebars, and other hidden gems, Jennifer Thermes tackles the history of the horse. Horse Power explores horses' evolution. It tracks their migration as they find homes on six continents, and it shows readers what kinds of jobs they've had. And, ultimately, it explores the shift from "horse power" to "horsepower"-when humans traded manure in the street for pollution in the air. An encyclopedic look this amazing animal, Horse Power offers a unique view of world history from atop a horse's back"--

Book Synopsis

From their earliest evolution to the invention of the "horseless carriage," author-illustrator Jennifer Thermes's picture book captures how--for much of human history--horses powered the world!

For thousands of years, horses and humans lived, worked, and played together, side by side. From the time they were first domesticated to the invention of the wheel, saddle, bit, and bridle, horses brought far-flung lands closer together at the speed of a gallop. Trade, agriculture, transportation, and more were expanded in new ways--all made possible by the power of the horse.
In dazzling spreads packed with maps, sidebars, and other hidden gems, explore the special connection between horses and humans. Discover how horses evolved and track their migration as they come to live on six continents. See the everyday jobs done by horses for centuries. And consider the profound changes that came about when gasoline-powered engines arrived on the scene.

An encyclopedic look at this magnificent animal, Horse Power offers a unique view of world history from the ancient past to today.

Review Quotes

**STARRED REVIEW**
"An equine delight that encourages horseplay and admiration." -- "Booklist"

"Thermes's illustrated primer successfully examines the contributions of this animal. Captivating maps, diagrams, and illustrations offer plenty of information to engross young readers." -- "School Library Journal"

"With colorful illustrations drawn in a child-friendly style, the book intersperses double-page spreads, spot illustrations, and more than a few simplified maps showing small horse figures cavorting on continents." -- "Kirkus Reviews"

About the Author

Jennifer Thermes is a map illustrator and the author-illustrator of books for children, including Manhattan, Charles Darwin's Around-the-World Adventure, and Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail. She lives in Connecticut.