Pony Island

The famous wild ponies of Assateague and Chincoteague Island, presented in stunning technicolor.

Centuries ago, a Spanish shipwreck left dozens of horses stranded on Assateague Island, off the coast of Virginia. For years they were free to roam on their new island home without human contact, until the neighboring island, Chincoteague, suffered a series of fires that devastated the town. The volunteer firefighters held a special event to raise money for a new fire truck, and so began the Wild Pony Swim that continues to this day. This unique American tradition recounted in pitch-perfect rhyme will engage the youngest of readers. These world-famous ponies captured in bright, dynamic colors will sure appeal to any horse lover.

CANDICE F. RANSOM has written over 100 books, including Tractor Day. She received her M.F.A. in writing for children from Vermont College and lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with her husband. www.candiceransom.com

WADE ZAHARES has illustrated several children’s books, including Liberty Rising and Window Music, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book. He graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art, and has been commissioned by HBO, Cinemax, The L.A. Times magazine, Family Circle, and Sesame Street magazine. He lives in Lyman, Maine. www.zahares.com