On an island off the coasts of Virginia and Maryland lives a centuries-old band of wild ponies. Among them is the most mysterious of all, Phantom, a rarely seen mare that eludes all efforts to capture her--that is, until a young boy and girl lay eyes on her and determine that they can't live without her. The frenzied roundup that follows on the next "Pony Penning Day" does indeed bring Phantom into their lives, in a way they never would have suspected. Phantom would forever be a creature of the wild. But her gentle, loyal colt Misty is another story altogether.

Marguerite Henry's Newbery Honor Book has captivated generations of boys and girls both with its thrilling descriptions of true incidents from the tiny island of Chincoteague, and its realistic yet wonderfully magical atmosphere. This story of an animal brought into captivity poignantly reveals the powerful opposing forces of humans and nature. Wesley Dennis's pen-and-ink ponies are masterfully depicted with rippling muscles, shaggy coats, and free spirits. (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter


From AudioFile
Get out your handkerchiefs. Narrator Daisy Egan takes us into the world of children's hopes and dreams with this fully voiced reading. Two children, Paul and Maureen, work together to bring the wild pony, Phantom, and her newborn foal, Misty, to Chincoteague Island. Daisy Egan, child star of Broadway's "The Secret Garden," reads the story with the simplicity of longing and the thrill of dreams realized. She nearly captures the soft rhythms of Grandpa Beebe's Chesapeake Bay accent; she's dead center for Paul and Maureen. The direct, emotional quality of her reading is very moving. The abridgment by Claire Keller is smooth and does not intrude upon the story. This production invites every child who has longed for a horse to read more of Marguerite Henry's wonderful stories. L.S. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


Midwest Book Review
Young performer Daisy lends her appealing child's voice to this excellent abridged classic, which includes music as well as a compelling narrative style. This is MISTY at its best in audio form: the pairing of child with children's audio works well.


Review
The San Francisco Chronicle A thrilling and long-to-be remembered tale.


Book Description
Nobody could capture the Phantom. She was the wildest mare on Assateague Island. They said she was like the wind, that the white "map" on her shoulders was her mark of freedom. Paul and Maureen Beebe had their hearts set on owning her. They were itching to buy and tame her; and worked hard to earn the money she would cost. But the roundup men had tried to capture her and for two years she had escaped them.... Pony Penning Day holds a surprise for everyone, for Paul not only brings in the Phantom, but her newborn colt as well. Can Paul and Maureen possibly earn enough to buy them both?


Card catalog description
Paul and his sister Maureen's determination to own a pony from the herd on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, is greatly increased when the Phantom and her colt are among the ponies rounded up for the yearly auction.


Simon & Schuster
Nobody could capture the Phantom. She was the wildest mare on Assateague Island. They said she was like the wind, that the white "map" on her shoulders was her mark of freedom. Paul and Maureen Beebe had their hearts set on owning her. They were itching to buy and tame her; and worked hard to earn the money she would cost. But the roundup men had tried to capture her and for two years she had escaped them.... Pony Penning Day holds a surprise for everyone, for Paul not only brings in the Phantom, but her newborn colt as well. Can Paul and Maureen possibly earn enough to buy them both?


About the Author
Marguerite Henry is the author of the popular Horseshoe library, which includes such titles as Stormy, Misty's Foal, Brighty of the Grand Canyon, and King of the Wind.

ANNOTATION

Paul and his sister Maureen's determination to own a pony from the herd on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, is greatly increased when the Phantom and her colt are among the ponies rounded up for the yearly auction.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Nobody could capture the Phantom. She was the wildest mare on Assateague Island. They said she was like the wind, that the white "map" on her shoulders was her mark of freedom.

Paul and Maureen Beebe had their hearts set on owning her. They were itching to buy and tame her; and worked hard to earn the money she would cost. But the roundup men had tried to capture her and for two years she had escaped them....

Pony Penning Day holds a surprise for everyone, for Paul not only brings in the Phantom, but her newborn colt as well. Can Paul and Maureen possibly earn enough to buy them both?

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

Wild ponies-offspring of those who traveled to the New World on Spanish galleons-are the focus of two youngsters' determination to own a Chincoteague pony. Their desire is greatly increased when the Phantom and her colt are among those rounded up for the yearly auction. 1948 Newbery Honor Book.

AudioFile - Julie A. Bell

Set on the Delmarva Peninsula, this Newbery Honor book describes the special relationship between a brother and sister and a pair of wild ponies, and contains unexpected twists and life lessons. John McDonough was born to read this story! He deftly uses intonation and expression to convey genuine emotion. An exceptional storyteller, McDonough captures the regional and generational qualities of the voices to produce memorable, real-life characters. McDonough masterfully builds suspense and excitement throughout this heartwarming tale, which will be enjoyed by generations to come. J.H.B. ￯﾿ﾽAudioFile, Portland, Maine

AudioFile