Overview

This finely illustrated story book is for children to enjoy while learning about the balance of nature through their new friends—the Pentro. These horses are a rare Italian breed raised on open land year-round in a valley surrounded by mountains. It’s a real place! The Pentro have lived in the same area in central Italy for over two thousand years. The story was written so the noble horse could inspire children, sharing their perspective on nature’s marvels and the relationship between animals, plants, and humans. The vastness of the spoon-shaped valley is breathtaking by itself. Hills and high mountains encompass the area, giving a sense of seclusion from the rest of the world. A river traverses its length, nourishing plants and animals, including exotic birds migrating from Africa. In this majestic setting, it is the noble Pentro that captivates visitors, young and old — a magnificent animal at work or play, snuggling with the herd or galloping for the sheer joy of its Independence. This children's story highlights the horses’ valley home and their symbiotic relationship with humans. As an activity, coloring pages are provided following the reading.

Full Product Details

9798992243048

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Reviews

""This is a sweetly illustrated book that will appeal to animal lovers while also spreading the positive message about looking after their environment. Although in this book it relates specifically to the Pentro, this message can lead to further conversations about keeping the environment clean for the animals and wildlife that might be more local to the reader. For young readers who love horses they may discover a new breed of horse to love. The text is gentle and rhyming, the rhythm of it may make it a suitable bedtime read. . . The colouring pages at the end are a nice idea and a way for the reader to continue to enjoy the story after the final page."" - Love Reading 4 Kids (London, England, March 2025) ""A lyrical and educational children's book that blends poetry with a heartfelt message about protecting the environment. The rhythmic storytelling makes it a delight to read aloud, while the vivid imagery immerses readers in the breathtaking landscapes of Spoon Valley. . . The inclusion of coloring pages adds an interactive element, making it a great choice for classrooms and parents looking to spark discussions about conservation. - touching and visually engaging."" - Kid's Picture Book Reviews (February 2025) ""The gentle, rhyming text is for children to enjoy while learning about the balance of nature through the Pentro. While promoting conservation, the book avoids environmental extremism. As a supplemental activity, coloring pages follow the reading."" - Homeschool Book Review Blog (March 2025)

“A lyrical and educational children’s book that blends poetry with a heartfelt message about protecting the environment. The rhythmic storytelling makes it a delight to read aloud, while the vivid imagery immerses readers in the breathtaking landscapes of Spoon Valley. A touching and visually engaging book.” — Kid's Picture Book Reviews (February 2025)

Author Information

Michael DeMarco received a Master’s Degree from Seton Hall University. He founded Via Media Publishing in 1992, publishing a quarterly journal and over eighty books. In recent years, he has been focusing on his own writing, including To Give to the Light — a biographical novella is about family life, surviving world wars, immigrating and adapting to a new culture. Mike has also consulted and appeared in television documentaries that were aired on the Discovery Channel, The History Channel, Arts and Entertainment, and The Learning Channel. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

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