Tony

Description

From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 2—Tony is a large white workhorse with gentle eyes and a loving spirit. He faithfully fulfills his duties pulling the milk cart for Tom every morning before dawn. The narrator, a young boy, has found a companion in the horse and arises in the early hours to give him a pat or perhaps a treat. The kindness is well received by both Tony and Tom, and a ritual of sorts is established among the three friends. This beautiful picture book of kindness and friendship is simple in text and rich in content—a treasure. Telling a tale of times gone by, it is a peek into life in the early morning hours of American cities in the 1920s. Caldecott medalist Stead lovingly adapted a poem by the late Galing for a picture book audience. The muted pencil drawings are gorgeous and soft, a comfort simply to view. The gray and aqua coloring puts readers in predawn's light, with the yellow highlights perfectly yielding a sense of warmth. The illustrations and text work together perfectly, conveying a story for readers of all ages. VERDICT A little slice of history, pure and simple, best enjoyed one-on-one.—Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE Read more Review "Astonishing."―Kirkus Reviews, starred review"The tenderness of his words (“Tony was all white,/ large, sturdy,/ with wide gentle eyes/ and a ton of love”), combined with Stead’s exquisite portraits, allows readers entry into the world shared by boy and horse."―Publishers Weekly, starred review"The muted pencil drawings are gorgeous and soft, a comfort simply to view. The gray and aqua coloring puts readers in predawn’s light, with the yellow highlights perfectly yielding a sense of warmth. The illustrations and text work together perfectly, conveying a story for readers of all ages."―School Library Journal"A lovely tribute to a bygone service, especially for equine fans."―Booklist Read more About the Author The late Ed Galing was born in 1917, spent his early years in the Lower East Side of New York City, and is a widely published poet. Erin E. Stead is the illustrator of many picture books, including A Sick Day for Amos McGee, for which she won the Caldecott medal, the acclaimed And Then It's Spring (four starred reviews), If You Want to See a Whale (three starred reviews), and most recently Lenny & Lucy. Erin lives in Michigan with her husband, author/illustrator Philip C. Stead. Read more