Wonder Horse

Bill Key, born enslaved in 1833, had a talent for working with animals despite never learning to read or write. After gaining his freedom, he became a veterinarian and traveling medicine salesman in Tennessee. Key formed a bond with a horse named Jim, whom he trained using gentle methods rather than force. The horse displayed abilities that drew attention from audiences and skeptics across America. Key and Jim toured the country together giving demonstrations of the horse's cognitive capabilities, sparking discussions about animal intelligence and training methods. Their partnership challenged assumptions about both human and animal potential. This biographical picture book explores themes of perseverance and the power of kindness in a post-Civil War America marked by racial prejudice and changing attitudes toward animal welfare.

Readers appreciate how the book brings attention to Bill Key's true story, with many noting it introduces children to both Black history and animal welfare themes. Parents and teachers mention using it to discuss perseverance and the power of kindness. The watercolor illustrations receive consistent praise, with readers highlighting how they capture the bond between Key and his horse. Several reviewers point out the historical accuracy and incorporation of period details. Main criticisms focus on the book's length, with some finding it too detailed for younger children. A few reviewers mention wanting more information about Key's early life. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (385 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (31 ratings) "Perfect for teaching kids about overcoming obstacles," writes one teacher on Goodreads. An Amazon reviewer notes: "The story moves at a good pace but some pages have too much text for preschoolers."

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🐎 Wonder Horse tells the true story of Bill "Doc" Key, a formerly enslaved man who trained a horse named Beautiful Jim Key to read, write, and do math in the late 1800s. 📚 Jim Key became so famous that he performed at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, where thousands of people came to see his incredible abilities. 🌟 Author Emily Arnold McCully is a Caldecott Medal winner, receiving the prestigious award in 1993 for her book "Mirette on the High Wire." 💫 Doc Key promoted kindness to animals and never used harsh training methods - his motto was "patience, kindness, and tender care" when working with Beautiful Jim Key. 🎨 The book's watercolor illustrations were meticulously researched to accurately depict the Victorian-era clothing, architecture, and settings where Doc Key and Jim Key's story took place.