The topic of what the British mountains should look like is a contentious one. For some, the Carneddau is an overgrazed ecological desert with excessive numbers of sheep and ponies preventing the natural regeneration of scrub and woodland. For others, the Carneddau is a mosaic of montane heath and grassland that strikes the right balance between ensuring that the land remains agriculturally productive—albeit marginally—and maximising biodiversity.

The text is laced with dialogue featuring homey turns of phrase, revealing Jesse's passion for stories and capturing the warmth between the characters. Naive folk-art-style paintings in bright gouache reflect Jesse's hopeful, eager nature. Although simply rendered, the facial expressions speak volumes. ...Jesse's pride of ownership and the closing scene of Jesse writing his name and the year in his very first book will resonate with book lovers of all ages. Most of the information about Ursula Bruns on the internet is in German which is fine if you can read it. Sadly my German is a bit basic!Snow Pony” displays how Engerbretson is continuously learning and pushing herself in the mountains. “Learning a whole new skill is hard, but having fun while struggling is an easier way to deal with frustrating situations,” says Engerbretson. There are two bright spots in Michael's life: Melanie, the new girl in town, and Charlie Andrews, an artist and retired teacher who used to work with Michael's dad and is now giving Michael private art lessons. Like Grandpa and Michael, Mr. Andrews knows how to observe carefully and deeply, and as his lessons progress, Michael understands better and better how to capture what he sees on paper. But after losing Grandpa, can Michael let himself get close to someone else? As time has gone on, I’ve realised that the true value of the ponies is their embeddedness in the landscape,” said Shultz. “It’s a really important part of who those ponies are and their intrinsic value.”

Right: Gareth Wyn Jones (right) is one of a generation of farmers to manage the ponies at Ty’n Llwyfan, the family farm. Ask Shultz about the Carneddau ponies and the mountains they roam, and her effervescent passion is clear to see. In the course of her research, she has uncovered a surprisingly complex and long-lasting web of social relationships amongst the ponies. German author. Born in 1922. She was something of a riding expert, having set up her own riding school and spent much time travelling around teaching people her riding techniques. She also founded the Pony Post , a magazine aimed at people who rode for pleasure. Anyway, winter is coming and these ancient photos reminded me of a past Shetland pony herd who once lived at Thordale.

She hopes her research can help lead to more sympathetic management of domesticated horses. And, after some initial scepticism, these and other insights offered by Shultz and her colleagues have convinced Jones and his fellow farmers of the importance of their research, and its further implications, for the ponies. If we want to secure [the ponies] future then we have to bring science into it,” he said. “It’s the way forward for us to have the DNA to prove they are one of the oldest breeds in the UK, and that’s a major thing to say and do.” Living history This Is the Stable is one of those quiet and humble books that sneaks up on you with its meaningful verse and expressive illustrations. The rhyme builds upon itself, reiterating Jesus' birth place in a ''stable, dusty and brown'' and the coming of the angels, shepherds and kings. It's a story we've heard many times over, retold here with simple grace. The stunningly magical illustrations are filled with peace and reverence. The reindeer fur boots made by the Lapps for the British expedition team were called 'finnesko'. They were lined with felt and insulated with hay called 'seannegrass'. Finalist for Library of Virginia's Whitney and Scott Cardozo Award for Children's Literature, recognizing excellence in Children's Literature for ages 3-8.

Cotten displays a masterful control of language, using sound effects within the lines to create additonal appeal. . . the understated appeal of the cleverly crafted text. . .will capture the attention of young listeners. Libraries will want to add a copy or two to their counting-book collections."

Reviews

It’s survival of the fittest up there, and if you don’t make it there’s a reason for that,” says Jones. “It’s always the best genes and the best DNA that make it… and that’s why they’ve survived.” (Who decides the freedom of America's wild horses?)