The Mare's Egg is a wonderful story about a gullible 19th century settler's search for a work horse -- one that isn't balky, won't nip, kick or run away -- to clear his new homestead.
A mischievous farmer leads him to believe that he can hatch a colt from a pumpkin, and sells him a bright orange "mare's egg." Indeed, he advises the immigrant that he can shorten the hatching period by spending every available moment sitting on the pumpkin, by the fire. The man sits and sits, weeks pass, the leaves fall. As winter approaches, the firewood pile begins to dwindle. The man finally realizes that the egg will not hatch. Disheartened, he disposes of it in a way that gives him fresh hope that horses can be hatched from "mare's eggs." And, no wiser from his experience, he sets off to buy another.
The text is amusing, instructive, and a pleasure to read aloud. The illustrations are brilliant, setting the humorous mood for children. Margaret Atwood's three-page afterword on the real difficulties faced by the pioneers, adds a fine historical perspective.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Carole Spray, of Fredericton, New Brunswick, is the author of Will O' The Wisp, a collection of Canadian folk tales and legends. A mother of two, and a former elementary school teacher, children's librarian and creative writing instructor, Carole has received an Explorations grant from the Canada Council and has spent many years collecting, transcribing and editing tapes of Eastern Canada's folklore.
Kim La Fave is one of Canada's outstanding young illustrators, with several national awards to his credit. A native of Vancouver transplanted to Toronto, and a graduate of The Alberta College of Art, Kim was at the kitchen table drawing on writing pads and brown paper bags as far back as his first memories. Clearly recalling favorite childhood books, he has long been drawn to the field of children's book illustration.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
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Book Description Condition: Good. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 38500170-6
Book Description Soft cover. Condition: Fine. No Jacket. 1st Edition. Fine glossy soft cover without names, tears or soil. 56 pp. Original $6.95 Winterthur price tag on rear cover. A gullible settler in the New World believes a story of hatching a colt from a giant mare's egg. Seller Inventory # 45293
Book Description Softcover. Condition: Very Good. Kim La Fave (illustrator). First Edition. Please email us if you would like further information or if you would like us to send you a picture of the book. The book i am offering may not have the same cover as the one pictured. they are stock photos from the site. Thanks for looking Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Seller Inventory # 126397
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. Cover shows little wear, no dust jacket. Illustrated by Kim La Fave, Afterword by Margaret Atwood. Pages clean and unmarked. Seller Inventory # ABE-1665262267242
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket. La Fave Kim (illustrator). First Edition Signed By the Artist. pictorial boards slightly damaged at the four corners. Signed and dated by Kim La fave. signed Merry Christmas Kim La fave" at the tiltle page. Book. Seller Inventory # 24142
Book Description Soft cover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket. 1st Edition signed. pictorial boards slightly damaged at the four corners. Signed and dated by Kim La fave. Signed by Illustrator(s). Book. Seller Inventory # X10087x