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It's been quite a busy week, having so little time to read made me miss it more than usual. But I am managing to share three books I enjoyed, in very different ways!
Thanks to the author, Artie Bennett, for sending me a copy of this, his latest book. Artie used a storybook voice to tell us Zippy's story, a story I've never heard, but evidently, thousands of racehorse enthusiasts and those in the racing business have. He has a circle of fans all his own! By the way, Zippy Chippy is his real name, his claim to fame, but in reality, "zippy" does not exactly fit his record. He is a thoroughbred, is (was) destined to win, but in 100 races, he did not. In fact, sometimes he didn't even finish! And sometimes he didn't even start. He was a trickster, grabbed hats from some who passed by, returned them chewed. One page shows him stopping during a race at Belmont when he seemed to enjoy good smells in the air. Finally, the first owners gave up and Felix, a trainer from Puerto Rico, traded his old truck for Zippy.
As I read this further story, I saw Zippy becoming an escape artist, figuring out how to get out of his stall. I learned that he bit trainers and bucked riders off. But, finally, he became part of the family, played hide and seek with Felix's daughter. We don't really know what animals are thinking, but this horse clearly is unique, wants the joys in life that he chooses, not that others choose for him. In a letter from Artie at the back of the book, he shares that Zippy is now in a retirement facility for former racehorses, receives more visitors than any others there. Fans buy cups and t-shirts and take selfies. He's earning more than he ever did racing. He is the horse that some called a 'running joke', but the slogan on the shirts reads "Winners Don't Always Finish First". Living one's life the way one chooses might be a lesson here, and it would be interesting to read this aloud for a lively discussion. Dave Szalay's illustrations fill the pages with Zippy's antics and expressions, help the story show this unique horse. He never stood in a winner's circle, but he is a winner!
Here are a couple of favorite pictures of Zippy's intriguing personality.
