Chucaro: Wild Pony of the Pampa

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First edition (publ. Harcourt Brace)

Chúcaro: Wild Pony of the Pampa (1958) is a book written by Francis Kalnay and illustrated by Julian De Miskey.[1] It won Newbery Honor in 1959.[2] Although a work of fiction, it contains factual information about gauchos on the pampas of South America and their way of life, including details about their work, what they wear and eat, and how they entertain themselves.

Awards[edit]

In 1959, the book won the Newbery Honor Book award. It was also the winner of the New York Herald Tribune's Spring Festival Award for books ages 8 to 12.[3]

Plot[edit]

The story is about a friendship between a twelve-year-old boy called Pedrito and his pony Chucaro and it transpired in a big estancia in Argentina. The latter was once a wild horse on the pampa before he was captured by Pedrito and his gaucho friend Juan when it wandered to graze on a spot near their home. One day, one of the patrons of Pedrito's family purchased a horse and he demanded a gentle animal for his spoiled and cruel son and it was Chucaro he chose despite Pedrito's determination to keep him.[4]

While the book is about the story of a boy meeting a horse and the adventures that came off of it, it is also a tale that describes the life of the loving people of the Argentine pampas and the place that they live in.[5]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Gillespie, John Thomas; Naden, Corinne J. (2001-01-01). The Newbery Companion: Booktalk and Related Materials for Newbery Medal and Honor Books. Libraries Unlimited. ISBN 9781563088131.
  2. ^ "Newbery Medal and Honor Books, 1922-Present". American Library Association. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  3. ^ Commire, Anne (1975). Something about the author, Volume 7. Farmington Hills, Michigan: Gale Research. pp. 149. ISBN 9780810300620.
  4. ^ Association for Library Service to Children (2007). The Newbery and Caldecott Awards: A Guide to the Medal and Honor Books. Chicago: American Library Association. pp. 52-53. ISBN 978-0838935675.
  5. ^ James, Miriam (August 3, 1958). "Down Argentine Way; CHUCARO: WILD PONY OF THE PAMPA. By Francis Kalnay. Illustrated by Julian de Miskey. 127 pp. New York: Harcourt, Brace & Co. $2.75. For Ages 9 to 12". The New York Times. Retrieved 2018-10-05.

External links[edit]