Stick Horse Derby is an educational adventure book for children, grades k-3, written and illustrated by Mark Wayne Adams. The little boy in the story fell in love with the idea of becoming a jockey and racing in the derby on a huge red thoroughbred as he watched his first derby on television. Churchill Downs and those sleek racehorses captured his imagination -- he knew he was destined to be a jockey -- but how? He lived in what people called the sticks, and there was no way his parents could buy him the thoroughbred of his dreams. Their yard was too small, and horses like Big Red were expensive to buy and maintain. But his mom and dad had an idea. Racehorses were out of the question, but a stick horse might be the answer.

Mark Wayne Adams’ Stick Horse Derby is a fun and action-filled story about a boy whose ambitions to become a jockey are fulfilled by the trusty stick horse his parents craft for him. His early dismissal of the stick horse and erratic attempts to make it work are fun to watch, as is his growing appreciation for his stick horse and his willingness to start slowly in learning how to ride. Adams’ story is both humorous and uplifting, and his illustrations are superb. I especially enjoyed the expressions on the stick horse’s face, which became more animated and real as the relationship between horse and rider grew. The author includes a Kentucky Derby Facts page for kids who want to learn more about that event; a Vocabulary page, and several derby-related games, including a word search and crossword puzzle. Stick Horse Derby is an imaginative and entertaining book that is most highly recommended.

Stick Horse Derby by Mark Wayne Adams is a 42-page children’s story in rhyme. It’s a fun tale about a child who wants a racehorse so she can compete on a professional level. This story is unique in that it gives the reader a taste of horse racing and some interesting information about the Kentucky Derby, all the while wrapping it around the desires of a young child. And that child is insistent on getting what she wants, and now! But the wisdom of the parents prevails, and she learns that although she doesn’t get what she wants, she is able to use her imagination and have fun with alternatives. After a few hard lessons, that is.

I find it rare for an author to have skills as an illustrator equal to or exceeding the prose, but that is exactly what you get with this book. The pictures are colorful, detailed and a delight for young readers and the story scans well. I appreciate the parents’ involvement in the child’s life. Instead of leaving her to her own devices and frustrations, they gently guide her learning until she is able to come out as a winner and inspire her friends along the way. Stick Horse Derby by Mark Wayne Adams is a fun, colorful adventure for young readers that will enhance their creativity while teaching them about our racing heritage at the same time. The end of the book has a section filled with Kentucky Derby facts, stick horse derby vocabulary, a word search, and finally a crossword puzzle. Highly recommended.

When you are young there are so many nuggets around to teach you about gratitude, teamwork and making the best out of the least of things. In the children's picture book, Stick Horse Derby by Mark Wayne Adams, children will learn these life lessons and so much more. The author has taken his own personal story to teach children about how his desire to have a pony turned into not only having a stick pony but the fun he had and the new friends he got that wanted a stick pony of their own. Children will also learn all about the Churchill Downs Racetrack which is the home of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks. This book is packed with things to educate children on the Kentucky Derby from historical facts and crossword puzzles to word search games.

I thoroughly enjoyed Stick Horse Derby because Mark Wayne Adams kept me engaged from beginning to end as he told his story through the beautiful illustrations. I highly recommend this book because there is so much for the young reader to learn about from stick ponies and life lessons to the Kentucky Derby. Your child will not only have fun but will learn about horses and the Derby. Outside of history and game activities, children will learn through the glossary the terms and meanings associated with horse racing and the Derby as well. This book is a must-have because it will broaden your child's mind and cognitive abilities all while having fun. Get your copy now! Enjoy!

The enchanting book, Stick Horse Derby, written and illustrated by Mark Wayne Adams, delights readers and teaches life lessons simultaneously. A young girl watches the Kentucky Derby on television for the first time and dreams of riding horses in the Derby. Although she tries to convince her parents to buy her a thoroughbred, Mom and Dad help her make a stick horse instead. Disappointed, she pretends to ride it but gets discouraged quickly. Stick horses do not seem to be much fun and she cannot go fast. Mom encourages her to start by walking with the horse. The little girl begins to train with her stick horse and gets her friends involved in stick horse racing. Readers learn good life lessons and details about the Kentucky Derby, too. The book ends with fun facts and word puzzles about the Derby.

In Stick Horse Derby, Mark Wayne Adams writes “when life gives you sticks, make stick horses.” I enjoyed the playful notion of living in the sticks and making stick horses. The little girl’s behavior, not being enthusiastic about the stick horse but trying not to show it, seems authentic. The writing is quirky in a good way. Bright illustrations and rhymes add whimsy to the story. I think the author did a great job of teaching kids to start where they are and make the best of what they have. It also shows children how to be innovators and leaders. Including the facts and puzzles makes Stick Horse Derby fun and educational.