Marguerite Henry and Misty of Chincoteague Roundup

If you were one of those kids who grew up reading all the Marguerite Henry books like Misty of Chincoteague, King of the Wind, and 5 O’Clock Charlie, you might enjoy learning a bit of the history of Marguerite Henry and her famous pony. Over the course of the years I’ve researched for my book Marguerite, Misty and Me, I’ve unearthed fascinating details on the Newbery author’s life. The problem is, not all of the details made it into this, my fourth horse book. Here’s a roundup of blog posts that will help you learn more about my favorite author with some of the info that didn’t make the cut. Simply click on the numbered title of the blog post about Marguerite and Misty and you’ll be whisked off to a realm of fun facts.

1. Misty of Chincoteague Photo

In 2013, I wrote the above blog post showing a picture of my mom’s friend riding Misty. The photo was taken in Marguerite’s yard in Wayne, Illinois. Mary Ellen was the first person I reached out to on my quest to uncover the hidden history of Marguerite Henry.

2. 5 Little-Known Facts About Marguerite Henry

I thought it was cool when I learned Marguerite wanted a horse all her life, but had to wait until she was in her 40s to get her first one! Find out where she was born, where she met her husband and how she shared her passion with children in this post.

3. Marguerite Henry Memento from King of the Wind Newbery Win

I never guessed when I began this research that an academic library in Wisconsin would have a place- setting memento from the fancy dinner with 500 guests who heard Marguerite deliver her Newbery Medal acceptance speech in 1949. Peep the commemorative horse that channels Sham here.

4. Vacation Inspired by Misty of Chincoteague

Speaking of channel … you can read about my trip to Chincoteague Island last summer to watch the famous wild ponies swim across the channel from Assateague to Chincoteague Island on Pony Penning Day.

5. Misty of Chincoteague Movie, Hoofprints and Movie Marquee

Did you know Misty’s hoofprints are forever set in the sidewalk outside the movie theater on Chincoteage Island? Yes, the famous palomino pinto was a true star. Just like the celebrities who leave their footprints on the sidewalk in Hollywood, Misty left her mark in cement, too.

6. Marguerite Henry Books: Pictured Geography Series

Before there was a famous pony, there was a budding author who learned about the geography of the world and wrote several tiny picture books about countries ranging from Argentina to Brazil.

7. Marguerite Henry’s 1923 Wedding

This is blog post is such a gem. It shows Marguerite Henry’s engagement photo from 1923. She looks like a stunning flapper. Check out the gorgeous headpiece here.

Need more Marguerite Henry and Misty of Chincoteague in your life? Snag a copy of my latest book Marguerite, Misty and Me here.

Question: Did you read Marguerite Henry horse books? What other horse books authors did you grow up reading?

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