Sea Star: Orphan of Chincoteague Book Club

Fall is the perfect time to cozy up with a book, and Sea Star: Orphan of Chincoteague by my literary hero Marguerite Henry will wrap readers up in warm pony nostalgia. Did you know Marguerite Henry never wanted to write a sequel to Misty of Chincoteague?

Yup, it’s true. In fact, when young readers asked her to continue Misty’s adventures in a second book, she politely declined, telling young boys and girls to dream up their own wonderful sequels.

However, that resolve went out the window when she returned to Chincoteague Island for her second Pony Penning Week in 1948. She heard reports of an orphan foal alone on the beach next to his deceased dam. The lone colt was rescued, brought to Chincoteague and the seed of a new story took root. 

I had a chance to see some of the original Sea Star art while spending a little time at the University of Virginia before the 100th annual wild Chincoteague Pony swim.

I hadn’t read Sea Star in years and years, so it has been fun to rediscover a heartwarming horse book with fellow readers (and riders). The copy I am reading I bought a few years ago from the Beebe Ranch.

Billy Beebe, the late grandson of the real Grandpa and Grandma Beebe, autographed it, and used his grandfather’s branding iron to ink in the initials CB (Clarence Beebe). It’s so special!

Book club participants will explore the genesis of Sea Star, share favorite scenes, and hear behind-the-scenes stories and reflections based on my Chincoteague-inspired journey and my book that celebrates Marguerite Henry’s legacy, Marguerite, Misty and Me.

Saddle Seeks Horse Sea Star Book Club Highlights

• A chapter-by-chapter reading plan 
• An exploration into the true story that inspired the fictional account of Sea Star
• Community connection with fellow horse and book lovers
• Marguerite Henry insights and Q&A with Susan Friedland (that’s moi!)

Whether you read Sea Star as a child or are discovering it for the first time, the Saddle Seeks Horse Book Club will stir your passion for horses and classic horse stories. I hope to see you there! Our debut session was a blast.

Sea Star Book Club Details (It’s Not Too Late to Join)

We kicked off the first session Monday October 13, and will meet for the next three Mondays: October 20, 27 and November 3, so it’s not too late to join!

What: Sea Star Book Club Facebook Live with Susan Friedland
When: October 20, 27 and November 3 at 7 PM Central
Where: Saddle Seeks Horse Facebook Page—facebook.com/SaddleSeeksHorse

Invite your bookworm friends and horse pals, your mom or kids or grandkids. This is a family-friendly event for people who enjoy horses and horse stories!

If you missed the first Sea Star Book Club session, catch the action in this Facebook video.

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Psssttt!!! If you love horse books, grab a copy of my free guide.

 

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