Horse Book For Children - "Saving Bluestone Belle"

Ten year old Internet entrepreneur Homer Easton is a 'home alone' Beverly Hills brat whose separated parents are preoccupied with enjoying their mid-life crises. Catered to by an assortment of hired professionals, Homer's only true friend is Bluestone Belle, a blue-eyed albino mare.

When evil rancher Damien Crawford and company steal the horse and send her to the slaughterhouse, Homer and his wacky entourage race against time to rescue Blue.

As the unstoppable boy closes in, Crawford's men kidnap him too, only to learn that the real meaning of trouble is this piston on two short legs, his madcap team, and a pair of warring, but determined, parents!

A joyous, heartwarming romp for kids and grownups alike, SAVING BLUESTONE BELLE demonstrates how righting a wrong can make even the least likely a hero. Animal lovers of all ages will be touched by the underlying animal rights theme.

YOU'LL LAUGH OUT LOUD! - Amazon Review
By Linda Hunnicutt, elementary school teacher (Austin, TX)

This is a delightful book. From the first page you get the exciting feel of being Homer, a smart 10 year old entrepreneur who sees every challenge as just something to overcome on the way to his goal: saving his beloved Bluestone Belle. There is a wacky cast of characters who range from the quirky adults whose job is tending Homer, his well-meaning but clueless parents, to the thrillingly rough villains. I read it to a group of wildly enthusiastic 4th graders. They loved the cover, and kept looking at it to guess what might come next: a meeting with a lion? a shark attack? We laughed a lot as we read, and the fresh modern vocabulary gave many opportunities to discuss idioms, new technology, and figurative language. They learned new words and phrases. The situations Homer encounters brought up discussions about loneliness, wealth, independence, loyalty, and characters who grow and change. It was perfect for asking "What would you do?" My own teenage daughter enjoyed the book too. I recommend it highly.

CLASSIC FAMILY ADVENTURE - Amazon Review
By Richard R. Blake (San Leandro, CA)

Narrow escapes, thrilling chases, and death defying risks keep the reader in suspense throughout this fast paced adventure story, for kids, ages 9-12. The characters are zany and loveable and the illustrations by Mike Bilz are clever and expressive. The author has demonstrated an uncanny sense of understanding of this age group in her choice of vocabulary in both the narrative and in the dialog of her characters. Young readers will identify with Homer's sense of loneliness as his parents choose career and freedom instead of fulfilling parental roles. This dramatic adventure story is an excellent choice for the classroom, for family night reading, and holds potential for an award winning family film. An excellent read for the whole family.

SAVING BLUE AND OUR YOUTH - Amazon Review
By Nancy Lester, M.A. in Counseling (Austin, TX)

Saving Bluestone Belle is recommended for ages 9 to 12; however, this 70 year old found herself unable to put the book down until she finished it. What fun and excitement! Vivid descriptions make this book an enjoyable experience. You feel like you are there. Teachers and parents will find the hero, Homer, a good role model for young people to take control of their lives, no matter what their circumstances. Homer demonstrates that you don't need admiring peers or perfect parents to be successful. All you need is passion and wise persistence. Homer uses his wits instead of brawn and aggression. I see 'Bluestone' as a novel that kids and parents can enjoy together. Also it will appeal to boys who normally are not interested in reading fiction.

CHILDREN'S BOOK CLUB REVIEW - Authorsden.com
By Sophie P - 12 years old (Downingtown, PA)

Hi Strawberry Shakespeare,
We thought it would be fun to get a message from you. We started a kids book club and your book was a hit with both boys and girls, and parents! We were thinking of making a book club scrap book and thought it might be nice to get a letter from the author, if possible. The kids are: Adi, Sarah, Zoe C, Zoe S, Elizabeth and Gracie. Thank you so much. We loved this story as our first "read."
Sophie

SAVING BLUESTONE BELLE NOW ON AMAZON KINDLE!
For everyone eagerly awaiting the release of Saving Bluestone Belle on Amazon Kindle, the Kindle digital edition is now live! To download this beloved story almost instantly to your Kindle, PC or other reading device, scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on the link that says "Click here to order Saving Bluestone Belle from Amazon.com." This will take you to Amazon.com where you can select the Kindle edition from the three available formats. You're going to love it!

SAVING BLUESTONE BELLE FEATURED AT ANIMAL RIGHTS CONFERENCE!
Author Strawberry Shakespeare signed books at the nation's premier Animal Rights Conference which took place in Los Angeles last July. Saving Bluestone Belle, her children's novel about a horse at risk, was well-received and she enjoyed being amidst so many people who truly love animals and passionately seek to protect them.

SAVING BLUESTONE BELLE AN AMAZON BESTSELLER!
Saving Bluestone Belle had a riproaring holiday season, repeatedly making the Amazon bestseller list in its category. Many thanks to all our readers for Saving Bluestone Belle's success!

SAVING BLUESTONE BELLE A BOOK CLUB SELECTION!
Saving Bluestone Belle was the first choice of a new children's book club in Downingtown, Pennyslvania. A group of sixth graders kicked off the new year reading Saving Bluestone Belle. Facilitated by the mother of one of the member's, the book club aims to generate excitement about reading while improving analytic skills and encouraging appreciation for a wide variety of books.

SAVING BLUESTONE BELLE AWARDED HONORABLE MENTION AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOOK FESTIVAL!
Saving Bluestone Belle was a featured attraction at the Hollywood Book Festival and an Honorable Mention in the Festival's book competition. Author Strawberry Shakespeare read selections from the book to a rapt audience and signed copies on the Children's Stage. The Hollywood Book Festival is dedicated to celebrating books deemed worthy of further attention by the film and television industries.

Grizzled pudge Bart Jessup navigated a blue pickup with a red horse trailer through Bel Air. "Saguaro Stables" was splashed across both sides of the trailer in yellow letters.
Grizzled beanpole Rocco Wilson slouched next to him, studying a map. "It's a left," said Rocco.
Bart dived into the turn.
"Not here, you idiot. The next one."
A short while later, the truck veered off into a wooded area.
"This doesn't look right," said Bart.
"Trust me, will you? I made the delivery three weeks ago-a present for his kid."
"What a deadbeat."
They drove in silence, descending into a canyon.
"If we screw up, we're finished," moaned Bart.
"It's all right. We're going in the back way."
"I hope so. See this?" Bart pointed to his thickly bandaged left foot. "Crawford shot me because Easton's check bounced!"

At the Easton house, all that was left of the birthday cake were the candles. The party had moved to the living room, where salsa music blared. High on sugar, the Owl flapped his wings, hooting. The Duck and Mouse tooted on paper horns and cha-cha-cha-ed to the music. Homer glumly observed the spectacle.
Hoping to engage the boy, Dr. Willoughby cried out, "Charades. Name of book!" and hopped across the room, wiggling his fingers in the air on both sides of his head.
"Rabbit," said Homer, yawning.
Dr. Willoughby pointed affirmatively to Homer. He then crawled on all fours back to his starting point, stood, and hopped across the room again.
"Bebe!" shouted Maria.
"Bug. Volkswagen!" yelled Joe.
Dr. Willoughby rolled his eyes and wagged his finger: no.
"Redux," sighed Homer.
Maria mouthed the word "redux" and shook her head, perplexed.
Dr. Willoughby pointed to Homer, stood, and took an exaggerated bow. "'Rabbit Redux' by John Updike. Well done, little . . . my boy."
The doctor straightened his tie and cleared his throat. "My, oh my, I haven't had this much fun in ages." He checked his watch. "But, unfortunately, I have to go. Maria, lunch was excellent."
Maria blushed with pride. "My pleasure, doctor."
He nodded in Joe's direction. "Joe."
"Einstein," retorted Joe.
Dr. Willoughby put his arm around Homer and they walked to the door. Maria gestured at his owl mask, which Dr. Willoughby yanked off, clearing his throat self-consciously. "So, my boy, I'll see you Thursday."

The blue pickup with a red trailer pulled onto the Easton property and stopped behind the stable. While Bart kept watch at the stable door, Rocco sneaked in. Just as Maria, Joe, Dr. Willoughby, and Homer emerged through the front door of the house, the thieves led Bluestone Belle around to the back of the stable.
"Blue!" Homer pointed to the horse and dashed forward.
Maria and Joe followed close behind. "Stop! Leave horse alone!" shouted Maria.
Dr. Willoughby jumped into his car and raced to the barn, grinding to a halt as the horse van sped away. Maria, Joe, and Homer arrived, breathless.
"Get in!" cried Dr. Willoughby.
The group hopped into the back of the car and it took off in hot pursuit. They tore down Beverly Glen, spying the truck in the distance.
Dr. Willoughby dialed 911 on his cell phone. "I want to report a stolen horse."
The dispatcher continued to floss her teeth. "A horse." She rolled her eyes at the dispatcher in the adjacent cubicle.
"That's right. They're on North Beverly Glen right now."
"What's your address; we'll send a car."
"You don't understand, we're on the road. Look for a blue pickup with a red horse trailer."
"Do you have the license plate?" the dispatcher asked, filing her nails.
"No, but-"
"Go to your nearest police station and fill out a complaint."
The line went dead.
Dr. Willoughby muttered to himself, "The police chief will hear about this."
"What are we going to do?" wailed Homer.
Maria held him close. "There, there, niño, we find your horse."
They arrived at an intersection. Dr. Willoughby looked to the right and to the left, but the truck was nowhere to be seen.
"Can I use the phone?" asked Homer, pulling a business card out of his pocket.

Estelle, a middle-aged receptionist whose long fingernails curled under at the ends, answered the phone with, "Easton, Bruin and Wade."
"Can I speak to my dad?"
"Your who?" she asked incredulously.
"My dad, Mort Easton. It's his son."
"One moment." She buzzed the intercom. "Mr. Easton, someone who says he's your son is on the line."
"Put him through."
"Homer?" said Mort to the speakerphone, his nose buried deep in a contract.
"Dad, they've taken Blue!"
Mort put down his pen and lifted the receiver. "Calm down, I don't understand what you're talking about."
"Blue, Dad, they've stolen my horse."
"Who stole her?"
"I don't know, some guys in a truck. Dad, you've got to help."
"Where's your mother?"
"She's in Herbal World. Please, Dad."
"Call the police."
"We did, but they won't help," Homer protested.
"I'm going into a meeting now, but I'll call the horse farm later and see what they advise."
"Horse farm?"
"Where I bought her," Mort explained. "The Saguaro Stables in Tucson."
"Thanks, Dad."

Homer clicked off and announced to his comrades, "We're going to Tucson."
Everyone stared at him, their eyes wide with shock.
"Tucson?"