National Velvet (Dover Children's Evergreen Classics)

The timeless story of 14-year-old Velvet Brown's race for victory in the Grand National Steeplechase has enchanted generations of readers. It's a captivating tale of courage, grit and determination, family and friendships, loyalty and love, and optimism offering an inspiring example of the struggles and rewards of following a dream. "The book is one that horse lovers of every age cannot fail to enjoy." The New York Times "Humorous, charming, National Velvet is a little masterpiece." Time "Put on your not-to-be-missed list." The New Yorker A butcher's daughter in a small Sussex town ends her nightly prayers with "Oh, God, give me horses, give me horses! Let me be the best rider in England!" The answer to fourteen-year-old Velvet Brown's plea materializes in the form of an unwanted piebald, raffled off in a village lottery, who turns out to be adept at jumping fencesexactly the sort of horse that could win the world's most famous steeplechase, the Grand National. Richly atmospheric of rural English life between the World Wars, National Velvet has enchanted generations of readers since its 1935 debut. The heroine's grit and determination, backed by the support of her eccentric and loving family, offer an inspiring example of the struggles and rewards of following a dream. Embark on a journey through rural English life between the world wars and encounters with characters both eccentric and loving. National Velvet evokes nostalgia and charm within its pages, and has enchanted generations of readers since its 1935 debut with its timeless messages of faith, hope, and optimism. Velvet's eccentric and loving family supports her every step on her quest to win the world's most famous steeplechase, The Grand National. From picking potatoes to training the unwanted horse, Piebald, this heartwarming story of family bonding and unconditional love is a coming-of-age adventure that inspires courage and confidence! Revel in Velvet's passion for horseswhile taking away valuable lessons that will help you face any challenge placed before you. National Velvet teaches us that achieving our dreams is possible with the right attitude, and it reminds readers of the rewards of following a dream, no matter how big or small it may be. A guaranteed read that won't disappoint, National Velvet is an inspiring example of hard work, dedication, and faith paying off in the end. It shows us that with support from our loved ones, anything is possible if we believe in ourselves!