Snow Foal

Description

Snow Foal

Susanna Bailey

(Egmont)

The ‘Snow Foal‘ is discovered alone and petrified on Exmoor. Its life runs parallel with Addie’s for she is to live on the same farm as the foal. Both are determined they will not stay, yet neither has certainty as to their mothers, nor their futures. Furthermore, both are dependent on the kindness of the strangers who live at the farm, who compose their foster family.

Addie cannot believe Ruth, for she has a face that looks ‘ as if it [is] used to smiling’. Furthermore she has few rules and understands Addie’s fears and need for her Mum. However, can Ruth and Sam, and Gabe, understand why the foal’s future happiness is so very important to Addie? Could there ever be a time they might understand how much Sunni doesn’t want her to stay? Maybe they don’t appreciate how much she understands Jude’s needs…

Like Caterpillar Summer, ‘Snow Foal’ is a book that is propelled by feelings. Addie’s desperate home circumstances have resulted in her needing foster care. She does not believe the assurances of Penny, or any of the officials supporting her. Therefore she is suspicious of the farming family who seem too good to be true. However something about the foal carries her trust and hopes. What a truly beautiful, empathetic and convincing story.