George the Boss

George the Boss: C.S. McDonald and Illustrated by Vickie Froelich

George is an independent horse with a definite mind of his own. He dislikes anyone infringing on his space. George lives at Pap-pap’s with several other Thoroughbred horses but prefers to stand in the shade alone. The other horses love to stand under the apple tree during the summer but George chases them away. George is a big bully and not very nice to his fellow horses and would rather kick and nip at them then make friends. The poor horses had to stand in the sun and could not enjoy the shade of the apple tree because George was selfish and wanted to be by himself.

Children often bring joy to animals and adults when they visit a relative or in this case the farm. Kiersten loved to bring George apples and all she wanted in return was a ride. George was stubborn, unyielding and refused to move when Kiersten kicked him after Pap-pap saddled him up. He planted his feet firmly on the ground and like a spoiled child who did not get what he/she wanted, he refused to move even one inch. Poor Kiersten, did not get a ride and no matter how much she asked George to trot for her and reminded him that she even gave him an apple, George, the boss stood his ground and would not move. Illustrator Vickie Froelich brings the story to live with her colorful illustrations that helps readers both young and even older understand the true meaning of what the author is trying to convey. Bullying is wrong and being mean to others just might make you one very lonely horse.

What happens when the other horses decide to play by themselves and leave George out? What happens when George finally gets his wish and has the shade all to himself and when Kiersten comes she does not ask to ride him but she plays with the kittens? Is George upset or is George glad because he is the BOSS and the shade belongs just to him and him alone!

Lessons can be learned dear George when the other horses allow him to stand all alone under the shade. Will George feel lonely? What will happen if even one horse tries to make friends and share the shade under the tree? When Sally comes over to the farm wait and see what she does? Deciding to stand under the apple tree will George kick or nip her or will George let her stay? What happens when Kiersten tries one more time to ride George and brings along a shiny new red apple? Will he finally give her the ride she wants or will he stand still? One day all of the horses just might decide to go and stand under the apple tree even if George is there. What do you think he will do? Will he try to kick them out and make them stand in the sun? Will he finally realize that friendship and sharing is important rather than being the Boss, a bully and all alone? Will he learn the true meaning of being a friend and sharing something that he basically has with others? Find out when you read: George the Boss who everyone will fall in love with and all of his friends as author C.S. McDonald has created a character that she most certainly can bring back to have many more exciting adventures. Who knows: George might help solve a mystery on a horse farm? He might even find a way to help a Navy Seal. George the Boss: A great book for young readers.
Fran Lewis: reviewer: P.S. Fran Loves George Too !