I know about C.W. Anderson because my mom left me two of his prints and a stack of his old books, but the Billy stories are not among them. This is a gentle story with the illustrations Anderson was known for and simple, straightforward storytelling that is good for a relatively new reader. You don't see books for early readers that aren't "early readers" that often; I like that. It's also nice that this book is about a boy, so often a fascination with horses is viewed as girl territory even there really isn't any especially feminine about horses or riding...that's why they put the little girls in those ridiculous bows at shows. There is a subtle message about the responsibility involved in horse ownership. Tommy, the little boy who wants a pony, hangs out with Billy and Blaze so that he can learn horse care. He is also willing to do whatever it takes to hang out with a horse, including attempting to run along beside Billy and Blaze! ( )