Charlie the Great White Horse

Book excerpt: This is the first book in the series of "Charlie the Great White Horse" "Charlie the Great White Horse and the Story of the Magic Jingle Bells," is a children's/ adult Christmas novella that evokes: the adventure, fantasy and magical happy-endings, of a simpler time in America. This story is set in the early 1900's, in the mythical town of Centerville, Indiana. Louis Parks is a: ten year old red haired, freckle faced boy, who is a little small for his age, and found to be in constant trouble with his mom, because he never finishes his daily-chores; due to his endless daydreaming. Louis envisions himself the hero in his fantasies; but his real life is quite different. Louis has found a special friendship with Charlie-a very friendly, but somewhat strange barnyard-horse; of Louis' neighbor, Mr. Beamer. Charlie has his own secrets though. Although he appears to be: an old working cart-horse, soon to be replaced by the new "horseless-buggy" technology, he is in fact; the last of a very special breed of horse. He is an "Arion," from the "ancient times," who can achieve immortality by performing magical acts of daring and courage-when called upon. As the story unfolds in the months before Christmas, Charlie, Louis and Chug Martin are thrown into circumstances wrought: with danger, daring, and intrigue. They must: foil the plot of a trio of horse-thieves from Saint Louis, who arrive in Centerville-during the annual county fair-to steal Jupiter, the great racehorse, who has come to run in Centerville's famous "Gazette Stakes." Charlie, Louis and Chug perform: heroic deeds, ultimately acts of great courage, bravery and determination; in ridding the town of the three Missouri Rats- Black Jack Tilly, Cool Joe Biggs and Rags Martin. This wonderful Christmas fable is about: tried-and-true-values and good-morals that all children; should take to heart. This is a: coming-of-age story that should be relevant for children of all ages. The pre-quell to this book is: The Journey to Northumberland and the Rise of the Undertoads.