Milliron Monday: Childhood Stories from Jody's Bookshelf - "The Black Stallion Returns" by Walter Farley

 Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.:  

June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: 

April 2, 1938 - May 9, 2021

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate 

the legacy of Milliron Farm and Clinic, 

Dr. Pete and Jody Smith.

Sometimes a book cover is all it takes to spark a reader's curiosity. The Black Stallion Returns is one of those books. Dramatic imagery invites readers to dive right in. 

The Black Stallion returns is the thrilling second book in Walter Farley’s beloved Black Stallion series. Originally published in 1945, the novel continues the story of Alec Ramsay and the magnificent Black Stallion.  

In this title, Alec travels to Arabia when he learns that the Black has a surprising past. The stallion is recognized as a legendary horse with royal bloodlines, and Alec soon finds himself swept into an adventure involving tribal rivalries, danger, and the traditions of the Arabian desert. Farley combined fast-paced action with his deep admiration for horses, creating a story that reveals the Black’s mysterious origins and strengthened the bond between horse and rider.

According to sources, Walter Farley developed the Black Stallion series from his lifelong love of horses. Although he never traveled to Arabia before writing the novel, he carefully researched Arabian horses and the culture surrounding them. The result was a story that introduced many young readers to the history and prestige of one of the world's most respected horse breeds. The novel helped establish the Black Stallion series as one of the most successful collections of horse-themed fiction ever published.

What makes The Black Stallion Returns especially memorable is its blend of exotic settings and the unwavering friendship between Alec and the Black. While horse racing remains an important element of the series, this installment broadens the scope of the story, taking readers beyond the racetrack and deep into the Arabian desert.  

How many books are in the Black Stallion series?

1. The Black Stallion (1941)
2. The Black Stallion Returns (1945)
3. Son of the Black Stallion (1947)
4. The Island Stallion (1948)
5. The Black Stallion and Satan (1949)
6. The Blood Bay Colt (1954)
7. The Island Stallion Races (1955)
8. The Black Stallion's Filly (1957)
9. The Black Stallion Revolts (1958)
10. Man O' War (1962, narrated by Alec, although not about the Black)
11. The Black Stallion's Sulky Colt (1963)
12. The Horse-Tamer (1966, Bio of Bucephalus, the Black not included)
13. The Black Stallion's Courage (1971)
14. The Black Stallion Mystery (1976)
15. The Black Stallion and Flame (1980)
16. The Young Black Stallion (1986)
17. The Black Stallion Legend (1989)
18. The Black Stallion and the Girl (1991)
19. The Black Stallion's Ghost (1993)
20. The Black Stallion Challenged! (1994)
21. The Black Stallion's Blood Bay Colt Revisited (1996)

    Recommended for readers young and old, the Black Stallion series is best enjoyed in order, allowing each adventure to build upon the unforgettable bond between Alec and the Black. Find the entire series at your local library. If a title isn't on the shelf, they can order it for you.

The Black Stallion Returns, illustrations by Keith Ward

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Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian.