BLACK BEAUTY
Written by Anna Sewell
Abridged by Jesse Kornbluth
Illustrated by Paige Peterson
A new abridged version
of the timeless classic
“Black Beauty,” Anna Sewell’s only book, was published in 1877. There’s a good reason it has sold 50 million copies and is said to be the sixth-most popular novel in English: The horse is the narrator, and he has a great story to tell. After a happy childhood, he heroically saves lives, survives abuse and injury, and, finally, enjoys late-life peace. As he did in “A Christmas Carol,” Jesse Kornbluth has abridged a book too long for young readers. And Paige Peterson once again contributes illustrations that are as unforgettable as this courageous, noble horse.
Available at
BOOK PASSAGE
Visit the Black Beauty website:
Black Beauty Abridged.com
Paige Peterson and Jesse Kornbluth
"Oh my god, what a beautiful book! I loved ‘Black Beauty’ then, and now I love this new edition. It’s spellbinding and heart-lifting — just what we need. I can’t wait to get it for my great-grandchildren.”
Judy Collins
"I am delighted that 'Black Beauty,' a story which inspires kindness, sympathy, and respect for animals in all who read it now has a magnificent set of images to amplify its universal message. This masterpiece will add to the legacy of a story we know and love."
HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud
"Children squirm when they’re subjected to a lecture, but they have a remarkable capacity to understand ideas when they’re presented as stories. The moral lessons of 'Black Beauty' are compassion, collaboration, and kindness, and as Paige Peterson and Jesse Kornbluth have abridged Anna Sewell’s classic novel, children will take those lessons to heart. This is story-telling at its best."
Sally B. Alturki
"When Jesse Kornbluth and Paige Peterson abridged ‘A Christmas Carol,’ it was a gift to children at Christmas. Now they have abridged ‘Black Beauty’-- a gift to children who love horses every day of the year."
Joan Ganz Cooney
"When I read 'Black Beauty' as a youngster, I didn't realize the groundbreaking novel would bring awareness and ultimately help to end the inhumane treatment of horses in England. For Paige Peterson and Jesse Kornbluth to bring fresh insight to the novel and open the door to a new generation of readers is a great accomplishment."
Harry Benson CBE
"Paige Peterson’s illustrations are lyrical and inspiring. They capture the spirit of life in its innocence and its vulnerability. What a delight!"
Phillip Moffitt
"The viewer is so drawn in to Black Beauty that you want to HUG him."
Cricket Jones
"Stunningly beautiful! Truly lovely. Stops you from moving away."
Gigi Benson
"Magic, pure magic! Paige’s illustrations in ‘Black Beauty’ will live forever in your heart as a testament to the power of her creative spirit."
Sharon Levy
"The beauty of this illustrated classic is its universality. The words are compelling, but even without them, the illustrations convey the compassion and kindness living within this amazing horse — and each of us."
Faith Bushby
"What a wonderful new edition of this timeless story, abridged for young readers, and vividly brought to life by Paige Peterson’s wonderful illustrations."
Ralph Baxter
