For Immediate Release

Contact: Susan Benson, ssportart1@mac.com

352 528 4763

Before Rachel...Before Zenyatta...There Was Bonnie, "The Sweet Running Filly"

A Classic Series Rediscovered

 

Poppet Press is pleased to announce the release of "The Sweet Running Filly" and "A Horse Called Bonnie" The human protagonist of the stories is Julie Jefferson, a young girl from Ohio, who inherits her love of animals and by extension her obsession with horses, from her father. She meets a thin, weedy looking filly at a junkyard standing in knee deep muddy water. The father, a kind and perceptive man. sees a spark of affection between girl and horse and purchases the horse from the junkman. Thus begins a series of adventures, which find Julie protecting her horse from crooks and swindlers and seeing her develop into a champion racehorse.

The young adult series of novellas starts with "The Sweet Running Filly" and continues with "A Horse Called Bonnie." This series was a success with multiple printings and was made in several translations. These two books and the three additional titles were cherished by readers for almost half a century.

The stories written by veteran horsewoman, Barbara Van Tuyl, tell about life on the farm and at the track, a life full of characters, some good and some not so good. With a lifetime of experience with horses and a profound affection and respect for the animal, Barbara weaves her practical knowledge of horsemanship into stories that will enchant all young horse lovers (and some older horse people as well).

Poppet Press (a division of Somerset SportArt) is excited about reviving the "Bonnie" series of young adult books for three reasons. First, there is great merit in stories for the young where good guys are good and do the right thing for the right reasons. The characters in the series come from all socio-economic and racial backgrounds but only through understanding and teamwork is success achieved. These are wholesome tales, well told and yet hold the reader’s interest and enthusiasm by the galloping pace.

Second, we hope to make the stories available to a whole new generation of young people stoking their interest in horses in general and thoroughbred racing in particular. The future of any sport depends on the interest of the young.

Third, books will be utilized for fundraising by several Thoroughbred charities, helping to find new careers and stable homes for our retired racehorses. Poppet Press will be partnering with charities at events and by providing books at deep discounts for fundraising programs. We hope you will join us in helping the Bonnie Saga live on. Book sponsorship, charity partnerships, (including sales of the books) and distribution agreements are among the many opportunities that exist. The Bonnie Saga books are now available on www.poppetpress.com and in retail outlets in the US and the UK soon. Please contact Susan Benson to get involved or for further information about carrying the books in your store or website. 352 528 4763, ssportart1@mac.com