Brian Keesling

Beauty's Son Brian Keesling

Beauty's Son, a debut novel by Anne H. Wood and Brian Keesling, is a contemporary retelling of Black Beauty, with interior illustrations by Rose Lowry. "From generation to generation of the Black Beauty line, it was the duty of the first foal born each year to pass along his or her history. And I was the first-born foal of my year. Beauty told his story (which some of you have possibly heard) to better the lot of horses. I offer my story for the same reason." So begins the story of Beauty's Son, a contemporary retelling of Black Beauty, a moving account of the hugely varied life of a handsome black horse named Beauty's Son. Son experiences good owners and bad, and befriends an array of horses, including the fiery chestnut mare, Respect; the wise former dressage champion, Synchronicity; and the street-savvy Belgian Draft, Tom. Son's incredible journey is a path of lessons, awe, and danger, as he becomes a dressage horse, a show hunter, a jumper, a lesson horse, a New York City carriage horse, and a rental hack. Through it all this sensitive, intelligent horse tries to trust his human owners and trainers, and hopes his trust has not been misplaced.