Dear Readers and Riders - by Lettie Teague (Paperback)

About the Book

"In certain circles, her name inspires immediate recognition and pronouncements of a committed admiration that has likely spanned decades. As an author, Marguerite Henry was indeed remarkably prolific, with 59 books published, millions of copies sold, and nearly 80 years of her life spent writing them-or responding personally to the stacks of fan mail she received-at her typewriter. Her books, most meticulously researched historical fiction about influential horses and the hosts of fascinating characters who surrounded them-to name just a few, her Newbery Award winner King of the Wind, the book that changed an island Misty of Chincoteague, and the glowingly reviewed Justin Morgan Had a Horse-have had an outsized influence on those who grew up reading them, ultimately leading to writing careers, lives dedicated to riding and caring for horses and other animals, and even fan memoirs describing Henry's impact. But despite a professional existence that became profoundly public, particularly after Misty of Chincoteague, published in 1947, became a bestseller and eventually a popular feature film in 1961, Henry's own life was mostly shielded from view. With particular purpose to uncover what is little known about the author, as well as superb instincts for illustrating fascinating details that help readers construct the settings in which Henry's creative mind, intensive historical and scholarly research, and storytelling ability matured and evolved, accomplished journalist and author Lettie Teague has provided a unique biography that is as much a pleasure to read as her subject's own books. Highlighting over a dozen titles that represent, to Teague, not only the best of Marguerite Henry's work but help tell the story of Marguerite Henry herself, and following the trail of some of her remarkable collaborators-most importantly, the charismatic and talented artist Wesley Dennis-Teague gives Henry fans what they always strived for through their thousands of letters: personal connection"--

Book Synopsis

The untold story of the favorite children's book author, featuring original artwork by Wesley Dennis
from some of Henry's best-known books, as well as over 100 personal photographs, letters, and artifacts.

In certain circles, her name inspires immediate recognition and pronouncements of a committed admiration that has likely spanned decades. As an author, Marguerite Henry was indeed remarkably prolific, with 59 books published, millions of copies sold, and nearly 80 years of her life spent writing them--or responding personally to the stacks of fan mail she received--at her typewriter. Her books, most meticulously researched historical fiction about influential horses and the hosts of fascinating characters who surrounded them--to name just a few, her Newbery Award winner King of the Wind, the book that changed an island Misty of Chincoteague, and the glowingly reviewed Justin Morgan Had a Horse--have had an outsized influence on those who grew up reading them, ultimately leading to writing careers, lives dedicated to riding and caring for horses and other animals, and even fan memoirs describing Henry's impact.

But despite a professional existence that became profoundly public, particularly after Misty of Chincoteague, published in 1947, became a bestseller and eventually a popular feature film in 1961, Henry's own life was mostly shielded from view.

With particular purpose to uncover what is little known about the author, as well as superb instincts for illustrating fascinating details that help readers construct the settings in which Henry's creative mind, intensive historical and scholarly research, and storytelling ability matured and evolved, accomplished journalist and author Lettie Teague has provided a unique biography that is as much a pleasure to read as her subject's own books. Highlighting over a dozen titles that represent, to Teague, not only the best of Marguerite Henry's work but help tell the story of Marguerite Henry herself, and following the trail of some of her remarkable collaborators--most importantly, the charismatic and talented artist Wesley Dennis--Teague gives Henry fans what they always strived for through their thousands of letters: personal connection.

Perhaps what Henry would deem less important, but becomes more and more valid as time passes, is Teague's desire for the author's legacy to live on. Many of Marguerite Henry's books are still very much in print, but as time passes, fewer will remember once writing her fan letters, or perhaps think of the author at all. In these pages, Teague ensures that Marguerite Henry the writer will always be considered as every bit as remarkable as the books that she wrote. Featuring original artwork by Wesley Dennis from some of Henry's best-known books, as well as over 100 personal photographs, letters, and artifacts few have seen, this is a warm and wonderful biography for bibliophiles, horse lovers, aspiring writers, and Marguerite Henry fans, young and old.

Review Quotes

"Dear Readers and Riders not only serves fans who want to learn more about the "mother of Misty," it is also a rare portrait of what it takes to be a best-selling writer far from the glamor of New York salons and soirees. Teague explores Henry's slog to celebrity through sheer plodding effort, dedication to her young fans, and a gift for inspired marketing well ahead of her time." --Geraldine Brooks, Pulitzer prize-winning writer and author of Horse: A Novel

"Lettie Teague has penned an extraordinarily detailed and sensitive illumination of Marguerite Henry and her writing life--a beautiful and unusual study of this beloved author and her work. A wonderful book." --Lee Smith is the bestselling author of many books including Last Girls, Fair and Tender Ladies, and Silver Alert

"What a lovely book! Dear Readers and Riders is not only an engrossing biography of Marguerite Henry--the woman who immortalized 'Misty of Chincoteague' and wrote more than 50 other books--but it is also a collection of Henry's writings, photographs, reviews, and other memorabilia. Finally, it is a tribute to the author who helped make the nine-year-old Lettie Teague a horsewoman and then an inspired and evocative writer herself." --Tim Page, Pulitzer prize-winning critic, Professor Emeritus at USC, and author of Dawn Powell: A Biography

"Marguerite Henry was a one-of-a-kind author whose pitch perfect portrayal of the horse-human bond has inspired millions of readers to fall in love with horses. Lettie Teague's loving and well researched biography does credit to Henry, and this beautifully produced book, including some of Wesley Dennis's illustrations, deserves a spot in every horse-loving reader's permanent I highly recommend this book." --Elizabeth Letts, Author of New York Times Bestsellers The Eighty Dollar Champion and The Perfect Horse

"I could not put this book down. I read it all in one sitting! What a dream to revisit my favorite childhood author through Lettie Teague's delicious prose. Horse lovers, young and old, will be riveted. Marguerite would be proud. This 'horse girl' is so grateful. I can't wait to share this book with my daughter someday. I'll cherish it always!" --Beth Behrs, Actress, 2 Broke Girls and The Neighborhood, and Founder, She Herd Power Foundation

"...extremely well-researched, agreeable biography. ...a full-scale portrait of a writer who deserves to be remembered." --American Library Association Booklist

"Legions of fans will be enthralled by this biography of a beloved children's author. Essential for all public and academic libraries." --Library Journal (starred review)

"Well-researched and enlightening...an excellent book for
Henry's fans." --School Library Journal

"What a beautiful job was done with Dear Readers and Riders! Lettie Teague's writing! Her research! My goodness. She's my new hero. All the hard work that was put in to bring this spectacular book into the world--layout, design, everything...I cherish it." --Melanie Sue Bowles, Author of Liberty Biscuit and Little Pearl, and Founder of Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary

About the Author

Lettie Teague has been The Wall Street Journal's wine columnist since 2010. Before joining the Journal, Teague was the executive wine editor and columnist for Food & Wine magazine. She is the author of two books, Wine in Words and Educating Peter, and co-author and illustrator of Fear of Wine. Her writing has won three James Beard Awards, including the M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished Writing Award. More importantly, Teague has been a fan of bestselling children's book author Marguerite Henry since she was nine years old. A horsewoman as well as an oenophile, Teague's first horseback ride took place around the same time as her first Marguerite Henry book (Born to Trot) and she, like Henry, grew up in the Midwest aspiring to be a writer. "Perhaps that's the biggest reason why I want to tell Marguerite's story," says Teague. "I feel like so many of the same things have shaped our lives." Teague is currently based in New Jersey, which she proudly notes happens to have one of the highest horse populations in America. As Teague points out, it may be called the "Garden State" but it might as well be entitled "The Horsiest State." (Teague is working on this as a proposed license plate.)