What do you think?
Rate this book
Black Beauty
Black Beauty faces human cruelty and mistreatment in a world that cares little for the happiness of animals.
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2006
201 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 11, 2015
My son really liked this book. The artwork is beautiful, if dark. But the story is very pared down and due to the nature of a graphic novel we don't get much background.
March 9, 2012
Black Beauty has been a humane education classic for generations. Told from the point of view of a horse, it emphasized the humane treatment of animals as well as sensitizing readers to the plight of horses of the era--bought, sold, and worked to the ground like inanimate objects.
Youngsters not quite ready to tackle the novel will get a feel for the story in this heavily abridged graphic novel. The illustrations are rather poor, but the core message of the book remains intact. Horse lovers in the second and third grades should flock to this one.
Youngsters not quite ready to tackle the novel will get a feel for the story in this heavily abridged graphic novel. The illustrations are rather poor, but the core message of the book remains intact. Horse lovers in the second and third grades should flock to this one.
April 27, 2025
A very fun graphic version of Anna Sewell's classic tale! I would definitely recommend reading the original book before this, as there is so much more in Black Beauty's story. Anna Sewell wrote an AMAZING book, and L.L. Owens did an excellent job bringing it to life! The art style is beautiful, and so colorful!
December 8, 2017
Black Beauty was one of my favorite stories as a child. I was excited to read this and revisit an old favorite. The book for the most part is narrated by Black Beauty which was surprising at first because I wasn't expecting that. It was an interesting turn and at first I didn't like it, but once I got used to it it was fine. It made the story more engaging and I felt closer to the horse's character than if it was just a regular narration.
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
I had forgotten the sadness that comes in this story; the abuse of wonderful horses and it was even more saddening to hear it from Black Beauty's point of view. The saddest part was when Black Beauty met Ginger in town. Ginger had an awful owner again and wanted nothing more but to be dead so the pain would stop. That made my heart break. Then later we learn that a cart was carrying a dead horse and Black Beauty had hoped it was Ginger so Ginger could be at peace and not suffer anymore. Since this is a comic the illustrations show us a horse that looked like Ginger so we can assume it was indeed Ginger that died.
Overall, the illustrations are great, the story is a shorten version of the classic, but I feel like all the main parts are there (pardon if they're not, I haven't read the orginal story in so long), and it was an enjoyable fast read for me.
I enjoy the questions at the end as well. These type of comics would be great for any classrooom.
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
I had forgotten the sadness that comes in this story; the abuse of wonderful horses and it was even more saddening to hear it from Black Beauty's point of view. The saddest part was when Black Beauty met Ginger in town. Ginger had an awful owner again and wanted nothing more but to be dead so the pain would stop. That made my heart break. Then later we learn that a cart was carrying a dead horse and Black Beauty had hoped it was Ginger so Ginger could be at peace and not suffer anymore. Since this is a comic the illustrations show us a horse that looked like Ginger so we can assume it was indeed Ginger that died.
Overall, the illustrations are great, the story is a shorten version of the classic, but I feel like all the main parts are there (pardon if they're not, I haven't read the orginal story in so long), and it was an enjoyable fast read for me.
I enjoy the questions at the end as well. These type of comics would be great for any classrooom.
July 3, 2019
The story of one of literature's most famous horses is recounted in this graphic novel format. Narrated by Black Beauty, the story follows his life at his home with his mother and his other owners after he grows up. Still at the heart of the story is the maltreatment of animals.
The graphic novel is a bit shorter than the actual book itself but it does present some important scenes that give you a general idea about what the story is about. The art is lovely and dark, if nothing else, to match the sadder scenes of the story. Included is a brief biography on Anna Sewell as a glossary of terms used in the story. The graphic novel is a great introduction to this classic horse story for younger readers.
The graphic novel is a bit shorter than the actual book itself but it does present some important scenes that give you a general idea about what the story is about. The art is lovely and dark, if nothing else, to match the sadder scenes of the story. Included is a brief biography on Anna Sewell as a glossary of terms used in the story. The graphic novel is a great introduction to this classic horse story for younger readers.
May 26, 2025
I would agree with several reviews before me. This book does not reach the level of the traditional classic of Sewell's writing. So if you are a traditionalist this may not be for you.
However, for younger readers-it is a short condensed version to give them the "gist" of the story. It is also a good read for those that struggle and find interest in the graphic novel style. As a junior high teacher, I like this version as so few students today read the classics and I think this is a good start to bridge the gap and get them interested along with working on sequencing and context comprehension clues.
However, for younger readers-it is a short condensed version to give them the "gist" of the story. It is also a good read for those that struggle and find interest in the graphic novel style. As a junior high teacher, I like this version as so few students today read the classics and I think this is a good start to bridge the gap and get them interested along with working on sequencing and context comprehension clues.
September 15, 2025
A short graphic novel that packs a punch
I watched the movie adaptation on Disney+ which was a retelling of this story, and loved it
And that made eager to read the graphic novel version
Trying to keep myself from crying as I read it at school
Because poor black beauty
I loved her friend Ginger too
And merrylegs
If you’re an animal lover
Beware
This book is an emotional thought provoking read
🐴🐴🐎🎠🏇🏇
I watched the movie adaptation on Disney+ which was a retelling of this story, and loved it
And that made eager to read the graphic novel version
Trying to keep myself from crying as I read it at school
Because poor black beauty
I loved her friend Ginger too
And merrylegs
If you’re an animal lover
Beware
This book is an emotional thought provoking read
🐴🐴🐎🎠🏇🏇
December 7, 2019
A good graphic novel to provide the basic story of Black Beauty. I think the full story would have had more in-depth characters and let the reader be more attached and invested. However, it is a graphic novel version that did a good kid with the length it was. Good story to begin a discussion on animal rights.
January 18, 2020
Great illustrations!
This is a fine introductory look at the classic novel Black Beauty. Classic literature with archaic language can be a barrier for students but these graphic versions are a stepping stool into them. It would benefit from a bit more writing in the panels.
This is a fine introductory look at the classic novel Black Beauty. Classic literature with archaic language can be a barrier for students but these graphic versions are a stepping stool into them. It would benefit from a bit more writing in the panels.
November 15, 2023
I think that this fails fundamentally as a graphic novel in that it does not accurately portray the story of Black Beauty in a new and interesting way. It felt like reading a Sparknotes, the images added nothing.
December 31, 2024
As a Black Beauty fan I always love finding a new interpretation and this one was a cute graphic novel that hit all the important moments I've come to love.
The illustrations are nice and have a great style to them. This will definitely be a great addition to my collection.
The illustrations are nice and have a great style to them. This will definitely be a great addition to my collection.
January 12, 2026
I saw this in the library and realized I had never read the classic Black Beauty. This graphic novel of the book is very well done, of course incorporating Anna Sewell's original novel with strong illustrations. Be kind.
July 17, 2020
True beauty
July 11, 2022
One of my favorite childhood stories. As a child I was obsessed with all things horses. So when I learned about the movies and books I had to read them.
January 11, 2024
good but not great
I would recommend this book but I think it needs to add more information but I would read it again
I would recommend this book but I think it needs to add more information but I would read it again
August 2, 2025
2.5
- Cute, was given as a gift but I will be unhauling as I'm not a huge graphic novel reader. hopefully someone else will enjoy this
- Cute, was given as a gift but I will be unhauling as I'm not a huge graphic novel reader. hopefully someone else will enjoy this
March 21, 2015
Lately we're on a graphic novel kick because my oldest squirt's BFF introduced her to the Babymouse series. While at the berry, my oldest and I picked Black Beauty, the graphic novel written by Anna Sewell, retold by L.L. Owens, and illustrated by Jennifer Tanner, for my youngest squirt, and, boy, did we score.
My first grader was immediately drawn to the striking cover which was comprised of Black Beauty set against a cobalt blue background.
After reading the story on her own, my youngest then wanted to read it aloud to me and my hub. When discussing the book afterwards, we realized the word "kind" was used at least nine times in its sixty-three pages. Thus, the moral of the story, being humane to animals and one another, was, without a doubt, reiterated and emphasized throughout the book's entirety.
Not only am I a huge fan of the book's message, but I also learned what never to use on a horse, a checkrein, a term I am glad I had never been acquainted with before now.
A definite must-read for even the most reluctant young reader.
Later, my squirts and I plan to reenact some of the scenes with our black lab, Daisy Duke, starring as Black Beauty and our American Girls acting as riders. . . literacy in action.
My first grader was immediately drawn to the striking cover which was comprised of Black Beauty set against a cobalt blue background.
After reading the story on her own, my youngest then wanted to read it aloud to me and my hub. When discussing the book afterwards, we realized the word "kind" was used at least nine times in its sixty-three pages. Thus, the moral of the story, being humane to animals and one another, was, without a doubt, reiterated and emphasized throughout the book's entirety.
Not only am I a huge fan of the book's message, but I also learned what never to use on a horse, a checkrein, a term I am glad I had never been acquainted with before now.
A definite must-read for even the most reluctant young reader.
Later, my squirts and I plan to reenact some of the scenes with our black lab, Daisy Duke, starring as Black Beauty and our American Girls acting as riders. . . literacy in action.
April 23, 2012
This is a pretty nice and interesting book to read, especially for children or ELLs. It tells the life of a beautiful horse named Black Beauty.The background was in the 1800s when people used horses for carriage or goods transportation. Black Beauty was one of the fine and strong horses. He lived with his mother and many friends on a farm where all the horses were well treated. One night when Black beauty was a grown up strong horse, he saved the mistress's life by racing as fast as he could. However,the lord moved to another place, and he was sold to a lady. The coachman was nice but the lady did not care about the horses. She forced them to wear checkreins so that they would look more elegant. Black Beauty and his friend Ginger was suffering. One day, Ginger could not bear that any more, he snapped. Black Beauty had a new partner. Another day, Black Beauty's mater Smith could nit wait until Black Beauty's shoe nail to be fixed and went on trip. Black Beauty fell down, Smith died and Black Beauty got scars on his knees.
July 12, 2016
Everyone always thinks Black Beauty is a children's story about a beautiful, black horse. It is, but it is also a treatise on the treatment of animals, especially cab horses, in Victorian London. For squeamish or soft-hearted kids this story might be a bit much. However, this graphic novel adaptation could be a good way for them to read the story without being traumatized by how the horses are traumatized. Like all the Stone Arch Graphic Classics, Black Beauty hits the highlights of the story. It takes the reader through Black Beauty's life from a pampered pony to a mistreated carriage horse to a cab horse and ends up as a cared for retired horse. We see the cruelty of some of the horse owners and the care of some of the others. The illustrations are wonderful and really add to the story. I liked this adaptation.
September 18, 2013
wow, dari novel setebal itu, sekarang jadi novel grafis tipis seperti ini. tapi ceritanya tetap dapat. hebat. baca novel grafisnya jadi makin ngeh kalau bentuk si black beauty itu seperti ini...check-rain itu seperti itu...dsb. bagus buat anak-anak. ada ulasan tentang sejarah latar budaya zaman kuda masih digunakan sebagai kendaraan juga, trus ada pesan moral buat anak-anak juga. bagus ^^
kekurangannya cuma satu, ilustrasinya kurang cantik...hehe...kalau bisa lebih cantik, manteb deh bukunya :)
kekurangannya cuma satu, ilustrasinya kurang cantik...hehe...kalau bisa lebih cantik, manteb deh bukunya :)
January 12, 2011
Tidak mudah "memeras" cerita asli yang tebalnya ratusan halaman menjadi novel grafis yang hanya memuat teks mungkin) hanya sekian puluh halaman--minus ilustrasinya. Dan saya pikir novel grafis satu ini cukup sukses mentransfer cerita dan menjadi pelengkap versi aslinya. Hanya saja, saya kok nggak begitu suka dengan gaya ilustrasinya ya, kurang cantik :)
September 28, 2010
who; black beauty .
when; day and night.
what; the black beuty has a nieghbor.
where; out in the country that is where the black beuaty lives with his master.
why;the master bought the black beauty at an auction.
when; day and night.
what; the black beuty has a nieghbor.
where; out in the country that is where the black beuaty lives with his master.
why;the master bought the black beauty at an auction.
June 18, 2010
Re-reading this once again . . . it has been a few years. I own this book - love this book!
December 19, 2010
It was about a horse. The Stories have lot of moral values and a lot of adventure.
April 12, 2014
this story are the best
June 30, 2015
Too sad.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews