Long before Laura Hillenbrand's Seabiscuit: An American Legend became a bestseller for adults, Moody's book (which is referenced in Hillenbrand's work) introduced the great racehorse to a younger audience. First published in 1963, Moody's title has recently experienced a resurgence, thanks to the more recent title and the feature film it inspired. Noted children's storyteller Weiss confidently takes the reins here, tracing the thoroughbred from his humble, knobby-kneed beginnings, through periods of doubt and scorn as expressed by his early owners to his triumph as one of the biggest-hearted racers in history. Weiss immediately assumes his typical leisurely pacing, drawing listeners in by capturing the flavor of historic details and setting the stage for exciting races, including the ultimate contest against his rival, Triple Crown winner War Admiral. This well-rounded selection is bound to captivate horse fans, sports fans and anyone who enjoys being wowed by a good story. Ages 8-up. (Dec. 2003) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

"Written in a folksy, easily understood prose, this illustrated predecessor to Laura Hillenbrand's book about the racehorse (the basis for this summer's movie) is a great pre-movie primer for anyone under 18."—Christy Karras, The Salt Lake Tribune

“One unlikely offshoot of the Seabiscuit phenomenon . . . was a lovely reminder of the way horse-racing writing used to be done: Ralph Moody's Come on Seabiscuit! was recently brought back into print by the University of Nebraska Press. . . . [W]hat is remarkable about the book—and what makes it rewarding even decades after reading it the first time—is the level of detail about the scrawny racehorse. . . . Ultimately, the reason Come on Seabiscuit! and King of the Wind and Black Stallion are so memorable is that they are outstanding children's literature, not just outstanding children's literature about racing. Just as racetrackers never forget the great horses, we never forget the books that left a mark on us. [M]aybe the Seabiscuit effect wouldn't have been possible without books like Come on Seabiscuit!”—Eric Banks, slate.msn.com

“One unlikely offshoot of the Seabiscuit phenomenon . . . was a lovely reminder of the way horse-racing writing used to be done: Ralph Moody's Come on Seabiscuit! was recently brought back into print by the University of Nebraska Press. . . . [W]hat is remarkable about the book—and what makes it rewarding even decades after reading it the first time—is the level of detail about the scrawny racehorse. . . . Ultimately, the reason Come on Seabiscuit! and King of the Wind and Black Stallion are so memorable is that they are outstanding children's literature, not just outstanding children's literature about racing. Just as racetrackers never forget the great horses, we never forget the books that left a mark on us. [M]aybe the Seabiscuit effect wouldn't have been possible without books like Come on Seabiscuit!”—Eric Banks, slate.msn.com

— Eric Banks

"When I was about seven years old. . . . I found a children's book called Come on Seabiscuit! which was just wonderful! I read it so many times I broke the spine and all the pages fell out. I still have it; it has to be wrapped in rubber bands because the pages will go everywhere. But that book in just vivid prose told the story of the horse."—Laura Hillenbrand, July 29, 2003, interview on Fresh Air with Terry Gross

"Horse racing fans will enjoy the paperback reprint of Ralph Moody's classic tale Come on Seabiscuit!, originally published in 1963. Seabiscuit, the plucky Depression-era racehorse, has gained a new generation of fans since the 2003 Universal Pictures' film release by the same name, and his fans should enjoy Moody's small, easy-to-read volume with black-and-white illustrations by Robert Riger."—Western Horseman

"Written in a folksy, easily understood prose, this illustrated predecessor to Laura Hillenbrand's book about the racehorse (the basis for this summer's movie) is a great pre-movie primer for anyone under 18."—Christy Karras, The Salt Lake Tribune

— Christy Karras

Moody wrote this narrative history of the celebrated underdog racehorse Seabiscuit long before the recent bestselling book and movie popularized the subject. This is the best kind of nonfiction, reading like a novel while remaining true to fact. Jim Weiss narrates dramatically, giving life to the hopes and dreams of the characters, the flavor of the times, and the grand excitement of racing. Seabiscuit’s story inspires: in youth, he suffered first from neglect, then from overuse, until an owner, a trainer, and a jockey discovered him, believed in him, and helped him to become a legend. The story will keep listeners on the edge of their seats. Perfect for middle grade readers, adults, too. E.S. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine