Book Review of Pentro: Horses of the Spoon-Shaped Valley
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The Children’s Book Review
Pentro: Horses of the Spoon-Shaped Valley
Written by Michael DiMarco
Illustrated by Ekaterina Mironova
Ages: 5+ | 36 Pages
Publisher: Via Media Publishing (2025) | ISBN: 979-8-9922430-5-5
What to Expect: Nature, horses, discovery, conservation, interactive.
Set in the bucolic beauty of the Italian countryside, this beautifully illustrated picture book offers a timeless message about the relationship between humans and the natural world that applies not just to the beautiful Pentro Horses but to all creatures in threatened habitats worldwide.
As far back as ancient times, humans have relied on the beauty and generosity of horses—forming affectionate relationships with these beautiful animals who not only provide friendship but also labor and transportation. The Pentro horses live in a beautiful and secluded valley, where they roam free and share nature’s bounty with the other creatures in the valley—but they also live in harmony with people, helping them haul logs and plow the land, providing friendship and even fun. However, with the coming of pollution and urbanization in modern times, the tranquility and beauty of the Pentro and all other creatures like them are threatened. How can you help raise awareness to save the habitats that such friends rely on?
The horses in their secluded valley are evocative of both power and vulnerability, reminding readers that every human action has an impact on the creatures and environment around us. While the gentle rhyming text provides a thoughtful cadence, the stunning watercolor artwork seems to glow with light, rendering the horses and their valley magical and jewel-like. Coloring pages at the end of the book invite readers to imagine themselves in the landscape and among the horses, to discover their magic for themselves.
Pentro: Horses of the Spoon-Shaped Valley is a beautiful book that is sure to foster any child’s love for nature.
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About the Author
Michael DiMarco received a Master’s Degree from Seton Hall University. He founded Via Media Publishing in 1992, publishing a quarterly journal and over eighty books. In recent years, he has been focusing on his own writing, including To Give to the Light — a biographical novella about family life, surviving world wars, immigrating, and adapting to a new culture. Mike has also consulted and appeared in television documentaries that were aired on the Discovery Channel, The History Channel, Arts and Entertainment, and The Learning Channel. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
For more information about the book, visit viamediapublishing.com.
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