'The fourth in this witty series about the exploits of Molly and her horse, Norton, opens on Show Day, with Molly cleaning her horse, in readiness for the show where she is certain that he will win a blue ribbon. The looks on their faces show the reader how differently each feels about the day, and so the reader knows the story will be one of a battle of wills, with the ever optimistic Molly thinking she has won. But we all know that it is really the obstinate Norton who wins out every time.
'Molly is getting Norton ready for Show Day. She has washed him twice, because the first time he rolled in the mud, and then driven to the show with her parents. Each chapter shows what Molly must do to prepare her horse for the judging, and shows the events themselves. At each event Norton stands out because of some mischief he has caused. Even though the judge has had enough of him, especially after he eats her hat, she awards him a blue ribbon, because he is the only horse left on the field.
'A very funny look at a horse show and all the preparation behind such an undertaking, Norton's blue ribbon is another endearing look at a besotted young girl and her stubborn horse.
Source: Teachers' notes, Black Dog Books website: http://www.bdb.com.au
Sighted: 18/06/2008
