Anna Sewell was born in 1820 in England. Around the age of 14, Sewell fell and injured her ankles. They didn't heal properly. From then on, she had trouble walking and relied on horses to take her where she needed to go. She loved horses and was grateful for them. Sewell was shocked to see how cruelly some people treated her favorite animal. In 1872, Sewell was told she had only a short time to live. She decided to write a book that would show the kind and loving nature of horses. That book, the only one she ever wrote, was Black Beauty. It has been considered a classic since it was published in 1877. When she was younger, Jennifer Tanner loved to draw humorous comics about dogs who went on spectacular adventures through time and space, meeting alien creatures along the way. She's never lost that love for telling stories with pictures. She attended the Savannah College of Srt and Design where she received her degree in Sequential Art. Today she spends her time illustrating many comic books.
Stone Arch Books features an outstanding series of graphic novel adaptations for classic stories that have been entertaining young readers for generations. Author Lisa L. Owens in particular has two new and simply outstanding additions to this wonderfully entertaining and beautifully illustrated series. Black Beauty (1598890468, $22.60 list, $16.95 school/library) is originally written by Anna Sewell, and in this graphic novel edition is adapted by Lisa Owens in perfect coordination with the full color illustrations by Jennifer Tanner. This warmly engaging story of a beautiful horse and his adventures has entertained young readers ever since it first appeared. The Hunchback Of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo is a true classic that has been translated into every entertainment media there is. Lisa Owens' excellent graphic novel adaptation is superbly illustrated by Greg Rebis. Both Black Beauty and The Hunchback Of Notre Dame will introduce a whole new generation of children ages 10 to 14 (grades 5 to 9) who could benefit from fiction with a second to third grade reading level proficiency to the joy of reading for pleasure. No school or community library should be without a complete set of these Stone Arch Books classic fiction graphic novels, which also include The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer; King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table; Robin Hood; and Treasure Island.-- Midwest Book Review This 26-title set features dynamic comic-style art and abridged retellings of both myths and literature classics. Titles include The Jungle Book, The Wizard of Oz, Pinocchio, and Alice in Wonderland (all 2010), among others.-- Book Links