Keeping The Upper Paw: A Cat’s Guide To Training Your Human, began with scraps of paper that were found lying around the house. It is a humorous look at life through the eyes of a cat.
All of the cats in this book were once a part of the family, cohabiting together in the household of, Ms. Moran and Ms. Bishop.
Morris, the elder cat, Beau, his second in command, Kitten a cat who liked to get physical, Poofie, a small gray boy, who dreamed of being an only cat, Champ, the shy one, Mikey the playful boy, Sheba, the only girl, and Little Bit, the baby all lived, played, and trained their humans.
Both Ms. Moran and Ms. Bishop, have described their part in this book as merely the typists.
Sherrill S. Cannon
This Little Book is Purrrrfect!
This is an adorable interpretation of the cat world, and I found myself smiling through most of it. Having been owned by many cats throughout my life, I truly related to this cute book. I’ve immediately gifted it to two of my “cat-people” friends, and suggest you do the same. Thanks for a smiling read…
Winnie Award Winner at the Equus Film Festival. Best Equine Rescue book.
Dinky: The Nurse Mare’s Foal is the story of one little foals fight for survival after being taken from his mother within hours of his birth. Dinky, takes us on a poignant trip through the heart and mind of an animal, who was born for the sole purpose of producing milk in the mare. In the elite world of horses, Dinky was considered a by-product, a ‘junk foal.’
Dinky’s story will resonate with animal lovers, as well as anyone who has adopted. Although a horse, his story has been called an adoption story. The reader can follow him through the heartbreak, cruelty, loneliness, and finally to happiness in his forever home. His story is based on true events. Each event from the moment the author met Dinky actually happened, though it is the author’s interpretation of what he might have been thinking and feeling during the occasions described in his story. His early life which is unknown has been fictionalized by the author and constructed through research and imagination.
There are many wonderful animal rescue leagues, many are very empathic to these young animals, though some are not. Since Ms. Bishop has no knowledge of Dinky’s early days, she used the latter to enhance the strength of his story.
It will break your heart, open your eyes, lift you up, and teach you much about horses. It is suitable for all ages.
Dodester
Emotionally engaging….insightfully written – Exceptional!
Every so often, I come across a book that strongly pulls at me to read; Dinky was one of these. It is not an easy task for a writer to keep her reader’s interest when the story is written in the first person. Ms. Bishop’s script with Dinky as the narrator of his story is exceptional. I loved this story – it is educational, emotionally engaging, insightfully written and so very rich in detail.
A real-life foal, the author brought Dinky vividly to life for me, from page one. Ms. Bishop’s interpretations of Dinky’s thoughts during the initial months of his life were so heart-wrenching to read yet, from the beginning, I found myself captivated by Dinky’s spirit. Despite the incessant cruelty done to Dinky by humans – he was always famished, underfed, ignored and frightened – there is resilience in his nature that commanded my respect.
After reading the synopsis, I expected to be angry, to cry when Dinky, a `junk foal,’ told his story of being taken from his mother, a mare caught up in man’s cruel practice of breeding her only for milk to nourish a high-dollar mare’s foal. It was almost unbearable, reading of the cruelty done to Dinky during his first few months of life – the overwhelming fear for his fate: being sold to a meat market or to tanners, or being adopted. In the words of Dinky: “I wasn’t prepared to believe in the possibility of good things.”
The story shifted, becoming delightful and enlivening when the author and her husband adopted Dinky from a fair. At that point, my tears came then from reading Dinky’s accounts of his life in fresh air, with ample food, water, and companionship. He tells us about learning to trust, to love and becoming part of a herd; and the silly ways in which he let the impishness in his spirit free.
Since my read, I have wondered if Marta Moran Bishop is a `horse whisperer’; I do not know. However, I do believe that she is a woman who speaks horse. Dinky told me so.
The Nurse Mare’s Tale is in a way the prequel to Dinky:
The Nurse Mare’s Foal, as it tells the story of Dinky’s mother.
This lovely story is told from the viewpoint of two aging nurse
mares about to give birth, and the trials they go through. It tells
us of Sadie and her friend Nellie and is accompanied with
charming dialogue (both speaking and thinking). The plight of
these animals is described in empathetic detail.
After enduring years of breeding and loss, the older nurse mares
must face the auction with the promise of being slaughtered, as
they have become too old for breeding and thus unable to be
rented out as nurse mares to feed the foals of the high-dollar
mares.
Do they accept their fate, or will there be another ending for the
nurse mares that have given everything and received little in
return?
Sherrill S. Cannon
Nurse-Mares-Tale of Dinky’s Mom
This story about the past and present treatment of horses will appeal to all animal lovers and especially to horse aficionados. The tale is told from the point of view of an aging mare, whose main function appears to be breeding foals and then feeding them milk until they are big enough to take them away – or to use her milk to feed other, more marketable, foals. From the viewpoint of two horses, Sadie and her friend Nellie, with accompanying charming dialogue (both speaking and thinking), the plight of these animals is described in empathetic detail. This lovely story portrays two aging mares about to give birth, and the trials they go through to give birth and protect their newborn babies. The reader is drawn into the story, culminating in the wonderful escape coup the mares plan, and are able to carry out, to gain their freedom and find a new life.
The symbolism of the conclusion, where Sadie is renamed Angel and given responsibility for becoming a nurse mare for her new owner’s motherless foal, brings the circle around as the new owner proclaims, “We all need jobs. It makes us feel important.” (The story is also somewhat of a subtle allegory of today’s world, where many females are considered no more than breeders and have to live in a male-dominated world. Although in this world, at least the fillies are considered worthy, unfortunately mainly for their ability to provide milk to newborns. On the other hand, in this world of selective breeding, newborn colts are often considered “junk foals” and left to die. So the story also questions the reasoning behind why some horses are considered to be more valuable than others.)
Those of you who have previously read and enjoyed the author’s “Dinky, The Nurse Mare’s Foal”, will love and appreciate this prequel.
Winnie Award Winner at the Equus Film Festival. Best Equine Rescue book.
Dinky: The Nurse Mare’s Foal is the story of one little foals fight for survival after being taken from his mother within hours of his birth. Dinky, takes us on a poignant trip through the heart and mind of an animal, who was born for the sole purpose of producing milk in the mare. In the elite world of horses, Dinky was considered a by-product, a ‘junk foal.’
Dinky’s story will resonate with animal lovers, as well as anyone who has adopted. Although a horse, his story has been called an adoption story. The reader can follow him through the heartbreak, cruelty, loneliness, and finally to happiness in his forever home. His story is based on true events. Each event from the moment the author met Dinky actually happened, though it is the author’s interpretation of what he might have been thinking and feeling during the occasions described in his story. His early life which is unknown has been fictionalized by the author and constructed through research and imagination.
There are many wonderful animal rescue leagues, many are very empathic to these young animals, though some are not. Since Ms. Bishop has no knowledge of Dinky’s early days, she used the latter to enhance the strength of his story.
It will break your heart, open your eyes, lift you up, and teach you much about horses. It is suitable for all ages.
Laura J. Schultz
A Poignant Book For All Ages
Dinky: The Nurse Mare’s Foal is a memoir told from the first person’s POV (point of view). What makes this memoir unlike any other is that the first person (narrator) is Dinky, a foal whose life begins as a seemingly insurmountable struggle. He survives mistreatment and continued disappointments during his early life.
He longs for the time he spent with his mother who adored him. But he was so young when he was taken from her, that he was confused and lonely. Additionally, he hadn’t learned all the lessons of life that would help him in the coming years. However, in their short time together mom infused her love into Dinky’s heart and mind while reassuring him that he was smarter than most horses and would grow up to be strong. Dinky’s strength would be tested throughout his young life particularly in the areas of learning the ways of a herd and to be able to trust people again.
Luckily for Dinky, a delightful couple named Ken and Marta recognized his beauty..inside and out, adopted him and taught him what it felt like to be nurtured and loved. As Dinky stated, “They even learned how to speak horse.” Dinky is both a story of loss as well as a lesson on the power of love to heal.
It is rare that an author can write in the first person and make it feel totally authentic. Author Marta Moran Bishop masters this task brilliantly. A reader of any age who loves and respects animals of all kinds will be deeply touched by this book.
The Nurse Mare’s Tale is in a way the prequel to Dinky:
The Nurse Mare’s Foal, as it tells the story of Dinky’s mother.
This lovely story is told from the viewpoint of two aging nurse
mares about to give birth, and the trials they go through. It tells
us of Sadie and her friend Nellie and is accompanied with
charming dialogue (both speaking and thinking). The plight of
these animals is described in empathetic detail.
After enduring years of breeding and loss, the older nurse mares
must face the auction with the promise of being slaughtered, as
they have become too old for breeding and thus unable to be
rented out as nurse mares to feed the foals of the high-dollar
mares.
Do they accept their fate, or will there be another ending for the
nurse mares that have given everything and received little in
return?
Sherrill S. Cannon
Nurse-Mares-Tale of Dinky’s Mom
This story about the past and present treatment of horses will appeal to all animal lovers and especially to horse aficionados. The tale is told from the point of view of an aging mare, whose main function appears to be breeding foals and then feeding them milk until they are big enough to take them away – or to use her milk to feed other, more marketable, foals. From the viewpoint of two horses, Sadie and her friend Nellie, with accompanying charming dialogue (both speaking and thinking), the plight of these animals is described in empathetic detail. This lovely story portrays two aging mares about to give birth, and the trials they go through to give birth and protect their newborn babies. The reader is drawn into the story, culminating in the wonderful escape coup the mares plan, and are able to carry out, to gain their freedom and find a new life.
The symbolism of the conclusion, where Sadie is renamed Angel and given responsibility for becoming a nurse mare for her new owner’s motherless foal, brings the circle around as the new owner proclaims, “We all need jobs. It makes us feel important.” (The story is also somewhat of a subtle allegory of today’s world, where many females are considered no more than breeders and have to live in a male-dominated world. Although in this world, at least the fillies are considered worthy, unfortunately mainly for their ability to provide milk to newborns. On the other hand, in this world of selective breeding, newborn colts are often considered “junk foals” and left to die. So the story also questions the reasoning behind why some horses are considered to be more valuable than others.)
Those of you who have previously read and enjoyed the author’s “Dinky, The Nurse Mare’s Foal”, will love and appreciate this prequel.
Winnie Award Winner at the Equus Film Festival. Best Equine Rescue book.
Dinky: The Nurse Mare’s Foal is the story of one little foals fight for survival after being taken from his mother within hours of his birth. Dinky, takes us on a poignant trip through the heart and mind of an animal, who was born for the sole purpose of producing milk in the mare. In the elite world of horses, Dinky was considered a by-product, a ‘junk foal.’
Dinky’s story will resonate with animal lovers, as well as anyone who has adopted. Although a horse, his story has been called an adoption story. The reader can follow him through the heartbreak, cruelty, loneliness, and finally to happiness in his forever home. His story is based on true events. Each event from the moment the author met Dinky actually happened, though it is the author’s interpretation of what he might have been thinking and feeling during the occasions described in his story. His early life which is unknown has been fictionalized by the author and constructed through research and imagination.
There are many wonderful animal rescue leagues, many are very empathic to these young animals, though some are not. Since Ms. Bishop has no knowledge of Dinky’s early days, she used the latter to enhance the strength of his story.
It will break your heart, open your eyes, lift you up, and teach you much about horses. It is suitable for all ages.
Laura J. Schultz
A Poignant Book For All Ages
Dinky: The Nurse Mare’s Foal is a memoir told from the first person’s POV (point of view). What makes this memoir unlike any other is that the first person (narrator) is Dinky, a foal whose life begins as a seemingly insurmountable struggle. He survives mistreatment and continued disappointments during his early life.
He longs for the time he spent with his mother who adored him. But he was so young when he was taken from her, that he was confused and lonely. Additionally, he hadn’t learned all the lessons of life that would help him in the coming years. However, in their short time together mom infused her love into Dinky’s heart and mind while reassuring him that he was smarter than most horses and would grow up to be strong. Dinky’s strength would be tested throughout his young life particularly in the areas of learning the ways of a herd and to be able to trust people again.
Luckily for Dinky, a delightful couple named Ken and Marta recognized his beauty..inside and out, adopted him and taught him what it felt like to be nurtured and loved. As Dinky stated, “They even learned how to speak horse.” Dinky is both a story of loss as well as a lesson on the power of love to heal.
It is rare that an author can write in the first person and make it feel totally authentic. Author Marta Moran Bishop masters this task brilliantly. A reader of any age who loves and respects animals of all kinds will be deeply touched by this book.
Three short stories of the paranormal and the unknown, to delight, chill, and make you wonder.
This book contains The Hollowers, The Other Side, and The Night of the Fairies, published under single stories and now together.
The Hollowers is a strange tale of Jerry’s discovery of an old box. Jerry is a man who has chosen to do as little as possible to get by. He lives in a pretend world where the main character is himself until he finds the mysterious box.
The Other Side is the story of Ed and Isle. Ed is a successful businessman until one day under the most unusual circumstances he discovers a new world. A world that holds the woman of his dreams, but can he live there or will his learned behavior keep them apart?
The Night of the Fairies takes us into the realm of a young girl, who was adopted into the tribe, but never fit in. She sees fairies, which no one else can see and has a horror of becoming the wife of one of the tribe, she is changing you see, but into what?
Jan Romes
Truly enjoyable!
Truly enjoyed this audio version of Hidden Realms. The narrator – Brian Richard Robins – has such a smooth voice. The authors, Marta Moran Bishop and Patricia Moran, wrote three stories that transported me to other worlds for a very short time. I loved all three stories but if I had to pick my favorite it was the first one with Ed and Yla (spelling?). Their story was one of true love. I don’t want to give too much away because you have to read or listen to their story to get all the sweet particulars.
The Void, the first true paranormal short story written by Marta Moran Bishop, is reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock or the Twilight Zone of later days.
It will take you deep into the mind and heart of someone either living through a serious mental illness or something mysterious and dangerous resides in the void.
Many years before, Altori and her sister Helen moved into the village. Last year during the night of no moon Helen went out into the void and nearly died. A terrible disease spread through her body. She ran away to escape the possibility of death at the hands of the frightened villagers.
Will Altori survive the void and find her sister? Did Helen ever exist or is Altori suffering from a mental illness?
DC
I really like it. It kept your interest with Altori trying …
I really like it. It kept your interest with Altori trying to find her sister that she lost in the void and to go through some horrendous things along the way. Altori was treated badly because of (what I thought was) being different. The narrator did a good job with the different characters and you could tell who was speaking.
Algernon is an anteater, but he is a very ingenious one…He not only loves ants but especially chocolate covered ones. So, to find a supply of his new favorite food, he not only learns to read and to stand up tall, and to consequently join the circus!
This children’s book is delightful, with a refreshing commentary describing Algernon’s thoughts and his precocious stream-of-consciousness asides…
The Nurse Mare’s Tale is in a way the prequel to Dinky:
The Nurse Mare’s Foal, as it tells the story of Dinky’s mother.
This lovely story is told from the viewpoint of two aging nurse
mares about to give birth, and the trials they go through. It tells
us of Sadie and her friend Nellie and is accompanied with
charming dialogue (both speaking and thinking). The plight of
these animals is described in empathetic detail.
After enduring years of breeding and loss, the older nurse mares
must face the auction with the promise of being slaughtered, as
they have become too old for breeding and thus unable to be
rented out as nurse mares to feed the foals of the high-dollar
mares.
Do they accept their fate, or will there be another ending for the
nurse mares that have given everything and received little in
return?
Viv Drewa 