This finely illustrated story book is for children to enjoy while learning about the balance of nature through their new friends—the Pentro. These horses are a rare Italian breed raised on open land year-round in a valley surrounded by mountains. It’s a real place! The Pentro have lived in the same area in central Italy for over two thousand years. The story was written so the noble horse could inspire children, sharing their perspective on nature’s marvels and the relationship between animals, plants, and humans. The vastness of the spoon-shaped valley is breathtaking by itself. Hills and high mountains encompass the area, giving a sense of seclusion from the rest of the world. A river traverses its length, nourishing plants and animals, including exotic birds migrating from Africa. In this majestic setting, it is the noble Pentro that captivates visitors, young and old — a magnificent animal at work or play, snuggling with the herd or galloping for the sheer joy of its Independence. This children's story highlights the horses’ valley home and their symbiotic relationship with humans. As an activity, coloring pages are provided following the reading.
Michael DeMarco 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 is 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.