National Velvet is a story that every horse mad girl would devour within an instant and it was hence a novel that i fell in love with as a child/ teenager for its horse & horse racing content. On'y leave that child to me. National Velvet is the story of a 14-year-old girl named Velvet Brown, who trains and rides her horse, named The Piebald, to victory in the Grand National steeplechase. Production was delayed, however, so Tierney returned to Broadway. She's got more to come. The most famous and loved racing story of all time. Richly atmospheric of rural English life between the World Wars, National Velvet has enchanted generations of readers since its 1935 debut.
National Velvet is a classic tale of dreams, ambition and one girl's belief in a horse. Elizabeth Taylor was given "The Pie" as a birthday gift after filming was over.
We also publish books that were honored with prestigious Caldecott or Newbery awards The timeless tale of 14-year-old Velvet Brown's participation in the Grand National Steeplechase has thrilled generations of readers. The heroine's grit and determination, backed by the support of her eccentric and loving family, offer an inspiring example of the struggles and rewards of following a dream. The Good Book says you have to have faith like a child and she has it to spare. She infuses Rooney with it, to have faith in the heart and ability of the Pi and to leave a little over for himself. Also some not common words like gymkhana used quite a bit but still able to be followed without too much googling or dictionary opening.
The book that inspired the classic film starring Elizabeth Taylor, National Velvet is a true classic.
Elizabeth Taylor was so sweet and innocent in National Velvet. The only way that i can describe it is when reading this story it was like opening a window into your heart and glimpsing ones dreams & aspirations within. The book is a few decades old now, so it assumes some basic knowledge of what the Grand National is, as well as how hard it would be for a young girl to ride in the race. Parents need to know that Enid Bagnold's classic novel National Velvet stands with Anna Sewell's Black Beauty as one of the great books for horse lovers. We'll live this down presently an' you'll see” ― Enid Bagnold, National Velvet
On'y keep her level, keep her going quiet.
The story of scrawny, 14-year-old Velvet Brown and her equestrian triumphs inspires young horse riders, and offers an intimate view of family life in rural 1920s Sussex, England.
An 18-year-old Gene Tierney, who was then appearing on Broadway, was offered the role of Velvet Brown in 1939.
Much of the film was shot in Pebble Beach, California, with the most-scenic views on the Pebble Beach Golf Links (with golf holes visible in the background). The story provides a positive role model for girls and remains ever popular with young horse lovers. Alongside Black Beauty and My Friend Flicka, it is one of the great horse books for children. You think the Grand National's the end of all things, but a child that can do that can do more when she's grown. Anne Revere …