Fritz and the Beautiful Horses by Jan Brett

Fritz and the Beautiful Horses Reviews

• 
  Calista

  This book was before Jan Brett found her style. There are no margin paintings. And yet, the book is beautiful and the art is fantastic. I like the story of the pony overcoming his 'station' in life. It's about looking deeper at things. This has to be one of Jan's first books. She has a strong voice from the beginning.
  
  The kids were a fan of this one too. It's a quick and easy read and my niece read this one to us. They gave it 4 stars as well.
• 
  Kathryn

  Jan Brett is a hit-or-miss author/illustrator for me. Although I usually really enjoy her illustrations, and loved both story and pictures in some cases (
  Mossy, for example) sometimes her humans seem a bit "off" to me, or I don't connect with the story. So I was interested to read an early Brett with
  Fritz and the Beautiful Horses and I'm pleased to say I enjoyed it on the whole. Though I am a little tired of the underdog-having-to-become-a-hero-to-get-recognized storyline, I was happy that at least in this book the innocent children are the ones who truly benefited from Fritz's kindness and bravery (and they didn't take part in the shunning to begin with). Though I did wonder if other horses would eventually be allowed in, too--had the townsfolk really learned their lesson or did they just reward Fritz for his deed? . I missed Brett's signature borders on the illustrations (only one--on the title page). But I loved the illustrations of the horses--especially Fritz, he was so scrappy and darling and sweet and I just wanted to give him a big hug and kiss! And the Scandinavian-esque style of clothing was really beautiful.
• 
  Ronyell

  “Fritz and the Beautiful Horses” is another children’s book for the beautiful mind of Jan Brett and it is about how a not so pretty pony named Fritz proves to the haughty town of beautiful horses that anyone who has a good heart and is dependable can be beautiful no matter what. “Fritz and the Beautiful Horses” is definitely one of the best books about true beauty and courage that children will love for many years!
  
  Two words to describe this book: beautiful and cute! Jan Brett has done an excellent job at both illustrating and writing this fantastic book. Jan Brett makes the story extremely cute and heartwarming at the same time as Fritz clearly shows children that being gentle and kind towards others no matter how you like on the outside can make you a beautiful person, which I personally love this message of this book and it helps children who do not like the way they look, see the true beauty inside of them. What I really loved about this book was Jan Brett’s beautiful illustrations as they are as usual extremely beautiful, especially of the landscape of the city itself as the houses are all bricked up and the city is inside a small wall that surrounds the city. I really loved the image of Fritz himself as he is more like a cute pony rather than an ugly pony as his hair is tattered and he has short legs, but he still has a gentle expression on his face that makes him cute looking. I also love the images of the villagers themselves as they wear lavish clothes and the horses they ride are truly beautiful to look at.
  
  “Fritz and the Beautiful Horses” is truly a beautiful book for beautiful children who have hearts of gold and also for children who love horses! I would recommend this book to children ages four and up since there is nothing inappropriate for smaller children.
  
  Taken from
  Ronyell's Epinions Reviews
  
• 
  Linda Lipko

  I am a person who cannot draw a straight line even when using a ruler. All the more reason why I appreciate the artistry of Jan Brett and her wonderfully illustrated books. Jan Brett is a prodigious author.
  
  Writing and illustrating is quite a natural process for her. As a small child she loved to pretend she could enter the world created in illustrated books she read. Now, as an adult, she travels to various places throughout the world and uses these special travels as a springboard for her ideas.
  
  Fritz and the Beautiful Horses was her first illustrated book, and the ideas emanated from Salzburg, Austria. Currently she has written more than 30 uniquely illustrated books. Each installment is eye candy, beautiful, luscious images leap from the pages. I always feel as though I am diving into a large pool of wonderment whenever I take the time to sit back and let the illustrations weave their magic.
  
  I've read most of her books, and Fritz and the Beautiful Horses is my favorite. I'm drawn to this book, not only because I love carousel art, but I'm told that one of the things hardest to draw is a horse. If that is true, than Brett gets and A plus for her abilities.
  
  In this tale, Fritz lives outside the walled in city. Inside the tall walls are lovely, beautiful horses. Decorated with intricate trappings, Fritz stands by in awe whenever he sees the horses prance while holding a lovely lady on their back.
  
  One day the horses must cross a body of water. Unable to do so because they are filled with fear, Fritz comes to the rescue. The moral of the story is that Fritz held inner qualities more valuable than all the gold on the stallions saddles.
  
• 
  Abigail

  Fritz was a shaggy-maned pony who had a gentle and kind temperament, a sure and steady foot, and a hard-working disposition. Unfortunately for him, he lived outside a walled city whose citizens valued beauty and elegance in their equine companions, to the detriment of all else. Lonely for companionship, Fritz was especially attracted to human children, whom he dreamed of carrying. When the adults and children of a riding party became separated after a breaking bridge trapped the youngsters on the far side of a river, Fritz stepped in and saved the day, safely carrying the children to their parents, thereby winning the love and admiration of all...
  
  Originally published in 1981, and then reprinted in this 2016 edition, Fritz and the Beautiful Horses is one of the prolific Jan Brett's earliest picture-books. Although lacking her distinctive border-work - apparently that was to come later in her artistic development - the illustrations here are beautiful, with shaggy Fritz being particularly winsome. I continue to feel, as I have done with other Brett books, that she is a stronger artist when depicting animals, than she is when depicting human figures - somehow their faces are never quite right - but the overall effect here was nevertheless quite charming. The story, moreover, is perhaps one of my favorites thus far, of all the Brett titles I have read. Fritz is such an endearing, sympathetic little pony, that the reader will root for him, and find his eventual triumph quite satisfying. Recommended to all Jan Brett fans, and to anyone looking for picture-books featuring horses and ponies.
• 
  N

  This book tries to have a good message, but it really just doesn't. There is a kingdom that only allows beautiful horses. Fritz wants to be seen as beautiful, but is not traditionally beautiful. Fritz has an opportunity to save the children of the kingdom and does. The adults are thrilled and they let Fritz in to the kingdom. BUT-- the last line is "From that day on, the walled city was known or its beautiful horses and its very dependable pony." So... they accept him, but they don't think of him as beautiful. He's just functional enough that they will make an exception for him. The kingdom has learned that there is more to value than beauty. Maybe. But hasn't learned that their traditional idea of beauty is wrong or not important. They have made Fritz an exceptional example and still hate all non-beautiful horses.
• 
  Heidi-Marie

  A great hero story, and the pony is very cute in the illustrations. The book has an older (time-wise, not age) feel to the story and the pictures. I love Jan Brett, but sometimes I think her stories might read too slowly for story time audiences. At least for an older one who are squirmy after a whole day of school. Perhaps I will Book Talk this one instead. It's too good to pass up. I was a little disappointed that the town didn't learn the greater part of the lesson on outer and inner beauty. The quote "You gave one man back his life but did you even glance at the others" comes to mind. Well, a must-read for horse lovers.
• 
  Michael Fitzgerald

  Great illustrations, as usual from Brett, but I am not enamored with the presentation of the story and its message.
• 
  Meredith

  Despite his scruffy appearance, Fritz earns a place among the beautiful horses in the walled city.
  
  This story plays off the traditional story in which the characters learn that beauty is only skin deep and handsome is as handsome does. Instead, they make an exception. As a reward for his act of bravery and in recognition of his good qualities, Fritz in admitted to the walled city famous for its beautiful horses. But the townspeople don't stop judging by appearance and start using merit.
  
  I like that the story didn't sugarcoat the fact that physical attractiveness is highly praised by society. Adults don't often give children credit for understanding the more unpleasant aspects of life, and they don't understand that by hiding things from children, they are setting them up for a fall. Most of us will never grow up to be considered commercially attractive. Children need to know that some people will exclude them based on superficialities and that, even if it is their loss, it will still hurt.
  
  As I child, I always related more to Fritz than
  The Ugly Duckling. I was never pretty, but I was always useful. The Ugly Duckling is a late bloomer. Eventually, he became a beautiful swan whom others envied. But Fritz is just a sturdy little hill pony from beginning to end. There is no Cinderella moment of transformation. He never becomes one of the beautiful horses. Instead, he makes a place for himself in their world by using his own innate ability and resourcefulness.
  
• 
  Rena Sherwood

  I know I read this several times when I owned it and yet I can't remember a darn thing about it except that I liked it (hence the three stars) and that the illustrations were fabulous. One day I may have to buy another copy to refresh my rapidly dwindling memory. It's not exactly Alzheimer's. It's more like half-zeimer's.
  
  Sorry I can't remember more.
  
  
  
  UPDATE: I found a replacement copy at (where else?) Amazon. It used to be Sydney's copy (jusdging by the name inked on the cover) but now it's mine, all mine. When I read it I couldn't help bust smile the entire time. I'd forgotten just how beautiful the illustrations are. They're a combination of Elizabethan/Old Russian and possibly Greek designs. A very European landscape with walled cities and American robins (whoopsie.)
  
  
  
  Although I highly recommend adults reading children's books, sometimes being an adult can take some of the fun away. For example, Fritz is the only pony in the city of beautiful horses. ONLY pony? How did that happen? Was he a stray from a herd of Shetlands and decided to hang around the city or was he left there by a merchant or was he a dwarf horse? (Yes, dwarf horses exist.)
  
  
  
  I think he was a Shetland or really small Halflinger cross that wandered into this book from another book.
• 
  Joan

  This is a very early Jan Brett work, from 1981. It is charming and teaches the lesson that small can be just perfect. And that looks aren't everything. A walled city only allowed beautiful fancy horses inside its walls. Fritz was not a horse, but a pony, and definitely not beautiful. So he was outside the walls. One day the bridge to the city broke with the kids outside and the citizens (presumably the parents?) inside. So how were the kids to get to the citizens? Fritz to the rescue! You can see some of Brett's signature style in this one, with great detail and gorgeous illustrations. But a lot of her signature style of using borders had not yet developed. It is a perfectly fine story and likely with any other author I'd have given it four stars. But compared to Brett's later work, this seems unfinished. I didn't care for the lesson that beautiful is a requirement for success, which was likely not the real message but certainly seems to be part of it when even Fritz ended up with a stunning blanket saddle. Some of it was the story which seemed a bit too predictable and simple. The kids kept worrying about falling off the horses but felt safe on Fritz. I guess that is part of the small size can be perfect theme. I repeat, with any other author/illustrator this likely would have been 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I just can't do that with this one, knowing what Jan Brett did in the future.
• 
  Russell

  A shallow beauty-obsessed society faces a potential danger. A dependable outcast that defies their standard definition of beauty saves their children, and as a result they decide to give the outcast a makeover and let them be their token ugly friend.
  
  Things to note:
  - Were the heirs to the empire really in danger? They were on the other side of a river, with a broken bridge. The horses wouldn't cross, but it's not like there was an attacking army closing on them or life threatening injuries that needed immediate treatment. Bravo, Fritz, but you didn't exactly hold off rampaging hordes of adversity.
  - In the end, Fritz is made over to become one of the beautiful shallow horses, living a pampered life in the city. What's the lesson here? Be in the right place at the right time, step up to bat, and you too can live a life of leisure?
• 
  Jenny

  I love Jan Brett's typical illustrations and busy borders that hint at what is to come. But with this sweet story of Fritz, a pony who is not beautiful or beloved by the townspeople, the simpler illustrations with more muted colors and more white space were perfectly suited to convey the emotions that Fritz experienced, the pride and haughtiness of the other horses, and the changing relationship between Fritz and the children. I think that this story can remind us that each of us has something valuable to offer if we are our own best selves and not trying to be like others.
• 
  Tracey

  A lovely story of how differences in ability and looks does not mean uselessness. The beautiful horses prance and dance and are good for show, but when a study, reliable, friendly horse was needed, then short, scruffy-looking Fritz saves the day. Jan Brett's art work is always good although in this book you can see that her talent is just beginning. Still, a keeper, and one I would keep on my shelves to read to my grandchildren.
• 
  Allie

  I was OBSESSED with this book when I was a kid. It is so so so so beautiful (duh, Jan Brett's the best). I think I liked how fancy the fancy horses are (so fancy!), and also how cute and scrappy Fritz is. My mother gave me a hardcover copy for my birthday a few years ago and I totally love it just as much as I did when I was little.
• 
  Emma

  A great story by Jan Brett. Fritz and the Beautiful Horses is a story about a not so beautiful little pony that is left out and how he comes to be accepted by being helpful.
  
  I'm not sure I really like the implied message behind this story: if you're ugly, you'd better have something else to offer. But the story is cute anyway and Jan Brett always makes excellent illustrations.
• 
  Alycia

  ...
• 
  Stacy

  This is a really special book that will speak to anyone with insecurities who has ever been bullied. This is the story of a horse who was too small and too ugly to make it inside the gates of a city. He wanted to be ridden by the children but he was not beautiful enough. One day, he gets the chance to show kindness and prove his self worth. Kindness wins every time!
• 
  Paige Cuthbertson| Turning_Every_Paige

  My two year old daughter loves this book! Such a sweet little story about beauty, and the superiority of a beautiful character over a beautiful appearance. A great lesson for children. And the illustrations are so lovely!
• 
  sincerely

  Perfection!
• 
  Alissa J. Zavalianos

  One of the most beautiful children’s stories. I cried. I love Fritz’s personality and loving heart. And Brett’s illustrations are breathtaking!
• 
  Meg McGregor

  Gasp, shock, WHAT???
  
  I know! I know!
  
  Only 2 stars for a Jan Brett book?
  
  I do think Fritz is a great character; and, I especially like how good he is with the children!
  
  I cannot draw a stick figure, even if I tried; that saying, HOWEVER, these illustrations are not the quality of her usual books!
  
  So that is why the two stars.
• 
  Kathryn (Dragon Bite Books)

  Originally published on my blog,
  Nine Pages.
  
  This was one of my favorite stories as a child, and it has remained fairly influential in my life. Fritz sees all the tall, glamorous, finely bedecked horses, and he wants to do what they do and be loved as they are loved. He notices that the children seem frightened of the fine horses. He prances before the people, doing his best impression of the horses’ prance, but they laugh at him, and he goes away dejected, but when the bridge cracks stranding the nervous children on one side and the adults on their prideful mounts on the other, Fritz goes up and down the steep banks and across the river to rescue each child. Then he sees that he can do what the fine horses cannot, that his smallness and surefootedness are strengths not weaknesses. Moreover the people—children and adults—recognize it, and he is given a place of honor in the city’s walls.
  
  I loved horse stories—and still do, if more of that is nostalgia than it once was, maybe—and I love stories of the strength of littleness. I think those stories resonant with children. They resonate with me still.
  
  I’ve talked before about the amazing detail and realism and wonder of Jan Brett’s illustrations. This book is no exception.
  
  I read this alongside I Wanna Be a Great Big Dinosaur and Teddy the Dog and am very pleased to report that this—this classic about a tiny pony that is bedecked by flowers and wears fine blankets was the favorite—even though my audience consisted of one maybe 5-7 year old boy. This was easily the most complex of those stories, the longest, the oldest, and the most muted—though Jan Brett’s details might help to compensate for the absence of bold, bright colors. Points made. Thanks, kid.
• 
  Colleen

  Fritz is a dependable and kind pony who is excluded from the city because he is not beautiful like the "beautiful horses." One day, Fritz realizes the children are in need, after the bridge collapses. The beautiful horses do not want to get dirty or fall, so Fritz decides to step in and carry the children to the other side.
  
  This is the very first Jan Brett book I read. I decided to read this to two children who I tutor and they both became very upset at how Fritz was being treated by the citizens. Jan Brett's use of beautiful images and descriptive language convey the important take-away message of not excluding others just because of the way they look.
  
  I would pair this book with others that address the importance of accepting others and not judging them because of their appearance including Elmer, the story of a multi-colored elephant who gets laughed at and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, which both celebrate individuality.
  
  This book raises the issue of excluding and judging others because of their appearance. Fritz was not allowed into the walled city because he was not "beautiful." The citizens laughed at him when he tried to prance and dance. He began to feel that maybe they were right. He became sad for being excluded. It turns out that Fritz is kind, caring, dependable, and hard-working. One day the bridge collapsed and the children were in trouble. He saved the children, who were not afraid to ride him, like they were afraid of the "beautiful" horses. It was after that the citizens thanked and included Fritz. This shows how hurt people can feel if they are laughed at and excluded and teaches that what is on the inside is what matters.
• 
  Abby Pratt

  Fritz was not a beautiful pony so he was not allowed to go inside a city which was proud of their magnificent horses. But, he was gentle and kind, sure-footed and always willing to work. One day, the beautiful prancing ponies and their riders were going across a bridge, but it cracked, which separated the parents from the children. Fritz decided to come to the rescue and bring them back across the water and safe home. From that day on, Fritz was given a special place in the city as the very dependable pony. Some critiques of the book I have are Fritz must become a hero to be recognized and he doesn’t get any recognition before he helps anyone. I also wonder whether the city lets more ugly horses in or if they discriminate still and focus on the beautiful horses and heroic actions. While the town cannot see the inner beauty of the horses, the reader can come to the conclusion that they should value everyone for who they are on the inside, not the outside. This book is endearing overall and encourages children to push past labels.
  
  
  
  
• 
  Katt Hansen

  Anytime Jan Brett writes and illustrates a book, you know you're in for something special.
  
  Ah, the beautiful horses. As adults we put so much value on things that have so little use for children. The look of fear on the kids' faces as they try to ride the beautiful horses tells the whole story. And the brave little pony is just the antidote to uncaring adults who care more for appearances than for what's comfortable, or even safe.
  
  The pony is a pure delight and is everything a pony is. Obviously the author has spent some time around ponies. And perhaps around a few beautiful horses as well. Well, either way, the author has spent time around children, and she knows very well what they need and don't need.
  
  I would label this book as a thing that children need. Reading the story was a delight, especially with the trademark illustrations so full of fine detail, and so much emotion and energy. Another great story by one of my favorite authors!
• 
  Tricia Douglas

  What a lovely Jan Brett story (and pictures)! I have read many of Jan Brett's books and enjoyed every one. This book is no exception. The story is wonderful. A little pony is excluded from the other village horses because he is not beautiful. Brett makes us love this little pony even more when he shows his true nature by rescuing the children of the village from a cracking bridge. This book was written back in 1981 and I think shows more freedom of illustrations than those where she uses her border pictures to help tell the story. The horses are lively and elegant, even Fritz. Brett's detailed pictures allows the reader to look and look again so as not to miss anything. This was a book chosen by my Goodreads Children's picture book club. It was a great choice and one I'm glad I didn't miss.
• 
  Nicholas Linsk

  This book’s illustrations are full of color and the artwork sparkles in every detail throughout the book. This story is a sure-footed pony who finally gets the chance to shine in his own best way. Brett uses very close attention to detail as shown in the drawing of the horses. The horses are drawn so well that you can see the different structures of how the horses are built, the facial features look lifelike, as well as the different coats of the horses in the story. For example you can clearly see the ones that are nicely groomed, and then fritz, who has a lot of fur. There is no use of borders in this book, you can tell how blends the pastel color of paint in each scene. Out of all of her books that I have read so far this one had the simplest illustrations.