I spent the 4th of July long weekend in Chincoteague, Virginia, which is a small island off of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Before I went, I had heard some brief stories about the wild ponies that live on the neighboring island of Assateague. What I didn’t know is that there was a famous pony named Misty that is the subject of a classic series of children’s books written by Marguerite Henry and illustrated by Wesley Dennis. Misty of Chincoteague was the first in the series published in 1947 and was a Newberry Honor Book. The book was later made into a movie in 1960.
Misty is still a legend all over the island. Her hoofprint can be found in front of the local movie theater and a statue of Misty was erected by The Misty of Chincoteague Foundation (the Foundation’s mission was to promote reading and to preserve the Misty legend). People come from all over the country to see the descendants of Misty at the Chincoteague Pony Centre. I visted most of the sites and now the proud owner on my own copy of Misty of Chincoteague. It was fun to see the lasting excitement generated by a book written almost 60 years ago!
8 responses so far ↓
1 Jen W. // Jul 7, 2006 at 1:37 pm
I grew up with Marguerite Henry’s books about Misty, so I was delighted to see your post, Nicole! Thanks for reminding me of a childhood favorite!
2 Theresa H. // Jul 8, 2006 at 8:51 am
I loved, loved, loved Misty of Cincoteague as a child. Still do, I guess.
3 MissMeliss // Jul 8, 2006 at 11:15 am
I loved that book as a child - still have my copy. This post made me remember how much I always wanted to visit that part of the country…
4 Posse Mom Janice // Jul 15, 2006 at 4:16 pm
Marguerite Henry’s books along with Walter Farley’s Black Stallion and Island Stallion books were two series which motivated me to read as a child. To know that these remain classics for other generations is so inspiring. Horses and other animals both domestic and wild truly help connect children to the natural world, a connection we need to thrive, as well to the imagination so keen and alive in children. I, too, still have many of those books and others I loved as a child. I confess I often reread my children’s classics to refresh my soul and spirit :)
5 BookLady // Aug 15, 2006 at 6:22 pm
I, too, read Ms. Henry, right into my teens. As a bookseller, it is my great pleasure to convince as many young readers as possible that Misty and the many other wonderful books by Marguerite Henry should not be missed. If any parents are reading these blogs, you should know that all of Henry’s books are steeped in history, U.S. and world, and thus provide young readers a remarkably easy introduction to history as a subject not to hated(that will come soon enough through public education). What fun to happen upon this site.
6 Nicole T. // Aug 16, 2006 at 8:49 am
I’m finally reading the copy of “Misty” that I picked up over 4th of July. I am so sorry that I missed this series as a child but I’m having a lot of fun reading it now!
7 V Wilkins // Oct 28, 2006 at 12:21 pm
In the 1950’s I received Misty of Chincoteague as a Christmas present. In the 4th grade I wrote my first book report - four pages long - about it. My mother contacted the author and took my two siblings and me to visit Pony-Penning Day on Chincoteague. I still have the book, the letter that Marguerite Heney wrote to my mother, a black and white glossy photo of Misty, the author’s signature and Misty’s too. I have faded photos of myself with two of the book’s main characters. I still treasure all of this. Was it responsible (as another blogger hints) for my eventual career as a history teacher? Maybe partially.
8 dean // Jan 19, 2007 at 10:12 am
Hi I’m glad you enjoyed your visit…The Chincoteague Library is currently doing a building fund drive for a major expansion of their facility. Lots of neat things happening since you were there last. I have Chincoteague photos, videos and travel recommendations for lodging and food at http://www.chincoteaguevacations.com. Stop by. Dean
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