Beatrice Finds a Home

Beatrice Finds a Home is a story about a scared and lonely little partridge searching for companionship.

Her journey brings her to a new place with potential new friends, but their difference in appearance challenges all of them to think about friendship differently. They soon realize they can be friends whether they look the same or not. Hair, fur, feathers, size, shape, or color doesn’t matter one bit to them. GOOD FRIENDS ARE GOLDEN!

It’s the best kind of day spent with friends until suddenly there is a frightening loud bang! In an instant, everything changes, and Beatrice is left scared and alone. She shivers, knowing that soon the forest will be much more wintery than today. Determined to find her friends, Beatrice searches everywhere, but so far, she can’t find a single feathered friend anywhere. Then she spies a little grey barn across the field…

Beatrice Finds a Home is based on a true story at the author’s farm. Friendship across species is common on farms and in wildlife. Perhaps it’s because animals see the spirit of a being as well as its physical appearance. This charming early chapter book for children ages 5 to 9 is cheerfully illustrated on every page, and includes additional fun facts about the cast of characters including heritage breed chickens. The heartwarming true story about Beatrice the partridge is our reminder that the gift of friendship—given and received—is the most precious gift of all.  


About the Author

Carol Reynolds Johnson is a lifelong equestrian, retired veterinary technician, and avid gardener of heirlooms. New Hampshire is her home, where its diverse geography provides the inspiration for her love of nature. Exploring tidal pools at the seashore, fishing from the docks of her grandparents’ marina, and extensive hiking and trail riding throughout the White Mountains are among her many treasured adventures. An accomplished rider and teacher of several disciplines, Carol enjoys classical dressage the most. She especially loves Thoroughbred horses. Rehabbing and retraining them after their racing days are over is a joy for her. Animals have enhanced every aspect of Carol’s life, and she shares her love for them by teaching riding, writing for children, and through her pet-assisted therapy dog, Ziva. Evening Star Farm is home to Carol and husband, George; her horse, Rickie Macchiato; two ponies, Ava and Vern; two Bouvier de Flandres dogs, Buddy and Ziva; a small flock of chickens; and Beatrice the partridge.

Upstate South Carolina is where artist, Sue Danforth Stetson, calls home. After her adventurous growing-up years in New Hampshire, she moved to Florida and entered into the equestrian life. She published an equine magazine, The Tri-County Roundup, featuring horse-related events, horse care, and tips for the horse owner. Sue also rode miles and miles of trails and often camped with her horses all over Florida, in addition to taking in aged geldings to ensure an utmost quality of life in their final years. At the age of 53, she discovered a passion for oil painting and has created many paintings that now reside in homes all over the country. In recent years, Sue moved to the Upstate with her husband, Rick, of 36 years. She spends her time oil painting and doing volunteer work at Halter, a nonprofit organization that provides equine therapy for children with challenges. Within the pages of this book, you will see that Sue has blended her love for animals with her passion for painting, resulting in a sweet and colorful visual of Beatrice Finds a Home.