In The Adventures Of Kumakawa: The Horse That Will Try Anything By Ross Hartshorn, A Karate-Kicking Equine Inspires Young Audiences To Explore And Embrace New Experiences

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, The Adventures Of Kumakawa: The Horse That Will Try Anything by Ross Hartshorn, a horse learns karate techniques, and young readers can join in the lessons.

Table of Contents

The Adventures Of Kumakawa: The Horse That Will Try Anything

In The Adventures Of Kumakawa: The Horse That Will Try Anything by Ross Hartshorn, you’ll meet Kumakawa, a retired racehorse with a penchant for the extraordinary.

Named after the renowned ballet dancer, Tetsuya Kumakawa, this equine character is living the good life on a tranquil Welsh farm. His days are filled with leisurely strolls and gourmet grass, all under the watchful eye of his loyal canine companion, Daisy.

But life on the farm takes an unexpected turn when a young boy named Max arrives, eager to learn the art of horseback riding. Little does Max know, he’s about to become the teacher, not the student. Dressed in a peculiar outfit of loose-fitting pants and a green belt, Max introduces Kuma and Daisy to a world beyond the farm – the world of karate.

Get ready for hooves and paws to find a new rhythm as this unlikely trio embarks on a hilarious and heartwarming adventure.

Written with children ages 4-10 in mind, Kumakawa’s empowering tale will inspire young audiences to ponder, “If a horse can learn karate, is there anything I can’t do?”

Max teaches the animals three karate techniques, and the readers can join in with the lesson. It’s a charming story for children about exploring and embracing new experiences, even when we feel we are not the perfect size or shape for it.

-Ross Hartshorn

Ross Hartshorn

Ross Hartshorn’s life journey is as diverse as his literary output. From his early career as a teacher and businessman to his later ventures as a DJ and racehorse owner, his experiences have shaped him into a compelling storyteller.

At the age of 74, Hartshorn embarked on a literary adventure that has captivated readers of all ages. His memoirs, Life is Not a Rehearsal and All Square, offer poignant reflections on life’s ups and downs and the enduring spirit of community.

Expanding his horizons, Hartshorn delved into the world of children’s literature with the Kumakawa series. These charming tales introduce young readers to the endearing world of a retired racehorse and foster a love of learning and exploration. Co-authored with Helen McCarthy, Kumakawa: My True Story offers a unique perspective on the life of a racehorse, further demonstrating Hartshorn’s versatility as a writer.

Hartshorn’s ability to connect with audiences of all ages through his honest storytelling and imaginative narratives has solidified his position as a notable figure in contemporary literature.