Showing results by narrator "Natalie Budig" in All Categories

When a friend needs Samantha's help with his new colt and its mother, she's torn. Sam wants what's best for the horses, but her friend's plan could put them in danger. So when the two horses go missing, Sam feels responsible. She's sure the mare has run away with the Phantom, but what will happen to the colt? Can Sam bring him home before it's too late?

When a pack of vicious hunting dogs is found running loose on the range, Samantha is worried they might attack the Phantom Stallion's new foals. But the Phantom is busy protecting his herd from New Moon, a rival stallion and the Phantom's fully grown son. If Sam can't help the horses, will the stallions learn to band together in time?

When a hard-luck horse named Jinx comes to River Bend, everyone thinks he's a curse. Samantha knows he's not, but he is unruly, skittish, and the fastest horse she's ever seen. Then there's a runaway in the middle of the night, and someone gets a snakebite. Is the bronco really a jinx? Or could he be the good luck charm Sam needs to save the day?

The Phantom Stallion's new foal is ready to be born, and River Bend Ranch's own Dark Sunshine is the mother. Samantha couldn't be more excited, and she's sure she can handle the new baby while everyone is gone on the annual cattle drive.

Samantha discovers a plot to wipe out the wild horses near her family's ranch, but she can't convince anyone else that the Phantom's herd needs help. When her insistence that the mustangs are in danger pits her against her family, her classmates, and the local sheriff, her only friend left is the Phantom Stallion. Can he help her solve the mustang mystery before her dad sends her out of harm’s way, back to San Francisco?

As Samantha and her friends prepare for a charity horse race, they're very excited. Sam is riding Ace, and her race partner, Jake, plans to train a pinto filly running free on reservation lands. But the wild pinto has other plans. When the filly escapes and runs off with the Phantom, Sam is torn. If she helps Jake, she's taking the filly away from the Phantom. Will she betray her friend or her wild horse?

When Samantha rescues a beautiful draft horse from an auction, she's sure he'll be perfect to groom for resale. The giant horse - named Tinkerbell! - is so big, Sam can barely saddle him. He's great at jumping - over pasture fences. Will he be helpful at a ranch or too much to handle? Then disaster strikes River Bend, and it's Sam who needs help. And just in time to save the day, Tinkerbell's true strength is revealed.

Sam discovers a lost palomino in a spooky ghost town. The horse looks like a mirage, but also looks well cared for, and even familiar. Could it be the missing horse from her best friend's ranch? Sam needs to get the mare back home safely, but there might be something trying to stop her - her other best friend, the Phantom Stallion.

The Phantom's lead mare is missing from the herd, and Sam's worried she may have been captured. When Sam finds the mare safe - in government custody - she's desperate to set her free. But the horse is badly injured, and setting her free on the range could slow down the mare's entire herd, putting them at risk in the dangerous winter months. How far should Sam go to help the horses she loves?

When Sam finds a home for a group of "unadoptable" mustangs, she feels like a hero. But when she promises to help care for the horses - especially the blind filly among them - she's overwhelmed with responsibilities. Then the filly wanders off alone in a snowstorm. Will Sam be able to find her in time? Or will the Phantom be the one who saves the day?

When an ambitious rodeo contractor comes to town, Sam's worried. The contractor wants to buy tamed mustangs from local ranchers, including Sam's dad, and doesn't seem to like taking no for an answer. Then Sam spots the Phantom's herd - without him. She's sure he's been captured by the rodeo, but how will she find him? And even if she does, how can she set him free?

When Sam rescues an abused mare from outlaw horse rustlers, she knows she's done the right thing. But the ranch already has a full corral, and a long drought means the cattle are running out of grass. Of course her dad refuses to allow her to adopt another mustang. The frightened and dangerous mare is just beginning to trust Sam when the rustlers learn Sam is the one who told the authorities about their illegal wild horse trap. Now, it's up to Sam to keep the mare - and herself - safe.

Spend a day in the life of a star! Bella the Jack Russell terrier was born for the stage - she never misses her mark, and her bark is always on cue. But her dog brother, Chewy the German shepherd, always gets the big roles. Will Bella ever get her time in the spotlight? Told from the dog's perspective, this story also includes back matter about the breed and role of the working dog.

Sammy the golden retriever has a big job. Because his owner is visually impaired, Sammy needs to keep a constant watch of their surroundings. And in the city, there is a lot to notice - and a lot of potential distractions, too. Told from the dog's perspective, this story also includes back matter about the breed and role of the working dog.

Spend a day in the life of an avalanche rescue dog! Ava is a chocolate Labrador retriever with a big job. She and her handler have trained for years to be ready to help people at their ski resort if an unexpected avalanche hits. But Ava quickly finds out there's much more to being an avy dog than daring rescues. Told from the dog's perspective, this riveting story also includes back matter about the breed and the role of the working dog.

Spend a day in the life of a livestock guardian dog! Jax the Great Pyrenees has a big job. After the Texas sun goes down, it's up to him and two other LGDs to protect their ranch from predators. But when the lead dog gets hurt, Jax and a young pup are the only ones left to protect the flock through the night. Told from the dog's perspective, this story also includes back matter about the breed and role of the working dog.

The transition from elementary school to middle school skirts the borders of traumatic for many girls. Their bodies are changing, their moods are shifting, their friendships are tested, and boys can become a big distraction. Girls may begin to struggle with grades, behavior, and relationships with family and friends. How do they know what to do and what not to do in this new environment with new expectations? Erica and Jonathan Catherman offer girls ages 10 to 12 the practical help they need to make the move to middle school as painless as possible.