Walter Farley facts for kids

Walter Farley (born Walter Lorimer Farley, June 26, 1915 – October 16, 1989) was an American author. He was best known for writing exciting horse stories for young readers. His most famous book was The Black Stallion, published in 1941. He wrote many more books in this popular series. After he passed away, his son Steven continued the adventures of the Black Stallion.

Walter Farley's Early Life and Inspiration

Walter Farley was the son of Walter Patrick Farley and Isabelle L. Farley. He grew up with a special connection to horses. His uncle was a professional horseman. This uncle taught Walter many different ways to train horses. He also shared the good and bad points of each method. These lessons likely helped Walter understand horses deeply. This knowledge was very useful when he started writing his famous horse stories.

Walter began writing The Black Stallion when he was still a student. He attended Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn, New York. Later, he went to Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania. He finished the book and got it published in 1941. At that time, he was still studying at Columbia College of Columbia University. He earned his college degree the same year.

The first Black Stallion book takes place in the USA. Part of the story is set in Flushing, Long Island, New York. This area of Queens was near the World's Fair site in 1939. Back then, this part of New York had many working farms. There were cows, horses, and places where farmers grew vegetables. This setting helped make the horse adventures feel real.

Family Life and Legacy

Walter Farley and his wife, Rosemary, had four children. Their names were Pam, Alice, Steven, and Tim. They raised their family on a farm in Pennsylvania. They also had a beach house in Florida. This lifestyle, surrounded by nature, likely influenced his writing.

In 1989, Walter Farley was honored by his local library. The library in Venice, Florida, created the Walter Farley Literary Landmark. This special place is in the children's section. It celebrates his contributions to children's literature.

Walter Farley passed away in October 1989. He died shortly before his twenty-first Black Stallion book, The Young Black Stallion, was published. Around the same time, a TV show called The Adventures of the Black Stallion began production. His stories continue to be loved by horse fans around the world.

Books in The Black Stallion Series

Walter Farley wrote many books about the Black Stallion and his friends. Here are some of the popular titles:

• The Black Stallion (1941)
• The Black Stallion Returns (1945)
• Son of the Black Stallion (1947)
• The Island Stallion (1948)
• The Black Stallion and Satan (1949)
• The Black Stallion's Blood Bay Colt (1950)
• The Island Stallion's Fury (1951)
• The Black Stallion's Filly (1952)
• The Black Stallion Revolts (1953)
• The Black Stallion's Sulky Colt (1954)
• The Island Stallion Races (1955)
• The Black Stallion's Courage (1956)
• The Black Stallion Mystery (1957)
• The Horse-Tamer (1958)
• The Black Stallion and Flame (1960)
• The Black Stallion Challenged (1964)
• The Black Stallion's Ghost (1969)
• The Black Stallion and the Girl (1971)
• The Black Stallion Legend (1983)
• The Young Black Stallion (1989)

Other Books by Walter Farley

Besides the Black Stallion series, Walter Farley also wrote other books. These include:

• Man o' War
• Big Black Horse (an easier version of The Black Stallion for younger kids)
• Little Black, A Pony
• Little Black Goes to the Circus (1963)
• The Little Black Pony Races
• The Horse That Swam Away
• Great Dane Thor
• Walter Farley's How to Stay Out of Trouble with Your Horse: Some Basic Safety Rules to Help You Enjoy Riding (1981) (This is a non-fiction book about horse safety.)