Cayuse's Canyon

Praise for Janie's New Legs:

"Diana Tuorto really knows horses. And understands them, in a unique and wholly symbiotic fashion, too. It must be the reason why she seems to be able to get inside the head of a horse and can tell a compelling tale in a voice which seems honest and real. And consistently equine. Ms. Tuorto possesses a true gift, where horses and writing are concerned.

Janie’s New Legs, Ms. Tuorto’s second novel and third book, is another poignant, but ultimately heartwarming venture into the special world of rescue horses, but in this case, it’s about those who are paired with disabled children to give them both a sense of independent purpose and of freedom, and for the child, ‘new legs.’

When the story begins, Janie is a withdrawn young girl who bears physical and emotional scars due to a tragic automobile accident which killed her father and left her partially paralyzed and wheelchair-ridden. Silver is an abused and malnourished horse who finally has been given a safe haven and a loving home at the farm of Mrs. Johnson. Mrs. Johnson employs her twin daughters and her rescued horses as therapists for the children who need their services.

Janie and Silver become fast friends, and through this friendship, find a way to heal themselves and each other. They learn and grow together in many ways, through a number of suspenseful adventures over the course of 10 years. For example, in one episode, Janie urges Silver to head off the farm for a more exciting ride. Once they arrive in some nearby woods, they are set upon by some bigoted and rude bullies. It’s a scary moment, but Silver takes on the mantle of protector and proceeds to defend Janie from these awful brats.

Ms. Tuorto has cleverly shown all this and more through the eyes of Silver, the narrator of the tale. By making his story so intimate, readers will surely feel their bond, too—as well as become fascinated with the intertwined stories of the other horses in the stable: Pepper, the sensitive, wise old horse; Star, the haughty, former show horse; and Patches, the small, sweet pony—and also, of the children who come to the farm to connect with them.

Although this book is intended for children ages 8 to 14, I felt immediately drawn into the story and its characters. So did my eight-year-old daughter. We cheered for Janie and Silver’s successes. We got teary over certain parts of the story, too, which I won’t give away here. (You’ll just have to read it!) But to me, this is the hallmark of a good storyteller—an author who can pen a timeless piece which appeals to readers of all ages. Janie’s New Legs is surely destined to become a classic, rounding out the ‘horse’ collections on any bookshelf with the likes of National Velvet, Misty of Chincoteague, and Black Beauty.

There is one other thing I would like to add: by experiencing Janie’s New Legs, readers might just get enough personal awareness and understanding to encourage them to find out more about places like Mrs. Johnson’s farm, and thus get active and involved."

--Randi Clarken is a New Jersey-based poet/author. In 2008, Randi released her first poetry anthology, Mugging for the Camera. Her website address is http://www.corkydogproductions.com. (June 2008)

“I first learned about author Diana Tuorto because she runs Horse Welfare Organizations (http://horsewelfare.8k.com), a website that brings together hundreds of non-profit horse rescue organizations from all over the world. I ordered Janie's New Legs simply to support Diana's writing, in appreciation of her devotion to horses.

The story absolutely delights me. It is beautifully written with sensitivity, compassion, and humor. I was drawn into the world that Silver (an abused pony) and Janie (a young girl who is paralyzed
from a car accident) share. They have each endured tragic misfortune
and together they heal and grow whole.

This is an excellent children's book. Not only is it a persuasive story that will interest children, it is a story that will encourage them to be sympathetic and caring. The lessons of this story are gently shared by showing children the benefits and the goodness of being kind and loving.

I was not surprised to learn that a portion of the proceeds from the book will be given to a handicapped riding center. I already knew this author was generous. After reading Janie's New Legs, I discovered that she is a talented writer too.”

--D.B. Pacini, California-based songwriter/vocalist, poet, and author of short stories and two novels, The Loose End of the Rainbow and
Emma's Love Letters. Her website address is www.astarrynightproductions.com. (April 2008)

"Janie’s New Legs presents a sensitive tale of a handicapped child learning to ride on an exceptionally gentle and understanding pony. This author knows whereof she speaks, since she has worked with both children and horses and therefore offers an accurate and inspiring perspective of a situation that would be tragic were it not for kindness, hope, and the cooperative nature of equines.

I recommend this book for all who care for children and their well-being, plus those who appreciate the work and thought that goes into presenting such a riding program. Janie gains pleasure, skills, and self-realization from her experience—and so do we."

--Esther M. Leiper, Poet Laureate, White Mountains Region, Jefferson, New Hampshire (June 2008)

Click here to learn more about Janie's New Legs!