Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
The Water Horse  By  cover art

The Water Horse

By: Dick King-Smith
Narrated by: Nathaniel Parker
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $7.01

Buy for $7.01

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

When eight-year-old Kirstie brings home a strange egg from the Scottish shore, her family never expects it to hatch. But the next day, Kirstie discovers a baby sea monster swimming in her bathtub! Part horse, part toad, part turtle, and part crocodile, he's the oddest-looking creature Kirstie's family has ever seen. Only Kirstie's grandfather knows what the beastie really is: a Water Horse! This lovable creature is the perfect pet. The only trouble is, he can't stop growing. He gets bigger. And Bigger. And BIGGER. Before long, he's outgrown every loch in sight. Will they ever find a home that's large enough for their Water Horse?

A magical retelling of the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, The Water Horse is a timeless tale that will delight children of all ages.

A major feature film, starring Emily Watson, Ben Chaplin, and David Morrissey, has now been inspired by this book.

©1990 Foxbusters Ltd (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic reviews

"The characters are believable and, since King-Smith relates events from the point of view of the water horse as well as those of Kirstie and her family, readers get to know the friendly, not-at-all-fearsome monster." ( School Library Journal)

What listeners say about The Water Horse

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    471
  • 4 Stars
    175
  • 3 Stars
    55
  • 2 Stars
    8
  • 1 Stars
    15
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    444
  • 4 Stars
    116
  • 3 Stars
    33
  • 2 Stars
    6
  • 1 Stars
    10
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    375
  • 4 Stars
    150
  • 3 Stars
    58
  • 2 Stars
    10
  • 1 Stars
    11

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great short story.

The kids, (ages:5,6, and 7) found the story entertaining and easy to understand and follow. The length of the reading was long enough to allow several listening sessions but short enough that they didn't get bored.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fun Story!

From the author of "Babe," another terrific fantasy tale, this time of the origins of the Loch Ness monster. Narrator does a great job with voices. Good story for children and adults.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful

This story can be enjoyed by anyone any age!
No violence just wonder and curiousity. Wished I'd found it sooner.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Adorable Story

Story of the origins of the creature that became the fabled Loch Ness Monster. Geared towards children no doubt, but I enjoyed it very much. The narration was fantastic. Brought to life the home and family in the Scottish highlands beautifully. I quite liked Grumble (the grandfather), who helped the children take care of Crusoe. The movie adaptation that came out a few years ago took some liberties, for sure...

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

fun read

fun read I loved listening with my daughter on trips to town. great to keep her occupied

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

I am a believer!

I love the Scottish accent, and I enjoyed hearing about the customs of those living on the coast. There were several moments of great humor.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful story for my 4 year old boy.

As a family we all loved this book. Fab story, beautifully narrated. The water horse is a must read.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

children's classic

enjoy with family good book for long car rides. good narration it has uplifting ending

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Better than the movie

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Dick King Smith has a knack for writing compelling stories without irrational conflicts. Family relationships are believable and the reader can relate to the personalities of all the characters. The drive on which we listened to this story went so much quicker.
The movie added in the War, violence, conflict and broken families.
The book has an intact, loving family that reacts to a unique situation well.
Our children already want to listen to this story again.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

sweet tale for the imagination

Lovely Story for the child in all of us. Highly recommend it for a quick read.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!