Characters

• Paul Beebe: A determined young boy who dreams of capturing the Phantom and her foal, Misty.
• Maureen Beebe: Paul's sister, who shares his passion for horses and helps in their quest to own the Phantom and Misty.
• The Phantom: A wild mare on Assateague Island, known for her speed and elusiveness.
• Misty: The Phantom's newborn colt, a silvery-gray pony that captures the hearts of Paul and Maureen.
• Grandpa Beebe: Paul and Maureen's grandfather, who shares stories about the Phantom and supports their efforts.
• Grandma Beebe: The children's grandmother, who helps care for them and supports their horse-related endeavors.
• Pony Penning roundup men: The group responsible for capturing wild ponies during the annual roundup on Chincoteague Island.

Quick facts

• Misty of Chincoteague is based on a true story of a real Chincoteague Pony named Misty.
• Author Marguerite Henry visited Chincoteague Island to research the annual pony penning event for the book.
• The novel won the Newbery Honor in 1948. Wesley Dennis illustrated the original edition of the book.
• The real Misty was born in 1946 on Chincoteague Island, Virginia.
• Marguerite Henry later purchased the real Misty, who lived on Henry's farm in Illinois.
• The book sparked increased tourism to Chincoteague Island and helped popularize the Chincoteague Pony breed.
• A film adaptation of the book was released in 1961, starring David Ladd and Arthur O'Connell.
• The real Misty's hoof prints are preserved in cement outside the Chincoteague Town Office.
• Misty of Chincoteague was adapted into a 1961 movie, Misty.
• Marguerite Henry wrote several sequels to Misty of Chincoteague, including Stormy: Misty's Foal and Sea Star: Orphan of Chincoteague.

About the author

Marguerite Henry (1902-1997) was an acclaimed American author of children's books. Her passion for writing emerged during a childhood illness that confined her to bed for six years, during which she discovered the joy of reading. While convalescing, she received a writing desk as a gift from her father, a publisher, and sold her first short story at the young age of eleven for twelve dollars.

Throughout her literary career, Henry wrote 59 books based on true stories of horses and other animals. Her most famous work, Misty of Chincoteague, published in 1947, became an instant success and was adapted into a movie in 1961. The author's dedication to her craft and love for animals earned her several prestigious awards, including Newbery Honors. Henry's books, such as King of the Wind, Stormy: Misty's Foal, and Justin Morgan Had a Horse, have enchanted generations of young readers. Henry completed her final book, Brown Sunshine of Sawdust Valley, shortly before her death at the age of 95.