Jack Bechdolt (1884-1954)

American author. Full name John Ernest Bechdolt. He wrote under both this name and as Jack Bechdolt. Born in Minnesota in 1884. He worked as a journalist, as well as writing short stories and novels for both adults and children. His adult novels and stories were of the sci-fi/fantasy bent, his children's books on a wider range of subjects. Quite a few of his stories were made into films. His brother Frederick R. Bechdolt was also a writer.

He seemed to have something of an interest in horses, perhaps inspired by his second wife, the children's and pony book author and illustrator Decie Merwin. He wrote a book of short stories for younger children featuring horses, a children's novel about a police horse and a donkey story co-authored with his wife. Decie illustrated both this title and his police horse story and co-authored more books with her hubby about the character of Dulcie, as well as illustrating some of his other stories too.

Horse & Pony Books:

DULCIE AND HER DONKEY
(With Decie Merwin)
(DUTTON [USA] 1944)
ILLUSTRATED BY DECIE MERWIN
Reprinted in hardback by original publisher.
Also a Spanish language edition.
Fairly rare.
SUMMARY: Part of a series of books for younger children about the little girl Dulcie and her adventures. In this book Dulcie has lots of fun with her pet donkey, plus three other adventures.

TRUSTY: THE STORY OF A POLICE HORSE
(DUTTON  [USA] 1947)
ILLUSTRATED BY DECIE MERWIN
Reprinted in hard
SUMMARY: The bay horse Trusty is traumatised by an incident on the city streets but he is bought by the Mounted Police and they rehabilitate him so he can be re-united in time with his old owners Dick and Delia.

Collector's Info:
Trusty is fairly easy to find in the USA. The Dulcie book is a lot rarer although not impossible to find by any means. All three are hard to find outside of America.

Short Story Collections:

HORSE STORIES
(SIMON & SCHUSTER [USA] 1950)
ILLUSTRATED BY CORNELIUS DEWITT
Reprinted in hardback
SUMMARY: Illustrated colour picture book of short horse stories for younger readers. Includes stories about the Pony Express and a police horse.

Collector's Info:
This title is quite easy to find in the USA, although a lot harder elsewhere.