Timeless story of 14-year-old Velvet Brown’s race for victory in the Grand National Steeplechase. One that horse lovers of every age cannot fail to enjoy. - The New York Times. AGES: 7 to 11 AUTHOR: The daughter of an English army officer, Enid Bagnold (1889 1981) grew up in Jamaica, attended schools in England and France, and served with the British women’s services during World War I. After her marriage to Sir Roderick Jones, the millionaire head of Reuters, she became a society hostess and mother of four. Bagnold is the author of several novels and plays, including The Chalk Garden.