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Book Lists, Picture Book Lists · February 14, 2023

Picture Books About Horses

Horses are a very niche theme in kid lit, with tween horse books having a devoted audience. If your kids love horses but aren’t quite old enough to read middle grade literature, these picture books about horses will tide them over in the meantime. Many of these picks are just so beautifully illustrated, I’m sure your young readers simply won’t be able to get enough of them!

Picture Books About Horses

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20 Great Picture Books About Horse

Here are 20 phenomenal picture books about horses:

This Way, Charlie

This Way, Charlie (Feeling Friends)

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Published: April 21, 2020

All the animals at the Open Bud Ranch can see that Jack likes keeping his space to himself. But when Charlie arrives, he doesn’t see Jack at all. He’s still getting used to seeing out of only one of his eyes.
The two get off to a bumpy start. At first, Jack is anxious and distrustful. But one day, he summons his courage and guides Charlie to his favorite sunlit field: this way, Charlie. And so begins a powerful friendship that will be tested by life’s storms—but will ultimately change each life for the better.


If I Had a Horse

If I Had a Horse

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Published: January 30, 2018

If I Had a Horse is an inspiring picture book with simple text and gorgeous, impressionistic artwork from acclaimed author-illustrator Gianna Marino about a girl imagining what life would be like with a horse.


A Horse Named Steve

A Horse Named Steve (Steve the Horse)

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Published: April 4, 2017

“Steve is a fine horse,” begins Kelly Collier’s picture book. “But he thinks he could be finer. He wants to be EXCEPTIONAL.” When Steve finds a beautiful gold horn lying on the ground in the forest, he realizes he has found his path to the exceptional! He immediately ties the horn to the top of his head and prances off to show his friends. Not everyone is impressed, but most of his friends agree — Steve and his horn are indeed exceptional. In fact, many of his friends are so inspired, they decide to tie items to the tops of their heads as well. So when Steve discovers his horn has suddenly gone missing, he’s devastated and frantically searches everywhere to find it. He won’t be exceptional without his horn! Or will he?


Tony

Tony

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Published: February 7, 2017

Tony was all white,
large, sturdy,
with wide gentle eyes
and a ton of love . . .


Snow Horses: A First Night Story

Snow Horses: A First Night Story

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Published: November 8, 2022

On the very last evening before the new year, when the snow is falling soft and thick, two black horses wait for the jingle of their sled. As they ride about town, they will spread light to their beloved neighbors, bidding farewell to the last night—and saying hello to the first morning.


The Princess and the Pony

The Princess and the Pony

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Published: June 30, 2015

Princess Pinecone knows exactly what she wants for her birthday this year. A BIG horse. A STRONG horse. A horse fit for a WARRIOR PRINCESS! But when the day arrives, she doesn’t quite get the horse of her dreams…


Are You A Horse?

Are You A Horse?

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Published: March 1, 2009

For young cowboys and little scientists, an ARE YOU MY MOTHER? for the 21st century!

For his birthday, Roy’s freinds give him a saddle and some very specific instructions:
1. Find a horse.
2. Enjoy the ride!


Horse Meets Dog

Horse Meets Dog

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Published; October 30, 2018

Horse is just an oversize dog with funny paws…according to Dog. And Dog? Just a tiny baby horse with a weird tail. That’s what Horse thinks, anyway.


Hello, Horse

Hello, Horse

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Published: September 18, 2018

I have a friend named Catherine, and she has a horse named Shannon. “Come and meet her,” Catherine says.

A little boy isn’t sure if he likes horses, but his friend Catherine assures him that her horse will like him. Shannon is very big, but she’s beautiful, throwing her head up and looking at him with her dark eyes as if she knows everything there is to know. Catherine patiently teaches the boy how to talk to a horse quietly, how to feed her carrots, how to lead her across a field, even how to blow at her softly to show that he likes her. But is he really ready to climb up on Shannon’s back and take a ride? Facts about horses are sprinkled throughout to satisfy inquisitive readers.


Sergeant Reckless

Sergeant Reckless: The True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a Hero

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Published: September 12, 2017

When a group of US Marines fighting in the Korean War found a bedraggled mare, they wondered if she could be trained to as a packhorse. They had no idea that the skinny, underfed horse had one of the biggest and bravest hearts they’d ever known. And one of the biggest appetites!

Soon Reckless showed herself more than willing to carry ammunition too heavy for the soldiers to haul. As cannons thundered and shells flew through the air, she marched into battle—again and again—becoming the only animal ever to officially hold military rank—becoming Sgt. Reckless—and receive two Purple Hearts.


Clip-Clop

Clip-Clop

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Published: April 28, 2006

Every child adores getting twirled and tossed by Mommy and Daddy. Again! Again, they squeal. That’s the rapturous joy Nicola Smee captures, in simple rhythmic text and charming pictures. One after the other, a group of barnyard friends climb aboard Mr. Horse for a ride. Faster, they beg…faster! But will “faster” lead to disaster? No…just a satisfying ending that toddlers will love.


If a Horse Had Words

If a Horse Had Words

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Published: June 5, 2018

The foal is born on a spring morning of sunshine and snow melt. If she had words, she would say willow, crocus, puddle and sky . . .

Red Badger is a newborn foal learning to stand when she slips and gets stuck in a muddy badger hole. It is a young boy who frees her, and his kindness and gentleness mark the beginning of their friendship — though she will always be wary of the ground that briefly trapped her. As the seasons pass on the ranch, Red Badger learns more about her world: Fall is leaf rustle and fence posts. Winter is white hills and long nights. The boy is hay, a gentle touch, playing in the snow and the sweet smell of peppermints. If a horse had words, the word would be . . . friend.


Crankee Doodle

Crankee Doodle

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Published: June 4, 2013

“Yankee Doodle went to town / a-riding on a pony / stuck a feather in his hat / and called it macaroni.” Many know the song “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” but few understand it. This unapologetically silly picture book reveals that the legendary ride to town (and the whole macaroni thing) was all suggested by Mr. Doodle’s overeager pony. This just makes Mr. Doodle cranky: “I do not want macaroni. I do not want a feather. I do not want any other clothing, any other pasta, or any other parts of a bird. I do not want anything that they have in town!” A historical note ends this colorful, comical take on a nonsensical old song.


Midnight and Moon

Midnight and Moon

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Published: February 8, 2022

Moon cannot see but he hears sounds that other horses ignore: the eggshell crack of a meadow lark hatching. The glide of a salamander into the pond. Clara does not speak but she hears sounds that other children ignore: the hum of the oven when her mother bakes muffins. The sound of the cat’s paws on the kitchen floor.

Both the foal and the little girl live with challenges. Both also have special qualities, which are recognized by friends who are open to seeing them. Midnight and Moon is about the rare and wonderful friendship that can form between opposites, a friendship that enriches both. This story shows us that our differences are positives, that the world needs both Claras and Jacks, Midnights and Moons.


Noni The Pony

Noni the Pony

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Published: October 30, 2012

Noni the Pony lives on a farm by the bay. She’s friendly and funny and her best friends are Jac Dog and Coco the Cat. In the day time she gallops and canters and entertains the other farm animals, but sometimes at night, when the leaves sigh in the breeze, Noni gets spooked and that’s when her friends help Noni go to sleep.


Bunny the Brave War Horse

Bunny the Brave War Horse: Based on a True Story

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Published: August 1, 2014

Award-winning nonfiction author Elizabeth MacLeod brings a slice of World War I history to life in this poignant picture book. It is based on the true story of a police horse named Bunny and his riders, brothers Bud and Thomas Dundas, sent to the European front as part of the 9th Battery Canadian Field Artillery. This quietly but powerfully told tale explores many of the actual on-the-ground hardships WWI soldiers endured, including a gas attack, wounded and killed comrades, exploding bombs and episodes of severe hunger. By focusing on the tender relationship between Bunny and the brothers and showing how he was able to provide comfort to the soldiers, the author makes the grim details easier for young readers to absorb. The somber palette employed by illustrator Marie Lafrance in her rich, distinctive and detailed artwork — all on two-page spreads — provides the appropriate level of seriousness.

As a bonus, the author has provided a brief historical recap at the end that provides more background information about the real-life Bunny, Tom and Bud, with dates and specifics about WWI, which would be useful for creating a global studies teaching plan. The geography of the region is enhanced with a color map. This powerful book would make an excellent resource for any social studies unit about WWI, while it also works as a personalized reminder of the toll that war takes on humanity. Early readers interested in history or horses would enjoy it on their own.


Pig and Horse and the Something Scary

Pig and Horse and the Something Scary

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Published: January 18, 2022

“I have something in my head and it is scaring me,” Pig said.
“What is it?” asked Horse.
“I can’t say. I’m trying to ignore it.”

Pig can’t stop thinking about something that is bothering her. Try as Horse might to get her mind off of it—with bike rides, swims, and silly hats—it’s no use. But maybe if Pig shares the something with her friend, they can talk about it and figure out how to face the something together.


Randy, the Badly Drawn Horse

Randy, the Badly Drawn Horse

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Published: August 4, 2020

Randy knows he’s a beautiful horse―everyone says so. From his silky coat to his perfect smile to his very name, reserved only for the most special of creatures, Randy is beyond compare.


Dance, Dance, Dance!

Dance, Dance, Dance!: A Horse and Buggy Tale (I Like to Read)

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Published: February 20, 2018

Horse and Buggy are best friends, but they don’t always see eye to eye. When Buggy sees Horse dancing, he asks, “What are you doing?” “I am dancing,” Horse replies. “I am the best dancer. I have the best dances!” “You are not dancing. You are just moving around.” Can Horse convince the reluctant Buggy to lighten up and join in? YES!


The Horse’s Haiku

The Horse's Haiku

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Published: March 13, 2018

From field to stable, from rest to riding, poet Michael J. Rosen captures the nature of horses with spare and graceful haiku. Filled with Stan Fellows’s evocative artwork, this collection celebrates the beauty of horses while peacefully grazing or in all their powerful and dynamic action. Lovers of horses or haiku or those who simply appreciate the natural world will enjoy this contemplation of one of earth’s most beautiful creatures.


There they are: 20 of the best picture books about horses. Which of these have you read and loved? What did I miss?

More Picture Book Lists

  • Picture books about dogs
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Afoma
🏡 The Parent Trap meets The Holiday 🏡 🏴 🏡 The Parent Trap meets The Holiday 🏡 

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🇺🇸 Sage is an only child in sunny California, growing up with parents who seem to be growing apart. She gets more worried when she discovers that only her mom will be coming with her to the English countryside. Both girls realize that they have more in common than they think and decide to help each other — Ally with Sage’s parents and Sage with being Allie’s friend.

🏄‍♀️ The House Swap is a cozy, charming middle grade book about family (history & secrets), new friendships, and navigating parental divorce. Reminiscent of the beloved movie, The Holiday, this middle grade book is perfect for anyone looking for a feel-good reading experience with a touch of history, family drama, and characters you can root for.
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Books mentioned:

A SKY FULL OF SONG by @susanlynnmeyer 
FAR OUT by @annebustard 
THE SECRET DIARY OF MONA HASAN by @salmahwrites 
IT AIN’T SO AWFUL, FALAFEL by Firoozeh Dumas
A PLACE TO HANG THE MOON by @kealbus 
STEALING MT. RUSHMORE by @daphnekalmar 
HOOPS by @tavaresbooks 

You’ll see there’s a few extra in the cover picture too! 😉 What’s your favorite middle grade historical fiction? And do you particularly like them?
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❤️This verse novel is excellently written and painfully honest about the challenges of bridging the culture and communication gap when a parent has unresolved emotional trauma. Ani does a fantastic job of standing up for her goals, and the ending is very satisfying.
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If you’re big on graphic novels like I am, here If you’re big on graphic novels like I am, here are 3 exceptional MG options to put on your TBR this year 😍

Books mentioned:

HOOPS by @tavaresbooks 
FOUR EYES by @thirdrex 
DOODLES FROM THE BOOGIE DOWN by @stephguez 

Books shown in montage in order of appearance:
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Atinuke is a British- Nigerian author of chapter books and picture books who spent her formative years in Nigeria. Her stories are whimsical but realistic and focus more on the character and their family than they do on locale. I love her storytelling and I love that more kids are getting to see Nigeria through the eyes of her characters.
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Books mentioned:

WHAT HAPPENED TO RACHEL RILEY by @claireswinarski 
ANNIE’S LIFE IN LISTS by @kristinmahoneybooks 
LASAGNA MEANS I LOVE YOU by @kloshaughnessy 
THE NIGHT DIARY (which is written in letters in her diary to her deceased mom — voiceovers are hard!) by @veerawrites 

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🐬 centers young Penny, a middle schooler with cystic fibrosis. Penny has to take digestive enzymes and do her breathing treatments to help her lungs get rid of mucus that affects her breathing. While her CF case is relatively mild-moderate, she still struggles with being chronically ill. 

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🫁 No Matter the Distance is a beautiful middle grade verse novel about living with cystic fibrosis and finding belonging in community. Also starring an adorable dolphin and warm family dynamics, this book will appeal to kids who love animals, books about sisters, and stories about chronic illness and disability.
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