A Horse Called Now

K-Gr 4–In this gently reassuring fablelike story, a wise horse guides other farm animals through the process of reducing anxiety and being present in the moment. Rabbits fear the threat of a fox, a hen worries about a magpie swooping in, and sheep fret that the farmer’s new dog may mistreat them—but none of those concerns come to fruition. In fact, readers are reminded to look beyond assumptions when a thunderstorm breaks and the “scary” animals end up being just as sympathetic and vulnerable as the initial cast of endearing creatures. Doyle’s prose is beautiful and descriptive, introducing young readers to a lovely and sophisticated use of language through onomatopoeia, similes, and a rich vocabulary. Finkeldey’s expansive illustrations lend a vintage charm reminiscent of Ingri and Edgar Parin D’Aulaire's work. Rendered with textured brushstrokes, animal faces are expressive, and an effective use of color highlights the positive and negative emotions that play out in the narrative. Although anxiety may be difficult to overcome, the horse’s lessons, particularly the mantra “At this moment, all is well,” provide useful tools for readers of all ages to mitigate tense moments and cope with fears.