I LOVE YOU, LITTLE HORSE, by Gianna Marino, Philomel Books, Jan. 14, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)
Follow a little horse and its parent as they explore the day in I Love You, Little Horse, a picture book by author-artist Gianna Marino.
In a beautiful ode to family love, a horse asks its little one how they will spend their day: Listening to birdsong? Smelling flower blossoms? Racing the clouds? Feeling the earth beneath their hooves?
As the pair uses their senses to experience the world around them during the day, the shadows grow longer, the sky darker, and the parent horse reassures the foal, “Don’t be afraid, Little Horse. I will hold you and love you.” —Synopsis provided by Philomel Books
I Love You, Little Horse is a sweet and simple look at a parent’s love for their child. Author-artist Gianna Marino’s warm text is lovely to read aloud. It’s a gentle call to action parents and children will appreciate.
Marino’s illustrations are joyous and full of life. My family gets to daily watch a neighbor’s horses out our kitchen windows, and I can attest that Marino’s illustrations are excellent representations of playful horses. Marino’s use of color is also commendable.
I Love You, Little Horse is sure to be a hit with little ones, especially those who love animals.
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