Riding Magic

★ “Lewis’s stunning watercolor illustrations match the lyrical text in this lovely ode to taking one’s time. As much as Dom wants to ride Magic, her favorite horse, she’s afraid. His body, legs, and teeth are so large. . . . A page turn reveals an enormous Magic, yet he’s surrounded by gentle watercolor waves in welcoming blues in a visual depiction of Dom’s warring emotions. . . . Text and illustration balance Dom’s fears with Magic’s beauty as the pacing perfectly conveys Dom conquering her fear by taking the time she needs. . . . Dom, finally ready, whispers ‘We can do this’ to Magic, ‘and maybe to herself.’ . . . Beautifully paced, lyrical, and lovely. Highly recommended.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“Foregrounding a Black child who navigates fear and longing around riding a horse, Starling Lyons and Lewis spin an affirming story about self-paced courage that grows through determination, gentleness, and support. Young Dom is intimated by horses’ ‘big bodies, big legs, and big teeth.’ . . . Dom quietly admits wanting to ride but feeling scared. Time spent listening to relatives’ steady reassurance and brushing Magic’s ‘stardust coat’ help Dom gather confidence. . . . When Dom finally mounts, the child’s ‘Ba-bum’ pulse matches the horse’s rhythmic ‘Clip-clop,’ signaling a triumph rooted in connection rather than bravado or pressure. Luminous watercolor illustrations with prominent brushwork emphasize scale, light, and expression, capturing the protagonist’s vulnerability and growing resolve. It’s a patient portrait of bravery found through self-attunement.” —Publishers Weekly

“Dom longs to ride like confident big sister Leah and Uncle Blue. But the horses seem so large, so intimidating—their ‘big bodies, big legs, and big teeth’ are unsettling. . . . When Dom confides in Magic, the ebony horse with a coat that ‘shines like it’s covered with stars,’ he seems to understand. . . . With encouragement from the rest of the family and time spent brushing Magic’s ‘stardust’ coat, Dom builds the courage to mount. . . . Celebrated artist Lewis renders this tender journey in watercolors that realistically capture the peaceful rural setting and the majestic horses, as well as Dom’s trepidation and growing confidence. The illustrator’s compositions include shadowy, dream-rendered spaces and sun-drenched fields. The paintings’ soft washes and glowing light create an atmosphere of warmth and safety, while Lewis’ skillful handling of Dom’s perspective—showing Dom on the ground against the landscape, then triumphant atop Magic—visually reinforces the youngster’s achievement. Lyons’ interplay of Dom’s heartbeat (‘ba-bum’) with the horse’s hoofbeats (‘clip-clop’) provides a satisfying rhythmic thread. A heartening, beautifully illustrated testament to patience, trust, and burgeoning courage.” —Kirkus Reviews