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A classic in the making, this heartwarming story about empathy and imagination is one that families will treasure for years to come.
Adrian Simcox tells anyone who will listen that he has a horse–the best and most beautiful horse anywhere.
But Chloe does NOT believe him. Adrian Simcox lives in a tiny house. Where would he keep a horse? He has holes in his shoes. How would he pay for a horse?
The more Adrian talks about his horse, the angrier Chloe gets. But when she calls him out at school and even complains about him to her mom, Chloe doesn’t get the vindication she craves. She gets something far more important.
Written with tenderness and poignancy and gorgeously illustrated, this book will show readers that kindness is always rewarding, understanding is sweeter than judgment, and friendship is the best gift one can give.
Praise for Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse
“Chloe is stubborn and willful, but she listens and learns and understands. Her first-person narration is realistic, witty and endearing. Chloe wants a series. This heroine is ready for more adventures.”
—The New York Times
“Affecting…Readers who loved Eleanor Estes’ 1994 book The Hundred Dresses will suspect the painful truth behind the horse-owning boasts of a day-dreamer named Adrian Simcox. And they will understand the misplaced indignation of the narrator, Chloe. Empathetic readers…will be rooting for Chloe’s mother who shows how a decent person behaves with someone who has less of almost everything—except imagination.”
—The Wall Street Journal
“Earnestly written by Marcy Campbell, Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse is a creative and honest look at compassion… Corinna Luyken illustrates with precision and grace… School curricula that focus on acceptance and compassion will benefit from incorporating this story, which reminds all readers to look at others with empathy, because they may find a friend.”
—BookPage
“The tale is poignant… The art is an excellent complement [with] brushy foliage that repeatedly reveals Adrian’s imaginary horse. A good conversation starter.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A beautifully illustrated book with a subtle message about poverty, empathy, and compassion.”
—Brightly
“A moving story about developing empathy, with beautiful illustrations to pore over.”
—Booklist
“An important story about empathy and kindness…A beautifully crafted picture book that has a way of drawing people in.”
—The Baltimore Sun
“Debut author Campbell has penned a gentle, enjoyable story about accepting your friends as you find them. The story finds its perfect accompaniment in Luyken’s The Book of Mistakes with this book’s muted, fall-tone ink, colored pencil, and watercolor illustrations…This warm tale and its exquisite illustrations is well worth a purchase.”
—School Library Journal
“Campbell has masterfully created a story which will teach your young ones kindness without their realizing they are learning anything at all. All primary teachers and school librarians will want this title in their collections.”
—School Library Connection (starred review)
“Newcomer Campbell explores with sensitivity the way Chloe opens her heart to Adrian… Luyken’s delicate drawings add welcome depth.”
—Publishers Weekly
“A promising debut for Marcy, and what Corinna does in these illustrations is a sight to see.”
—Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast blog
Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Bank Street College Best Book of the Year
Top 10 Indie Next Pick
Winner of the Crystal Kite Award for the Northwest Region/Finalist for the Midwest Region
of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
Winner of the Comstock Read Aloud Award
Winner of the Huckepack Prize (German translation. Translated by Uwe-Michael Gutzschhahn.)
Winner of the Readers’ Choice Award in Juvenile Literature, Ohioana Library