Jessie and the Star Rider

LoveReading4Kids Says

This new series created by YouTuber Esme Higgs with the help of bestselling author Jo Cotterill deserves rosettes for lots of different reasons.

Starring four young people who become friends through their shared love of horses and set in a livery stables, it’s full of horse care tips and details that will thrill young pony owners and would-be pony owners, but it’s just as good on the ups and downs of friendships and the challenges of growing up too.

With one character who is dyslexic and another who is a wheelchair user it’s good and inclusive while there’s an effective demonstration of the importance of empathy and a reminder that anxiety can affect anyone (and can be overcome).

The focus of this episode is the efforts of the friends to raise money to keep the stables afloat and it shows us too what can be achieved through teamwork, imagination and determination. It all makes for thoroughly enjoyable reading, whether you’re a rider or not.

Reviewed by Andrea Reece
Andrea Reece has spent almost her entire working life in children’s books, first as publisher, latterly as consultant, project manager and critic.
More reviews by Andrea Reece

About Jessie and the Star Rider

Fans of Clare Balding and Jacqueline Wilson will love this fun and heartwarming new adventure series for animal-mad 8-12 year olds from superstar equestrian influencer Esme Higgs!

Read the full description

Find This Book In