"A beautifully told story of animal friendship and belonging, exploring themes of love and loss."
The Horse Dreamer is a beautifully told story that takes a strong look at loss, friendship and belonging. It’s perfect for anyone who loves Lauren St. John, animals and a little bit of intrigue and mystery.
Merryn is a young girl who feels lost in life and is coping with a tragic loss in her family. As the family she once knew begins to fall apart, she is forced to confront the cold reality that everything she loves may be slipping away.
When a brutal storm rages through her home, she finds Sorrel, a horse who is wild and strange and almost mystical. Merryn senses that Sorrel understands her, as though he has access to her dreams in some strange way. Together they embark on a series of small adventures and through these events Sorrel helps Merryn find herself again.
Though dealing with heavy themes, Surplice navigates these with an artful and intelligent eye, using strong messages of family love and hope to see the reader through them. The illustrations are devastating beautiful, created with a blue-ink, they are dream-like and wonderful, allowing the story to flow and leap like Sorrel himself.
It’s a book that can and should be read anywhere but demands to be read during a rainy day, curled up in cushions trying to keep warm. It evokes the coast, harsh weather, gentle friendships and coping. I loved it. This is a perfect read for anyone ages 9+ who are eager to read about animal friendships and while exploring difficult topics.
In my view, it’s a great book to read together, and is so beloved by the students who frequent our school library that it was shortlisted for the school's own 2026 Bookling Book Award that I manage. Proof that it appeals not only to younger readers, but those who are in secondary school as well.
A stunning animal adventure for fans of Hannah Gold and Lauren St John aged 9 and up - perfect for summer holiday reading.
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the best books for 9-12 year olds · the best books for teenagers
A stunning animal adventure for fans of Hannah Gold and Lauren St John aged 9 and up - perfect for summer holiday reading. The horse arrives in the storm, when Merryn needs him most.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Horse Dreamer and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
The Horse Dreamer features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Debuts of the Month, Recommendations, Animal Stories, PSHE: Bereavement and Grief, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational
Paperback, Hardback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
The Horse Dreamer was written by Holly Surplice and published by Chicken House an imprint of Scholastic
The Horse Dreamer has 169 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
