The Horse Dreamer
Written & Illustrated by Holly Surplice
Reviewed by Morgan Loren
Releasing Nov. 3, 2026, preorder 40% off.
I collected all kinds of animal toys as a kid. I felt a strange sort of connection with them, more than human dolls. But I never was a “horse girl”. The 2000s seemed to have some weird connection with girlhood and horses. I remember the TV playing different cartoons about being an equestrian, or books in glittery pinks about unicorns and pegasi. I never got on that band wagon, and my chance to be a horse girl eventually passed me by.
Now as an elementary art teacher, I understand horses are a childhood staple. So when I saw The Horse Dreamer, by Holly Surplice, just looking at the cover took me back to my childhood musings, and I felt behooved to read it.
As an illustrator, I was drawn to the cover image, a loose, dreamy, sketch layered with soft black inks. The image enchants, it is cozy and mysterious, and I thought it perfect for fall. I was preparing myself for a light read, but this book hit the ground running and didn’t stop.
The Horse Dreamer is a healing book, and author Holly Surplice amazes me with her charmingly sweet writing with the book's challenging but much-needed story for children. Surplice is intentional on the journey she takes us.
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The story centers on Merryn, a young girl whose family is coping with the unexpected death of her father, all in different ways. Merryn’s mum spends long days sitting and staring, unable to care for her children. Her older sister assumes the parental role in their home, feeding and taking care of Merryn and her younger sister, Lowen. Merryn is lonely, worn-down, and emotional.
In this grief, she finds solitude in the coastal forest surrounding her home. She dreams of riding the back of a horse, feeling the crisp wind in her hair. Escape. Merryn retreats into the woods whenever there’s a bad flare-up with her home life.
One day, Sorrel arrives in a storm, smelling of “crisp air and the ocean,” almost magical, as if “made of seaweed and vine, twigs, and sorrel leaves.” Together Merryn begins to heal.
Through summer and autumn, they ride and play, but as Christmas approaches, it will require all of Merryn’s newfound strength to help her mom and her sisters heal, too.
Though I can’t say that The Horse Dreamer has converted me into a horse girl, I would say this book is a must-read for all lovers of horse stories. The book is a deeply emotional narrative that I found decadent! My expectations were utterly surpassed. I completely empathised with Merryn and her family. I saw myself in that raw, troubled childlike confusion.
The Horse Dreamer is a powerful middle-grade story that reminded me how books addressing challenging subjects and tough topics remain much-needed. The publisher recommended age is 8-12, and I would recommend this to my younger students and older readers in a hoofbeat.
About the Author
Holly lives in the beautiful Outer Hebrides with her three children, Painter and Pencil the dogs, Penny Crayon the cat, and a collection of other furry and feathered family. Island life inspires both her written and illustrative work but many of her stories come from observing the animals around her and remembering her farming childhood. Holly studied illustration at Edinburgh College of Art, with her first picture book acquired by Walker Books during her degree show. Holly’s books are full of heart, with meaningful writing and expressive illustration. Learn more and follow the author:
The Horse Dreamer Spotlight Review is part of our September Scholastic Back-to-School Celebration.
September 30th is the last day to enter our Scholastic Giveaway!
Morgan (Loren) Turgeon has a passion for reading and creating all things kidlit. I'm a big fan of whismy and a little bit of fantasty. I graduated from Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2025, and currently she is an elementary art teacher while she continues to illustrate. Learn more at MorganLoren.art.
