If I Had a Horse

It is not often that a three (almost four) year old recommends a book to me. Okay, technically his mother did, but she said to me that her son enjoys this book. In fact, asks for it by name: “The horse book, Mama!” (Okay, not exactly by name…)

All joking aside, I must agree that young Master F has good tastes in illustrations. Unfortunately, the text, does not speak to me the same way it must have to him.  However, as many books that do not fit me perfectly, I was thinking, “Customer X will like it.” Or, “If we had Customer Type 99 they would like it.” Once again, I am delighted to say this story might not be for everyone, but it is a good book to recommend.

The impressionistic artwork and the simple text make this story almost a poem. The soft colors have a certain pop without being over whelming. The book is not about a horse in the traditional sense, but in the sense of how a child can imagine almost anything. Therefore, an imaginative child would enjoy this book. You can talk to them about what their horse would look like, or other imaginary items. You can make it a jump off to drawing or other craft projects. But overall, it is a book to sit and read and enjoy.

If I Had a Horse by Gianna Marino could make a lovely new baby gift as well. Everyone gives Goodnight Moon or a ton of board books, this is a book that can be for “later” or as a baby needs a soothing voice and this book could be read aloud. The beginning reader could also enjoy reading along with the adult reader. Not to mention, this could be an interesting gift for the adult who enjoys horses, art, imagination, picture books or if you are just looking for something different.