Kelly

In this early graphic novel from Kelly Collier’s much-loved series, Steve the horse is as pleased with himself as ever – even as he faces a new challenge: being a team player.The annual spring ”Race-a-thon“ is approaching, and Steve can’t wait. He wins every year, and Steve loves winning! Sure, horses have physical advantages over other animals when it comes to running. But that just proves how exceptionally talented he is. So imagine Steve’s concern when he discovers this year’s race is going to be a relay, and that he’s been teamed up with turtle, duck and snail! He can’t possibly win now. Unless … he’s got it! He’ll coach his teammates! In fact, he’ll be the Best. Coach. Ever. From Kelly Collier’s hilarious Steve the Horse early graphic-novel series, here’s a tale about sportsmanship that will have readers roaring with laughter. Nearly always wrong about everything in life, the full-of-himself Steve is one of those standout flawed characters with enormous appeal. The story takes some edge-of-your-seat turns as Steve learns the hard(ish) way that there’s more than one kind of winner in life. This book makes a great discussion-starter on how we think about failure and winning. It also teaches excellent character-education lessons on teamwork and inclusiveness.

Steve is a fine horse, ? begins Kelly Collier's clever picture book. ?But he thinks he could be finer. He wants to be EXCEPTIONAL.? When Steve finds a beautiful gold horn lying on the ground in the forest, he realizes he has found his path to the exceptional! He immediately ties the horn to the top of his head and prances off to show his friends. Not everyone is impressed, but most of his friends agree --- Steve and his horn are indeed exceptional. In fact, many of his friends are so inspired, they decide to tie items to the tops of their heads as well. So when Steve discovers his horn has suddenly gone missing, he's devastated and frantically searches everywhere to find it. He won't be exceptional without his horn! Or will he?This is a laugh-out-loud tale of an endearingly self-absorbed horse, illustrated in lively black-and-white artwork. Throughout the story, Collier interweaves humorous commentary and some definitions (such as for devastated: ?That means really, really bummed.?). The tone of the book allows children to feel like they're in on the joke while the main character isn't, adding to the amusement. Besides its fun appeal as a read-aloud, this book would be a terrific choice to launch discussions on self-esteem, particularly about the difference between what people think will make them special and what actually does make them special. It also works for lessons on proper social skills and how to treat your friends.