Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun story with comical drawings is a delight to read aloud.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
All Steve wants in A HORSE NAMED STEVE is to look and feel exceptional. When he finds a golden horn and puts it on his head, he knows he's done it. He's exceptional. He rushes to show his animal friends, who are a little confused but agree that Steve is, in fact, exceptional -- and promptly go find things to attach to their own heads so they can be just like him. But when Steve loses his horn, he has to find a way to make himself exceptional without it.
Is It Any Good?
With a lovely message to enjoy who you are and what makes you unique, this delightful picture book combines great facial expressions and the right amount of snark for a very fun read. A Horse Named Steve is silly while also reminding readers what it means to stand out, blend in, and being uniquely yourself. It's a simple story without a lot of deep hidden meanings, but it can also prompt interesting discussions about being a leader or a follower, what makes some people want to stand out, and what kinds of situations make us happy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes each member of the family exceptional, like what Steve hopes for in A Horse Named Steve. What do you like about yourself? What makes you unique?
Think about a few of your friends, or the people in your family. What makes them unique? Do you think they think of themselves as exceptional?
What other animal books have you enjoyed?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Kelly Collier
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Friendship , Animals
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Self-control
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Kids Can Press
- Publication date : April 4, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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