Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Snyder
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Whimsical portrayal of childhood hopes for all ages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In IF I WAS A HORSE, an unnamed narrator takes readers through an imaginative day in his or her life as a horse. The narrator captures what it's like to feel restricted as a child, from having to be home at a certain time to taking baths and wearing clothes. With playful rebellion, the narrator channels the freedom inherent in horses. From morning to night, the character's antics move readers to consider the fun and freedom that life has to offer.
Is It Any Good?
Witty illustrations are a win in this simple but silly work by award winning author and illustrator Sophie Blackall. If I Was A Horse almost sounds as if a child is rambling about all of the things he or she would do as a horse. But Blackall's artistic expertise moves young readers and grown-ups to laughter, capturing facial expressions and other details that speak to family life and the experience of being a kid. What's more, the message about the desire for freedom, approval, and inclusivity is subtle enough to keep little ones from totally rebelling, but enough for parents to reflect on how they may loosen the reins perhaps just a little for the sake of childhood.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about self-control in If I Was a Horse. What does a horse do that the narrator can't do? Do you think a horse has more freedom than you do? Why or why not?
How would you react to seeing a horse in your house? In your school? In your neighborhood?
Look at the pictures in the book. Which page shows joy and happiness? Which page shows fun and excitement? Which page shows upset or boredom?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Sophie Blackall
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Animals
- Character Strengths : Self-control
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : October 3, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Hardback
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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