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Friday, October 12, 2018

Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse, written by Marcy Campbell and illustrated by Corinna Luyken. Dial, Penguin Random House, 2018. $23.99 ages 5 and up

"I told my mom about Adrian's horse and how he definitely does not have one. "Hmm," she said. "And how would you know, Ms. Smarty-Pants?"
"Because I know! Adrian Simcox does NOT have a horse!" Adrian Simcox gets free lunch at school. His shoes have holes. Kelsey told me her cousin has a horse, and it's super expensive. He can't take care of a horse."

Adrian loves to talk about his horse when he is at school. Chloe will have none of it. She knows he's lying. She knows he lives in town, and has no room to take care of a horse. She wants everyone to know that she knows Adrian is lying. She will go to any length to prove she is right.

 She is aware that she makes Adrian sad when she announces to everyone that he is not telling the truth about having a horse. Then she and her mother visit with Adrian and his grandfather. Her mother knows his grandfather and suggests it. Their house is very tiny, and there is definitely not room for a horse in the back yard. Chloe wants to repeat her accusation, but seeing Adrian's face gives her pause.

"But I didn't say it because of how Adrian was looking and how it
reminded me of when I told those little kids he was lying."

It is a turning point, and the beginning of a new friendship ... a friendship that leads to much admiration for a boy with a stellar imagination. 

I love this quiet story. It is told with feeling and lovely language, allowing readers to feel empathy for Adrian and to see how Chloe recognizes what is special about him. In learning to be kind, rather than correct, she is able to open up to the possibility of this new friendship with a pretty special boy.

Corinna Luyken uses ink and watercolors to create outstanding artwork, full of expression and imagination. There is a lot of contrast in the images she creates to show the differences that exist between Chloe and Adrian. The final double page spread is full of the magic that fills Adrian's head.
                                                                             

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