Steve : Born to Run, written and illustrated by Kelly Collier. Kids Can Press, 2025. $18.99 ages 4 and up

 

"And I'm not going to be 
just any coach - I'm going 
to be ...

      THE. BEST. 
  COACH. EVER!

Chop - chop! No 
time to waste! 

Lift those hooves!"

In this early years graphic novel (and the fifth story about Steve), Kelly Collier brings her much-loved horse to her fans' attention with an entertaining new episode. Steve is excited to note spring has arrived.  In Steve's insular view of the world around him, all he can think about is the upcoming race-a-thon. Bob his raccoon friend explains why Steve always wins: long legs, deep chest, and a long neck to stretch across the finish line. 

Steve is thrilled that he is so talented, while Bob just sighs at the nuances of being a winner that Steve completely misses. Bob is quick to share that the race this year is a relay. After drawing names for relay partners, Steve is on a team with Turtle, Duck and Snail. It does not go down well with Steve. There is nothing for him to do but take the suggestion from his teammates that he be their coach. Steve is very amenable to the idea. He's going to be the best! 

Rigorous training begins, with hilarious instructions that are sure to have young readers giggling. Race day arrives with rain pouring down. Turtle leads the way through the briar patch, followed by Snail on the steep hill, then Duck through a large puddle, and finally Steve whose effusive compliments to his team and himself for his coaching prowess have him forgetting he has a role to play in the race. Too late! 

His teammates are unperturbed, knowing they have accomplished far more than any of them thought possible; Steve finds a way to pat himself on the back for something, as usual.