Riding Magic

By: Kelly Starling Lyons

The empowering story of a little girl overcoming a big fear with the help of her family and a horse named Magic

Dom wishes she were brave enough to ride a horse—if only horses weren’t so huge and intimidating! Momma says it’s normal to have the jitters at first, but Dom isn’t sure she’ll ever feel ready. She spends time with Magic, her favorite horse, and he seems to understand her worries, and even lets her brush him. This gives Dom the boost she needs, and sure enough, when she finally does get in the saddle, she’s thrilled to discover the frightened ba-bum, ba-bum of her heart transforming into a happy beat in rhythm with Magic’s steady clip-clop, clip-clop.

Lyrical text and stunning light-filled paintings beautifully capture the touching bond between Dom and Magic as Dom gains the confidence to ride, reassuring readers that everyone tries new things at their own pace.

Critic reviews

“Foregrounding a Black child who navigates fear and longing around riding a horse, Starling Lyons and Lewis spin an affirming story about self-paced courage that grows through determination, gentleness, and support. Young Dom is intimated by horses’ ‘big bodies, big legs, and big teeth.’ . . . Dom quietly admits wanting to ride but feeling scared. Time spent listening to relatives’ steady reassurance and brushing Magic’s ‘stardust coat’ help Dom gather confidence. . . . When Dom finally mounts, the child’s ‘Ba-bum’ pulse matches the horse’s rhythmic ‘Clip-clop,’ signaling a triumph rooted in connection rather than bravado or pressure. Luminous watercolor illustrations with prominent brushwork emphasize scale, light, and expression, capturing the protagonist’s vulnerability and growing resolve. It’s a patient portrait of bravery found through self-attunement.” —Publishers Weekly