If I Was a Horse by Sophie Blackall isa delightful romp.

Giddy-upand go along on this charming fantasy adventure as a child imagines being ahorse for a day. The fun combines horsey nonsense with fanciful humanactivities. Galloping across meadows, rolling in rainy puddles, and givingrides are contrasted with relatable human activities. The true scale ofsilliness becomes boldly apparent once this massive creature movesindoors—helping itself to lunch, refusing to bathe in the cramped bathroom,and sleeping standing up on a too-small bed.

Blackall,a two-time Caldecott Medalist, lets her illustrations tell the story supportedby a clean simple text of one or two short sentences on each double-pagespread.

Apersonal favorite is the center spread with the horse, in a ruffled tutu and polkadot party hat, parading in circles in the living room led by the family’syoungest child. The detail in each page encourages a second look and a third.

Likeevery talented storyteller, Blackall surprises the reader with a charming twiston the very last page.

Recommendedfor home and school libraries.