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.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Horses, Childrens, Family

Audible Audio

Published June 16, 2026

About the author

Kelly Starling Lyons is an award-winning author whose 17 titles for children span easy readers, picture books, chapter books, fiction, nonfiction, and series. For more than a decade, Lyons has been creating inspiring books that center Black heroes, celebrate family, friendship and heritage and show all children the storyteller they hold inside. Her acclaimed titles include Going Down Home with Daddy, Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice & Sing Inspired Generations, Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon, Tiara's Hat Parade and the Jada Jones chapter book series. Her new easy reader series with illustrator Nina Mata, Ty's Travels, debuts September 1. The first book, All Aboard, earned a starred Kirkus review.

Lyons counts Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, Best of the Year and state award lists, Junior Library Guild selections, a Caldecott Honor and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor among the accolades her books have received. Two of her books, Hope's Gift and Going Down Home with Daddy, have represented the states of North Carolina and Georgia, respectively, at the National Book Festival's Parade of the States.

Lyons is a founding member of The Brown Bookshelf, a team dedicated to raising awareness of Black children's book creators, a Raleigh-Durham co-ambassador for The Authors Guild, and a teaching artist who visits schools, libraries, conferences and festivals nationwide. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and children where she facilitates a book club for boys that salutes literary treasures from Black authors and illustrators of today and the past. Learn more at www.kellystarlinglyons.com.

Reviews

[Book Dragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a good book and worth a read. It just had to many messages going on it, so I was confused on what the authors main point/purpose was. There was the aspect of the girl having to over come her fears and try riding a horse, then a dream about her ancestors riding horse, then a quick mention of Juneteeth.

Don't get me wrong I see the purpose for all of those being present in books, but I think this one could have use a bit more direction.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dom really wants to ride a horse; specifically Magic, the beautiful black horse on her uncle's farm. She watches her sister and uncle ride but she's afraid to try. After learning her sister was afraid to ride at first, Dom decides she's going to ride.

A sweet tale of conquering fears.

[Beverly Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of a girl who loves horses but is afraid to ride. With her family’s encouragement and her connection to a special horse, she finally climbs into the saddle and discovers the joy of riding.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and gentle book about a young girl gaining the confidence to go on a trail ride with her favorite horse, Magic. Young horse lovers will find this one enchanting and relatable.