Doris

by Sarah Jacoby

Doris dances to her own tune in this whimsical and emotionally resonant tale about finding the courage to be yourself.

Doris has always reveled in the warmth of a spotlight.

Her whole life, she’s danced the nights away,

With friends from the only home she’s ever known.

But one day, Doris twirls…

Out

Of

Step

…Until she stumbles across a whole new kind of spotlight.

This gorgeous tale by award winning picture book creator Sarah Jacoby, filled with breathtaking art, is a classic in the making, reminiscent of favorites such as Ferdinand and Peter Rabbit. It will surely melt your heart and might even make you want to dance in the moonlight!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Horses, Juvenile, Storytime

40 pages, Hardcover

Published August 15, 2023

About the author

Sarah Jacoby grew up wandering the woods outside of Philadelphia, where she still lives. She now draws for a variety of people and places, including the New York Times, and she is the author and illustrator of and the illustrator of Rabbit and the Motorbike and The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

“What else do you think is out there?”

Doris is a horse, who decides to step out of the life she’s always known to clip-clop a different way. She changes things up and dances and spins her own way! It’s great advice. We all should step out of our routines and try something new. We might just find new inspirations or friends to share in the joy and journey.

I do think readers needed a bit more information at the beginning about Doris and her past. But I liked where Doris went and how she got there. :)

A sweet story full of dancing, soft blues, and “moonness”. It’s an absolute joy to read.

[Patricia Q · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the illustrations more than the story.

[Natalie Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Fun, joy and discovery.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming and a little whimsical, this picture book follows a dappled show pony named Doris who becomes drawn to what is outside beyond the circus tent. One night, curiosity draws Doris out into the faraway unknown. All alone, she tries dancing in a new way just for herself and not to make anyone else happy. She is surprised to be joined by a small brown pony -- dancing with freedom and reckless abandon.

A sweet story, but the understated illustrations are the real star. Swirling, twinkly, moody -- they are a delight to take in.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

For reasons we are never told, Doris is the star of a horse dancing show. I loved reading (watching?) her dance. The illustrations are marvelous as Doris shines here and yet, something eludes Doris being completely blissfully happy in the spotlight. She sets off into the unknown to discover what could be more and discovers a new way of dancing and something even more! Bumping it up half a star for the sheer exuberance of horse dancing and joyous illustrations. I wish that there had been slightly more here in the execution of the story.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is an odd one: illustrations and text too indistinct/impressionistic/artistic to make much meaning, especially for littles. While reading it I wondered, "Where are we? Did Doris die? Is this heaven?" I don't really know and the book is vague. The cover art, however, is fantastic.

Themes: animals, horses
Ages: 1-2nd grade
Pub year: 2023

[Cara Byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like other reviewers, I loved the illustrations and the mood of this book, but the storyline and text just didn't offer enough context and development to fully understand Doris's tale. Still, if you have a horse-loving kiddo, this would be a good book to give them.

[Michelle N · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up because I thought it was called dogs, and thought whoa that’s a weird looking dog.

Turns out Doris is a horse. And Doris is a star 💃

Apparently this book is a “whimsical tale about the courage to be yourself”. I totally missed the lesson. I stayed for the dancing horse.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are beautiful but the story is lacking. I felt like I was missing some key information the whole time.

[Steph]

Turn/Level: 1/2.5

Horses, Ponies, Dancing, the Moon

This one is a bit weird, but it encourages exploration.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the idea of this story but it’s missing some exposition about Doris’s background to make it feel more complete.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm confused by this one but I like the dancing.

[Cathy Ogren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations, but I wanted more to the story. I think young readers might have difficulty understanding the theme of the story.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are beautiful and full of whimsy, but this needed more backstory and character development to fully land. This is a book to read for the art, not the story.

[Juli Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expressive illustrations somewhat undercut by vague text.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet book that lacks dimension. Nice pictures.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful and whimsical picture book about stepping out (or dancing out) of your comfort zone and letting curiosity lead you on a merry adventure. Wondering leads to discovering.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Bogdan did not like it.

[Brunette Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations but random story.

[Jeimy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Circus animals break my heart. I’m glad Doris escaped and that she found a friend.

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 1 out of 5]

Illustrations were creepy

[Cherish Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4☆ Would recommend)
Cute story about a horse who's willing to get out of her comfort zone & try something new. I like how it shows what she's feeling; whether it's fear, sadness, or joy. Cute book.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished this book thinking, "What just happened and what was the point?"