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The Starlight Stables Gang
Fans of Clare Balding and Jacqueline Wilson will love this fun and heartwarming new adventure series for animal-mad 8-12 year olds from superstar equestrian influencer Esme Higgs!Summer has always loved horses but she never thought she'd be able to learn how to ride them - not with money being so tight at home. Then she discovers the Starlight Stables where she meets a new gang of friends and learns how to ride in return for helping-out with the horses. It's a dream come true!Summer falls in love with life at the stables and especially with Luna, a beautiful dapple-grey pony. But one day, Summer arrives at the stables to find that Luna has been stolen in the night. It's up to the Starlight Stables Gang to follow the clues and rescue Luna before it's too late! Full of fun, friendship and and mystery, this is the first book in the brand-new Starlight Stables Gang series. Beautifully illustrated by Hannah George.
- GenresMiddle Grade
304 pages, Paperback
Published March 30, 2023
18 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 5, 2023
I received a gifted advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Kaleidoscopic book tours.
The Starlight Stables Gang is a new children's chapter book series for ages 9-12 years, and this book has left my 10 year old daughter and I pining for the next book in the series. The characters and horses in this book are just so sweet and likeable!
Eleven year old Summer has recently moved home and started at a new school. Summer doesn't know anyone there, and you can connect with how lonely she is. When she befriends a girl called Jessie, the pair connect straight away over their love of horses, and Jessie takes Summer to the Starlight Stables, which is where the book takes flight.
My daughter loved every second of this book - she too would love horse riding lessons, but with the cost of living, we just can't stretch to this. This series will definitely appeal to any horse and pony lover, and many children will be able to connect with the characters in this book. We definitely can't wait for book 2!
The Starlight Stables Gang is a new children's chapter book series for ages 9-12 years, and this book has left my 10 year old daughter and I pining for the next book in the series. The characters and horses in this book are just so sweet and likeable!
Eleven year old Summer has recently moved home and started at a new school. Summer doesn't know anyone there, and you can connect with how lonely she is. When she befriends a girl called Jessie, the pair connect straight away over their love of horses, and Jessie takes Summer to the Starlight Stables, which is where the book takes flight.
My daughter loved every second of this book - she too would love horse riding lessons, but with the cost of living, we just can't stretch to this. This series will definitely appeal to any horse and pony lover, and many children will be able to connect with the characters in this book. We definitely can't wait for book 2!
April 17, 2023
When I was younger I used to love reading the chestnut hill books as I loved horses. This one definitely reminded me of being younger and staying up late to read those books. This would be perfect for any young girls who love ponies and dream of having their own one day! I loved how all of the technical vocab was explained in an easy to understand way that didn’t interrupt the story, as well as having a great storyline and some seriously cute kittens!
Summer has always loved horses but she never thought she'd be able to learn how to ride them - not with money being so tight at home. Then she discovers the Starlight Stables where she meets a new gang of friends and learns how to ride in return for helping-out with the horses. It's a dream come true!
Summer falls in love with life at the stables and especially with Luna, a beautiful dapple-grey pony. But one day, Summer arrives at the stables to find that Luna has been stolen in the night. It's up to the Starlight Stables Gang to follow the clues and rescue Luna before it's too late.
(Thanks to Net Galley for this Book).
Summer has always loved horses but she never thought she'd be able to learn how to ride them - not with money being so tight at home. Then she discovers the Starlight Stables where she meets a new gang of friends and learns how to ride in return for helping-out with the horses. It's a dream come true!
Summer falls in love with life at the stables and especially with Luna, a beautiful dapple-grey pony. But one day, Summer arrives at the stables to find that Luna has been stolen in the night. It's up to the Starlight Stables Gang to follow the clues and rescue Luna before it's too late.
(Thanks to Net Galley for this Book).
March 9, 2023
My daughter read this the fastest she has ever read book. She devoured it and loved the whole book.
She is a horse rider herself and i think if she could just live in a stable forever with horses around her then she most definitely would so this book was absolutely perfection for her.
She has been watching Esme on youtube for a little while now so she was super excited to learn that Esme played a part in the creation of this book.
We will be buying this as a hardcopy when its released and we will look forward to hopefully more books in the future.
She is a horse rider herself and i think if she could just live in a stable forever with horses around her then she most definitely would so this book was absolutely perfection for her.
She has been watching Esme on youtube for a little while now so she was super excited to learn that Esme played a part in the creation of this book.
We will be buying this as a hardcopy when its released and we will look forward to hopefully more books in the future.
March 31, 2023
One of the most heartwarming, inclusive and well written pony books I have ever read.
This is the right way for a celebrity to approach Children’s Publishing and I’m delighted that Jo Cotterill, a fabulous writer, has been jointly credited with Esme Higgs, with the books creation. The illustrations by Hannah George are perfect too.
If you’re a horse lover then you’ll adore this story, no matter what age you are.
This is the right way for a celebrity to approach Children’s Publishing and I’m delighted that Jo Cotterill, a fabulous writer, has been jointly credited with Esme Higgs, with the books creation. The illustrations by Hannah George are perfect too.
If you’re a horse lover then you’ll adore this story, no matter what age you are.
August 6, 2023
AMAZING!!!!
March 10, 2024
I wasn’t sure what to rate this book to be honest. I enjoyed it and even smiled at some parts nearer to the end but the story line wasn’t the most exciting. I felt like it needed a twist or something shocking that happened as the person who stole Luna was the one that the characters thought it was which we found out pretty early on in the story (i think my expectations are to high from reading too many thrillers 😉 However i thought this was a lovely “fluffy” book to read and i will be looking out for more of the series- book 2&3!!
3.5 ⭐️
3.5 ⭐️
December 26, 2024
I loved this book I would recommend for pony lovers
March 4, 2023
This is a lovely start to a series, The Starlight Stables Gang is ideal reading for children age 9-12, especially those who love stories about ponies, riding, friendships and mystery.
It tells the story of Summer an 11 year old who has recently moved to a new home with her dad, starts a new school halfway through the year without knowing anyone. The one thing that Summer loves beyond all else is anything to do with horses and ponies, she would love to learn to ride but she knows that her dad can’t afford lessons. Summer makes friends at school with Jessie who takes her to the Starlight Stables to help out with the ponies. It is the start of new friendships for Summer and all fun she gets from living her dream.
This is a well written story with well drawn characters, the children are believable and the adults don’t dominate but are there when needed. A lovely book and I look forward to reading more in this series.
It tells the story of Summer an 11 year old who has recently moved to a new home with her dad, starts a new school halfway through the year without knowing anyone. The one thing that Summer loves beyond all else is anything to do with horses and ponies, she would love to learn to ride but she knows that her dad can’t afford lessons. Summer makes friends at school with Jessie who takes her to the Starlight Stables to help out with the ponies. It is the start of new friendships for Summer and all fun she gets from living her dream.
This is a well written story with well drawn characters, the children are believable and the adults don’t dominate but are there when needed. A lovely book and I look forward to reading more in this series.
September 26, 2022
Even tho I haven’t read this book yet I love your channel esme and I need to to make this a series pls! I’ve been having trouble finding good books to read!
April 6, 2023
The Starlight Stables Gang
By Esme Higgs and Jo Cotterill
Illustrated by Hannah George
Review:
I was intrigued by this book from the off set. We have recently got in to reading books about horses and unicorns but this sound like it had something else. A good mystery. (I’m a fan of cozy crime and real life crime - so this sounded like it had something for both Little Bookworm and myself)
I am also a big fan of Jo Cotterill so was sure this book would be amazing.
We were not disappointed- Esme and Jo have created a story that builds on relationships, has the homely comfort of horse books but with the added adventure and danger of a theft.
I really like that they have not hidden away from ‘real’ characters that readers can relate to. I always wanted to ride (still do) but money was (and still is an issue). I like that the book addresses this in a way that is not judgemental but highlights that not everyone is as fortunate. In the same way the book address the role of young caregivers, families with strained relationships and absent parents for different reasons.
The characters are great and so well written. I think Daniel was our favourite because he is mis understood at first but realises that he’s not alone and how much others are there for him when he lets them in. I also love the friendship between Jessie and Summer. Nothing is going to come between them.
The story builds well throughout and has a really good pace. Things definitely pick up towards the end and there was an element of danger that I hadn’t anticipated but worked so well.
By Esme Higgs and Jo Cotterill
Illustrated by Hannah George
Review:
I was intrigued by this book from the off set. We have recently got in to reading books about horses and unicorns but this sound like it had something else. A good mystery. (I’m a fan of cozy crime and real life crime - so this sounded like it had something for both Little Bookworm and myself)
I am also a big fan of Jo Cotterill so was sure this book would be amazing.
We were not disappointed- Esme and Jo have created a story that builds on relationships, has the homely comfort of horse books but with the added adventure and danger of a theft.
I really like that they have not hidden away from ‘real’ characters that readers can relate to. I always wanted to ride (still do) but money was (and still is an issue). I like that the book addresses this in a way that is not judgemental but highlights that not everyone is as fortunate. In the same way the book address the role of young caregivers, families with strained relationships and absent parents for different reasons.
The characters are great and so well written. I think Daniel was our favourite because he is mis understood at first but realises that he’s not alone and how much others are there for him when he lets them in. I also love the friendship between Jessie and Summer. Nothing is going to come between them.
The story builds well throughout and has a really good pace. Things definitely pick up towards the end and there was an element of danger that I hadn’t anticipated but worked so well.
June 24, 2023
The Starlight Stables Gang is written from the point of view of Summer, a young girl who lives in a flat with her dad. She has Dyslexia so struggles with reading and we know that her mum isn't around but don't know why. When Summer meets Jessie and starts going to Starlight Stables her life takes an upturn. The characters are really well written with sensitivity and understanding. Summer reminds me a bit of me. I love how kind all the adults are in the book. I can't wait to find out more about Daniel as I think he may have hidden depths!
The book tackles a range of issues including mental health, estranged parents and Dyslexia, in a straightforward and non-intimidating way. The chapters are short and sometimes broken up by text message exchanges and illustrations. The illustrations are gorgeous, Hannah George has done a fabulous job and I love the cover.
My daughter is only 5 and we read a chapter or two a night. We both loved the story and although some of it's a bit grown up for my little one it's accessible and engaging. It's quite exciting and Iike that there is a mystery to solve. It's very current and handles disability, poverty, family dynamics and crime. I liked the pacing and structure of the book and the ending was satisfying. I genuinely looked forward to story time and will want to read the next instalment.
The book tackles a range of issues including mental health, estranged parents and Dyslexia, in a straightforward and non-intimidating way. The chapters are short and sometimes broken up by text message exchanges and illustrations. The illustrations are gorgeous, Hannah George has done a fabulous job and I love the cover.
My daughter is only 5 and we read a chapter or two a night. We both loved the story and although some of it's a bit grown up for my little one it's accessible and engaging. It's quite exciting and Iike that there is a mystery to solve. It's very current and handles disability, poverty, family dynamics and crime. I liked the pacing and structure of the book and the ending was satisfying. I genuinely looked forward to story time and will want to read the next instalment.
July 13, 2025
wasn’t sure if this would be too young for me but while its definitely for a younger audience, i still enjoyed it and found it such a sweet series to read! definitely making my inner child happy and i really relate with the utter love these characters have for horses and how they’re happy to even do things like polishing tack and mucking out stalls because it means being around horses
absolutely adored the representation in this book (poc characters, characters who use a wheelchair and have dyslexia, stable owners are a wlw couple), the examination of class - especially in the horsing world, daniel and summers back stories. also loved that summers dad is a mental health nurse and the way he spoke about mental illness.
- “even simply testing my head against hers makes me feel… i can’t explain it. calm. at peace, like all my worries and fears have gone away”
- “how can people not believe in magic? this is magic. human and horse together”
- “when people do bad things, it doesn’t mean they are bad - you know, on the inside”
absolutely adored the representation in this book (poc characters, characters who use a wheelchair and have dyslexia, stable owners are a wlw couple), the examination of class - especially in the horsing world, daniel and summers back stories. also loved that summers dad is a mental health nurse and the way he spoke about mental illness.
- “even simply testing my head against hers makes me feel… i can’t explain it. calm. at peace, like all my worries and fears have gone away”
- “how can people not believe in magic? this is magic. human and horse together”
- “when people do bad things, it doesn’t mean they are bad - you know, on the inside”
April 6, 2023
Written by equestrian influencer, Esme Higgs, the first book of the Starlight Stables Gang takes us on an adventure with 11 year old Summer who has moved into a new house with her father. Summer’s favourite things to do is be around horses, her dream would be to ride them but unfortunately her father cannot afford the lessons.
When she starts her new school, midway through the year, she makes a new friend, Jessie. Jessie brings her along to help out with the ponies at Starlight Stables. Summer fulfils her dream of riding in exchange for helping look after the horses. She has a very special relationship with a beautiful grey pony named Luna. One day Summer arrives at the stables to find that Luna has been stolen overnight, the Starlight Stables Gang must follow the clues to find Luna in time!
Themes in the book include horses, friendships and mystery. A lovely book with relatable characters, perfect reading for animal loving children aged 8-12 with beautiful illustrations.
When she starts her new school, midway through the year, she makes a new friend, Jessie. Jessie brings her along to help out with the ponies at Starlight Stables. Summer fulfils her dream of riding in exchange for helping look after the horses. She has a very special relationship with a beautiful grey pony named Luna. One day Summer arrives at the stables to find that Luna has been stolen overnight, the Starlight Stables Gang must follow the clues to find Luna in time!
Themes in the book include horses, friendships and mystery. A lovely book with relatable characters, perfect reading for animal loving children aged 8-12 with beautiful illustrations.
September 17, 2023
Esme Higgs and Jo Cotterill’s horsey novel for readers aged 9+ (the first in a series and sweetly illustrated by Hannah George) really conveys why people love horses and suggests ways of doing it if you don’t have a lot of money without denying that it’s a privileged activity. There’s a lot of set up in terms of character and so the mystery gets pushed to one side but there’s a lot of potential here and I’d definitely read the sequel.
August 12, 2023
I think this book is incredible! I would love to spend my life riding horses and having fun at a stable with friends! This is a story has everything: a mystery, an adventure, and most importantly- a horse.
This book is horseome!!!! (Horse awesome)
This book is horseome!!!! (Horse awesome)
November 4, 2023
Loved this book despite it being aimed at a younger audience. I read it with my son who loves watching Esme on YouTube. It was well written with a great plot and a moving ending. I actually had a bit of a tear in my eye. We’ve reserved the follow up from the library!
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April 8, 2024Horsey 🐎
June 26, 2024
Absolutely loved this book, easy to read and characters that were relatable. Loved the starlight stables, a place where dreams can come true
November 12, 2024
My 8 year old daughter made me read this after she did 20 odd times and I’m not ashamed to say I cried, more than once. Lovely book!
June 14, 2025
This book is the first of the starlight stable gang series and is great for any horse lover in my opinion
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March 1, 2026I enjoyed it thoroughly
March 30, 2023
The Starlight Stables Gang is the first book in a new series primarily aimed at those in the 9-12 age bracket and will be sure to delight any young horse lovers.
Summer lives with her Dad, loves horses and makes a pretty good detective too. When her favourite horse, Luna is stolen from the stables it's down to Hannah and her new friends to find her.
The girls were all such lovely characters, realistic, friendly, polite and horse mad!
A fantastic start to a new series that's exciting, enjoyable and entertaining.
Many thanks to Kaleidoscopic Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Summer lives with her Dad, loves horses and makes a pretty good detective too. When her favourite horse, Luna is stolen from the stables it's down to Hannah and her new friends to find her.
The girls were all such lovely characters, realistic, friendly, polite and horse mad!
A fantastic start to a new series that's exciting, enjoyable and entertaining.
Many thanks to Kaleidoscopic Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 9, 2023
Pony mad children between the ages of eight and twelve are going to absolutely love The Starlight Stables Gang and not just because it the first instalment in what promise to be a very exciting new series, but it truly is a great book. I am not pony mad, nor am I in that age bracket and I thought it was brilliant! Esme Higgs is one of the book’s authors and she may be known to some as the superstar equestrian influencer, she is supported in the writing by Jo Cotterill, renowned children’s author and the illustrations are contributed by Hannah George. Encompassing so many themes including inclusion and friendship yet with a strong sense of adventure at its heart this a book that animal lovers will be certain to fall in love with.
Summer is lover of horses, but she and her dad are not exactly in a position to be able to afford riding lessons for Summer. Dad works long hours to look after them both so Summer contents herself with daily walks to school the long way round so that she can spend time the pony she has named Pebbles. An overheard conversation at school brings her into contact with Jessie and by extension the Starlight Stables, its ponies and whole new group of friends. Not only does Summer suddenly have the opportunity to learn to ride, work with the horses and make friends but she soon finds herself immersed in the rescue of her beautiful pony.
Summer is lover of horses, but she and her dad are not exactly in a position to be able to afford riding lessons for Summer. Dad works long hours to look after them both so Summer contents herself with daily walks to school the long way round so that she can spend time the pony she has named Pebbles. An overheard conversation at school brings her into contact with Jessie and by extension the Starlight Stables, its ponies and whole new group of friends. Not only does Summer suddenly have the opportunity to learn to ride, work with the horses and make friends but she soon finds herself immersed in the rescue of her beautiful pony.
June 10, 2024
Finished it in 9 days! For me is a really quick time to finish a book. It was amazing and the only reason it’s not 5 stars was I think the ending was a little bit obvious but other than that one of the best books I have read all year!! Amazing work Esme xx
January 5, 2024
ESME YOUR BOOKS ARE THE BEST I CAN'T Wait TO GET THE SECOND ONE FOR MY BIRTHDAY I A FEW DAYS TIME I Went Out riding today my horse kept eating so I could not ask him to walk on or trot lol 🐴🖤🤣🤣🤣😅😅😅😅😝
July 7, 2024
Really good book to read! Recommend for people who like mystery’s and drama! Hope you all enjoy the book!
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April 5, 2026Love the book and author/youtuber!
Excited to read book 2!!!
Excited to read book 2!!!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews