The Horse Dreamer by Holly Surplice
£12.99
Signed Copy
Beautifully written and illustrated by Holly Surplice
Description
The Horse Dreamer
Written and Illustrated by Holly Surplice
Published by Chicken House – 9th October 2025
Hardback
Ages 9+
A stunning, hopeful and poignant animal story, written and illustrated by the incredibly talented Holly Surplice.
A perfect Christmas gift for readers aged 9 and up, with all the makings of a modern classic.
The horse arrives in the storm, when Merryn needs him most, following the loss of her father. Sorrel is a dreamlike creature, seemingly made from the woods and the sea. Perhaps she wished him into existence.
He becomes her friend and confidant. Throughout the summer and autumn, they ride and play, but as Christmas approaches, it will require all of Merryn’s new-found strength to help her mum and her sisters heal too.
The story explores themes of grief, family and healing in an accessible way for young readers.
Publishing as a beautiful, jacketed hardback with blue ink interior printing, THE HORSE DREAMER will make the perfect gift to be cherished for years to come.
HOLLY SURPLICE lives in the beautiful Outer Hebrides with her three children, Painter and Pencil the dogs, and a collection of other furry and feathered family. Island life inspires both her written and illustrative work but many of her stories come from observing the animals around her and remembering her farming childhood. Holly studied illustration at Edinburgh College of Art, with her first picture book acquired by Walker Books during her degree show. Holly’s books are full of heart, with meaningful writing and expressive illustration.
Follow her on Instagram @HollySurplice and find out more here hollysurplice.co.uk
Megan Macdonald –
I have had the pleasure of reading the Horse Dreamer and what an absolute exquisite book! It is just so beautifully written and a joy to read. A real treasure that explores grief, healing and the power of imagination. The illustrations are perfectly situated to give pause while reading and to dream your own dreams. Megan
Mrs Delia Job –
Horse Dreamer is the kind of book that remains with you long after you finish the last page. It is beautifully written and the illustrations are Stunning! I always flick through a picture book first and I was captivated by the images and then couldn’t wait to read the text!
The story is so powerful and deals with topics that are rarely explored. The description of Depression and Grief feel so authentic and full of understanding and described in such an empathetic way. But it is a very positive journey that allows the reader to resonate with the story and feel a connection with the characters. The illustrations give pause and powerful reinforcement to feelings that can be hard to decipher.
The story made me cry.
And I totally LOVED IT!!
Rebecca Allan –
I can’t rave about this book enough! It is a beautifully written story that follows a young girl as she learns to navigate the deep loss of her father, finding comfort and strength through the magical Storm Horse. The breathtaking illustrations on every page don’t just accompany the story – they carry you into its world, making you feel part of the journey. Both moving and uplifting, it’s a story that lingers in your heart long after the final page. It is a true treasure for both children and adults and I can’t wait to read it to my Year 5/6 Class!
Lucy Gavrilovic –
The Storm Horse is a rare treasure, The illustrations completely capture the poignancy of the authors storytelling for the reader to be pulled further into the magic that is this beautiful book. The emotional depth of the story pulls you along on Merryns journey and this stays with you long after you turn the last page, You will want to read this again and again even as an adult!
We all need a Storm Horse at some point in our lives. I love this book!