The Horse Who Wanted to Fly by Pamela Kleibrink Thompson, illustrated by Melissa Bailey, is an inspiring picture book that tells the story of Charlie, a spirited horse with an extraordinary dream. Living on an ordinary ranch, Charlie believes he can fly, despite others insisting that horses are meant only for work.
Charlie’s journey unfolds as he transitions from a humble workhorse to a celebrated racehorse owned by Leland Stanford, the founder of Stanford University. To settle a debate about equine movement, Stanford commissions photographer Eadweard Muybridge to capture Charlie in motion. The resulting high-speed photograph reveals Charlie with all four hooves off the ground, effectively “flying” and proving his belief true.
This 32-page book, suitable for children aged 3 to 8, combines a compelling narrative with vibrant illustrations. It conveys themes of resilience, self-confidence, and the importance of believing in oneself, encouraging young readers to pursue their dreams despite skepticism from others.
The Horse Who Wanted to Fly has received accolades such as the 2024 EQUUS Literary Corral Winnie Award and was a finalist for the 2025 Best Western Children’s Picture Book by the Western Writers of America.
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