RIDING MAGIC

A Black child overcomes a fear of horses.

Dom longs to ride like confident big sister Leah and Uncle Blue. But the horses seem so large, so intimidating—their “big bodies, big legs, and big teeth” are unsettling. While Leah rides off with Uncle Blue, Dom stays behind, watching the riders shrink till they’re “tiny as toys.” When Dom confides in Magic, the ebony horse with a coat that “shines like it’s covered with stars,” he seems to understand. That night, Dom dreams of Black riders on horseback calling the child to join them. With encouragement from the rest of the family and time spent brushing Magic’s “stardust” coat, Dom builds the courage to mount. Later, Dom imagines future rides, including riding in a Juneteenth parade. Celebrated artist Lewis renders this tender journey in watercolors that realistically capture the peaceful rural setting and the majestic horses, as well as Dom’s trepidation and growing confidence. The illustrator’s compositions include shadowy, dream-rendered spaces and sun-drenched fields. The paintings’ soft washes and glowing light create an atmosphere of warmth and safety, while Lewis’ skillful handling of Dom’s perspective—showing Dom on the ground against the landscape, then triumphant atop Magic—visually reinforces the youngster’s achievement. Lyons’ interplay of Dom’s heartbeat (“ba-bum”) with the horse’s hoofbeats (“clip-clop”) provides a satisfying rhythmic thread.

A heartening, beautifully illustrated testament to patience, trust, and burgeoning courage.