TAMLIN'S GREAT ADVENTURE

Tamlin’s wanderlust leads him to many new places and adventures.

Tamlin is a horse living an idyllic life in a beautiful grassy field where he plays all day with his human best friend, Ruby. When a bird tells him that there is more to the world, he becomes so curious that he leaves to see for himself. At first each new place seems to be “the best place in the world.” A tropical island finds him basking on sandy beaches and swimming among tropical fish. But Tamlin is lonely there and wants to explore further. In a “huge city” (unnamed but obviously New York City), there are towering buildings and hurrying, diverse, sophisticated people who never notice him. He has adventures in deserts, mountains, and vast oceans, but in the end he realizes that he wants to go home to Ruby. Simple, spare language moves the tale and expresses Tamlin’s yearnings, delights, and regrets, all narrowly avoiding cliché or self-pity. The brightly hued illustrations in varying sizes add more depth and several surprises to the proceedings. Tamlin’s voyage is by sea as a passenger on a cruise ship, and the sense of place in his visits is spot-on. Both Tamlin’s and Ruby’s moods are seen in their body language and expressions, and their reunion is pure joy. If a new adventure occurs, Tamlin knows that Ruby will be with him. Ruby’s complexion is pale, and Tamlin is a gray Appaloosa.

Imaginative and tender, with a happy, hopeful conclusion.