The Horse Dreamer (HB)

Author: Holly Surplice

Reading age: from c 9 years

Published on 9 October 2025 by Chicken House Ltd in the United Kingdom.

The horse arrives in the storm, when Merryn needs

him most ... 

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR READERS AGED 9 AND UP 

'Tender and poignant, with dynamic blue-and-white illustrations,

it’s a gorgeous, hopeful story for 9+.' THE

GUARDIAN

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.

A perfect Christmas gift for readers aged 9 and up; all

the makings of a modern classic.

Stunningly presented: a fully illustrated, beautiful

jacketed hardback with blue ink interior printing

Explores themes of grief, family and healing in an accessible

way for young readers.

For readers of Charlie Mackesy's The Boy, the

Mole, the Fox and the Horse, or Jackie Morris and Robert MacFarlane's The

Lost Words and The Lost Spells