Actress and equestrian Beth Behrs and her mother, longtime educator Maureen Behrs, celebrate the joyful spirit of horse girls in this uplifting picture book.
Do you want to be a horse girl? Guess what—you don't have to have a horse or even be a girl. Anyone can be a horse girl. You only have to promise to be exactly who you are.
Horse girls are more than girls who love horses . . .
They are tough and tender leaders who slosh through mud and dance with falling leaves. They recognize the beauty in being different and know when to say, “No, thank you,” even if their voices tremble and their legs wobble. Most of all, horse girls pay attention and listen with their hearts.
Beth Behrs, cohost of the Horse Person podcast, and her mother, longtime educator Maureen Behrs, invite readers into a magical world where friendship takes many forms and courage grows one brave step at a time. With warm artwork and energetic text, The Secret Magic of Horse Girls pays tribute to the empathy and sense of belonging found at the barn.
- A CELEBRATION OF HORSE-LOVING KIDS: This affirming story captures the special bond between children and horses—and the joy, responsibility, and community enjoyed by horse girls everywhere.
- EMPOWERING THEMES: Young readers discover that strength can mean trying again after a setback, offering patient care to another living being, or having the confidence to be fully themselves with the help of very big friends.
- AN INCLUSIVE VIEW OF THE EQUESTRIAN WORLD: Children, horses, and riding disciplines of many kinds reflect the wide-ranging experiences and traditions that bring horse lovers together.
- DRAWN FROM A LIFELONG LOVE OF HORSES: Beth Behrs brings firsthand experience and genuine affection to this celebration of horse girl life and the healing power of horses.
- COWRITTEN BY AN EXPERIENCED EDUCATOR: Retired first-grade teacher Maureen Behrs contributes a deep understanding of young readers and the messages that help them thrive.
- A SPECIAL GIFT FOR HORSE LOVERS: A wonderful choice for riders, pony enthusiasts, equestrian families, and children learning to embrace their uniqueness.
Beth Behrs is an actress, writer, and lifelong horse girl who believes in the magic of storytelling. Best known for her roles on the hit TV series 2 Broke Girls and The Neighborhood, Beth has spent most of her career on stage and screen. Off-screen, she is also an advocate for children's literacy (thanks to her mother, Maureen), regenerative agriculture, and the healing power of horses. When she is not acting or writing, she can likely be found at the barn, designing cowboy boots, or curled up with her daughter, Emma George, and a good book.
Maureen Behrs is a retired first-grade teacher who spent nearly forty years nurturing young minds and fostering a love of reading. Known for her warmth, patience, and dedication to early literacy, she now shares stories with her granddaughter and with children at local libraries. Through both classic tales and new adventures, Maureen continues to inspire the next generation of readers.
Romina Galotta is an Argentinean illustrator influenced by classic films, long walks in nature, and antique treasure hunts. She enjoys working with gouache, watercolor, and pencil, and she loves to infuse her illustrations with nostalgic warmth and joy. She illustrated Dear Librarian, Harriet's Ruffled Feathers, and Squawk of Spanish, among other picture books. Visit her at rominagalotta.com.