Kelly Collier

Steve the Horse returns in this second entertaining picture-book adventure, following upon his debut in A Horse Named Steve. In this tale, Steve, who always wins the forest's annual race-a-thon, is surprised to discover that the rules have been changed, and that this year it will be a relay race. He is even more surprised to learn that his teammates will be Duck, Turtle and Snail. What's a winning-obsessed horse to do? Become a great coach, and get his slowpoke companions to speed up, any show more way they can. Things seem to be going his way on race-day, until overconfidence leads to an upset...

I enjoyed Canadian author/illustrator Kelly Collier's earlier story about her equine hero, finding it heartwarming and entertaining, although not particularly funny. As mentioned in my review of that book, humor is very idiosyncratic, and my funny-bone can be difficult to reach. That said, I actually found myself chuckling aloud on a number of occasions, while reading Team Steve. The story is amusing, and the artwork droll. I particularly liked the tolerance and compassion demonstrated by Duck, Turtle and Snail, in the face of Steve's peccadilloes. The final page, on which Steve photobombs the snapshot of the race winners finishes the book on a hilarious note. Recommended to anyone who enjoyed the first story about Steve, and to anyone looking for children's stories about teamwork, competitiveness, and good sportsmanship. show less

Beverley is so excited to be a host...to PEOPLE GUESTS! But the family who comes to stay in the house is horrified by Beverley's brand of hospitality (even the dog, who vomits on the floor in reaction to the "eau de rotten eggs" Beverley spritzes around). The people flee, but to Beverley's glee, nearby critters - raccoons, possums, etc. - come to visit! A funny, spooky read.

Steve the horse longs to be extraordinary in this entertaining picture-book from Canadian author/illustrator Kelly Collier, hitting upon the perfect strategy when he finds a golden horn lying on the ground. Securing the horn to his head (or so he thinks), he parades himself before his friends, never noticing when his new headpiece slides from his head, and ends up hanging around his neck. When he does discover that the horn is missing (or so he thinks), he is distraught - without the horn, show more how can he demonstrate to others how special he is?

Fortunately for our equine hero, his imitative friends provide the answer - soon Steve is the only animal around without something attached to head, making him stand out again! - and the book concludes happily. A sweet and slightly quirky book, Steve the Horse is one of those comical titles whose humor isn't quite in sync with mine - humor is extremely idiosyncratic, I find, and my funny-bone can be hard to locate - but which nevertheless strikes me as entertaining. The artwork, done in ink and watercolor, and finished digitally, is likewise quirky and somewhat sweet. This appears to be Kelly Collier's debut, so although I wouldn't describe it as a favorite, of the recent picture-books I have read, I do think it deserves praise. Recommended to anyone looking for humorous picture-books, or children's stories addressing the theme of wanting to be unique and special. show less

Steve the horse is nothing but sure of himself. Without checking anything out, he decides that a balloon is actually a red egg. His friends advise him to check it out — but oh, no! Steve has as much self-assurance as he does ignorance. (If Steve reminds you of someone else, I don’t know if that’s a coincidence or not. Steve, however, is a bit smarter and not cruel at all.)

I had not read the first in this series, but it would work as a stand-alone. Kids will probably love this book, I show more found dealing with Steve to be exhausting. (Again, don’t know if that’s coincidence or to be expected.)

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Kids Can Press in exchange for an honest review. show less