Children's Picture Book Review

The No More Night Mares
by Dawn Van Zandt
ISBN-10: 0976176815
Review by Heather Froeschl

In honor of the once great herds of wild horses, the legend of Comet, Moonbeam and Lucky Stars – the night mares, is born. For all the magic and wonder that the herds instill in our hearts, the essence of the night mares shines down from the midnight sky granting wishes from the stars.

The beautifully illustrated, magical book, “The No More Night Mares,” is an inspiration – but more than that, it is a dream weaver, a mind-expanding myth, and a mystical tale of moral guidance and love. What child doesn’t dream of horses or wish upon a star?

Eclipse is the fastest and strongest stallion in his territory. He is the leader of his herd and is blessed by the protection of the night. He moves his herd of females and foals through the fog and darkness so that their greatest danger, man, does not detect them. Having been captured as a foal with his mother, Eclipse’s escape has made him very wise. One night though, even he is unaware of lurking danger.

A friendly rival, Golden Earth, races to warn Eclipse of an approaching herd of two-legged hunters. Dividing the herd, sending the slowest of his mares and the foals to safety with Golden Earth, Eclipse gathers his fastest mares to draw the humans away. What happens next is the stuff legends are made of. The mares become guiding lights forever more.

Creating a legend is not easy, but Wild Heart Ranch, with author Dawn Van Zandt and illustrator Kim McElroy have done so, inspiringly. Appealing to horse lovers of all ages, and anyone who gazes at the stars in wonder, “The No More Night Mares” is a book to be treasured.