Advertisement feature
For many children, the love of horses begins long before they ever sit in the saddle. It starts with stories — tales of brave ponies, loyal companions and the kind of adventures that only seem possible when a horse is by your side.
That sense of wonder runs through Cheryl Olsten’s enchanting new book My Lucky Star, a magical story about friendship, imagination and the extraordinary bond between a young girl and her little horse.
In the book, the pair set out on a remarkable adventure that lifts them high above the everyday world. Guided by the constellation Pegasus, they soar into a sky filled with stars and possibility.
What begins as a simple journey quickly becomes something far more wondrous.
As the young girl and her horse travel through the celestial landscape, they discover that courage and belief can carry you further than you ever imagined — and that true friendship can help guide the way.
Celebrating the horse-human bond
For anyone who has watched a child fall in love with horses, the emotional core of My Lucky Star will feel very familiar.
Children can form incredibly strong connections with ponies from a young age. A horse can become a confidant, a source of courage and sometimes even a doorway into a child’s imagination.
Olsten’s story captures that relationship beautifully. The young heroine’s friendship with her horse is built on trust and companionship; the same qualities that many riders recognise from their own experiences in the saddle or around the yard.
While the book includes magical elements, its message is grounded in something very real: the idea that confidence, resilience and friendship can help young people navigate the ups and downs of life.
From pony dreams to storytelling
Cheryl Olsten brings a unique background to her writing. A former magazine publisher and passionate advocate for children’s literacy, she has dedicated much of her work to inspiring young readers through storytelling.
All of her books combine warm and positive messages about perseverance, kindness, and believing in yourself.
She is also deeply involved in philanthropic work connected to both literacy and the equestrian world. Olsten supports organisations such as BookSmiles, which donates books to children in underserved communities, and the EQUUS Foundation, which promotes the protection and welfare of horses.
Continuing a magical series
My Lucky Star follows Olsten’s earlier children’s book, Big Wishes for Little Feat. While readers who enjoyed that story will recognise the same uplifting spirit and imaginative storytelling, the new book works equally well as a standalone adventure.
Early readers have responded warmly to the story’s sense of magic and emotional honesty. One reviewer described it as:
“A magical celebration of friendship and courage that captures the spirit of every child who has ever dreamed of riding toward the stars.”
Why horse stories matter
Stories about horses have, of course, always held a special place in children’s literature. From classic pony adventures to modern tales of riding and friendship, these stories help young readers explore themes of responsibility, resilience, and empathy.
For many children, a horse becomes far more than ‘just’ an animal. It represents independence, adventure, and emotional connection.
That’s why books like My Lucky Star resonate so strongly. They reflect how children often experience horses as loyal companions who help them discover courage and confidence within themselves.
A story to share
Whether read at bedtime or enjoyed independently by young readers, My Lucky Star is a gentle reminder that dreams — no matter how big they seem — are always worth chasing.
And sometimes, with a little imagination and the help of a very special horse, those dreams might just carry you all the way to the stars…
My Lucky Star by Cheryl Olsten is available now from major retailers and online booksellers.
