Meet Kirby: The Horse Who Dared to Dream [+ a free activity]

I have always believed that a book can be a safe place.

A place to find the silly. To share a laugh. To sit next to your kid at the end of a long day and just giggle together for a few minutes before the lights go out.

That is why I write. And that is exactly the kind of book Kirby is.

—

Every morning, Kirby clip-clops the same streets.

Past the same buildings. Past the same pigeons. Pulling the same carriage through the busy city. And every morning, he wonders, “What if I could see something exciting?”

Then one day, he smells something sweet. His tummy starts to gurgle. And just like that, the adventure begins.

What follows involves roses, a river, a mountain, a very well-timed nap, and a field of Kentucky bluegrass. It involves a cardinal with very specific opinions about hats, and a promise Kirby makes before he has any idea how he is going to keep it. It involves a plan that should not work, a racetrack that is much louder than expected, and a finish line Kirby crosses for reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with winning.

And then there are the roses in the winner’s circle.

Crunch. Munch. Munch.

Kirby Runs the Derby is for the kid who loves to laugh. For the child who needs a book they actually want to open. For the little hearts in your life who are ready for a story that lets them giggle and grow.

Kirby is currently on submission to publishers and not on shelves quite yet. But he is on his way. And while we wait, I made something for your kids to enjoy right now.

A free activity guide, just for them.

The What’s Your Big Dream Activity Guide is six pages of fun for kids ages 4 to 8. Inside, you will find a Meet Kirby page, a Draw Your Big Dream page with space to draw and write, a Design Kirby’s Derby Hat coloring page, and Kirby’s Dream Word Search. Completely free and ready to print.

Perfect for a rainy afternoon, a homeschool activity, a read-aloud follow-up, or just a Tuesday when you need something good to do together.

Grab your copy below and come back when Kirby hits shelves.

I hope it makes them giggle. And I hope it makes them want to read.