Growing up in Arizona, a young boy longs for his ancestral home in Connecticut, where his father's family had lived for many generations. With fond memories of having played with an antique wooden horse made by his great-grandfather, Johnny promises that same experience to his younger brother Liam, as a special Christmas gift. When the horse turns out to be missing, and all Johnny can find is a broken-down alternative, he is disappointed at not being able to keep his word. Then his father and grandfather step in, creating some Christmas magic of the familial kind...

Although familiar with author Mary Higgins Clark's adult suspense novels, I had never picked up one of her picture-books, so I wasn't sure what to expect with The Magical Christmas Horse. What I found was an emotionally involving family story and engaging holiday tale, all in one. I appreciated the way that Clark spun her story, working in not just family love at the Christmas season, but also the idea of belonging in a particular place - a "heart place." I also appreciated Wendell Minor's gouache and watercolor illustrations, which used a real house in his hometown of Washington, Connecticut for the setting, and real people (also from Washington) for the characters. Recommended to anyone looking for loving family stories set at Christmas. ( )

What a charming, beautifully illustrated book. Johnnie's father was fortunate to live in the country, on a farm, when he was young. Johnny remembers a wooden horse that he treasured when he visited his grandparents. Excited that the family is returning to the farm in New England for Christmas.

Johnny can hardly wait to show the horse to his younger brother Liam. As he climbed the attic steps, he found the wonderful trunk, and he found the horse. But, the horse was ruined and in very poor condition.

Upset that his special secret to be shared with Liam isn't possible for Christmas, Johnny was overjoyed when he walked down the stairs on Christmas morning to find the magical horse just as he remembered it was when he was young.

His father and grandfather repaired the horse and placed it under the tree for Liam. And, in order to hold fast to a tradition, Johnnie's grandfather handed him a unique wooden ornament of the farm.

This is exactly the kind of book to read at Christmas time. Sugary, hopeful with the love of family and objects that reinforce special traditions.

The Magical Christmas Horse is an amazing story about this little boy and his family who are going to Connecticut to his Grandparents house to celebrate the Christmas holiday. The little boy wants to give his little brother a special gift that is a horse but there is a problem that comes up that needs a solution. The story is a lovely book for families to read together for the holidays or for teachers to read to their students and create a story map lesson plan! This book is wonderful for children to look through and read! The illustrations really pull the reader into the story! ( )