Reviews

My Champion - Four stars (out of Five)
Tess is in love with horses and dreams. On the days that she is allowed to ride one of the work horses from her family’s farm, Tess rides out to her special place by the sea. With her faithful companion, Star, she gathers driftwood and builds a shelter there. Tess collects treasures of special shells, fishing nets, and old shoelaces. One day when Tess visits, she discovers an old orange crate with the word “Valencia” on it, and so her shelter becomes Valencia. The eagle soaring above watches over Star and his human companion and tries to talk with the old horse. One day, Tess notices that her bracelet of shells is missing and in its place is a bracelet with a crystal heart. Perhaps the young girl who lives above the cliff has found her treasure spot and has come down to play.

Through her beautiful illustrations, the author introduces her characters to the reader. Along the way, the reader learns to dream about things to come just as Tess dreams of riding on a champion horse winning prizes before a cheering crowd of spectators. Although the text is lengthy for a picture book, it is an excellent read-aloud story to be shared between adults and young readers. The accompanying CD presents a reading of original poetry by John McCutcheon, with narration of the story by Ernest Pugh and original music and sound effects by Alan Boyne. Young readers will enjoy this book at various levels of understanding, first as a simple story of a girl and her horse, then as a story of accomplishment and pride.

- Joyce Rice, ForeWord CLARION Reviews

This is a beautifully written and beautifully illustrated book for children and grownups alike. The inspirational story captures the sense of self-worth.. Two friends, a girl and her horse, each want more from life and each grows to find that the true self is the worthy self. The marvelous majesty of the draft horse named Star and the freedom-loving child, Tess, fills the reader's heart with optimism and joy. The bravery and the honesty of this book can not be denied. This is a story book that will be loved by families and children for decades, with one generation passing it on to the next. I would like to see it nominated for the Newbery Medal. ~~ RD Larson

"First-time author and illustrator, Susan Carnes, has crafted a refreshingly honest and tender story of a lonely young girl and her horse searching for, and finding, their indentities in a small island community. Carnes´ rich, colorful illustrations weave together the story with her own obvious profound passion for our natural environment. Upbeat and inspiring, this books speaks to young girls everywhere with kindness and understanding."
- Maureen Dietrich Editor Pacific Pearl Magazine

"When I read "MY CHAMPION" to my granddaughter, it brought back fond memories of growing up on San Juan Island in Washington State, which is truly a special place in paradise. This story will certainly be of support to those young girls who, at times, feel alone and lack confidence in this somewhat fast paced and competitive society. The importance of caring relationships with others, including animals, is emphasized in the story. I was captivated by the references to the beautiful and fragile environment in which we live. The outstanding illustrations would inspire readers of all ages. It is obvious a great deal of thought regarding the many facets of young pre-teen girls has gone into the writing of this story. I would definitely recommend this book as a must in our school and public libraries as we seek wholesome and thought-provoking material for our young readers."
- Dr. Ronald Guard Crawford BS - Washington State University MS - University of Washington Med - Columbia University EdD - Columbia University
Thirty years experience as an educator, including fifteen years as a Superintendent of Schools.

"My Champion is a masterpiece! The narrative and illustrations work together to produce, at one level, an engaging tale of a little girl and an old work horse who feel excluded from those around them but then, thanks to their bravery, become heroes of those who excluded them. At another level, this book is a reflection into the fragile self-esteem of the human psyche. This book will definitely occupy a place of prominence in my home library as well as in my school library. "
- Roger Ted Johnson, Principal Alessandro Volta Elementary School – Chicago

"As an artist, a mother of daughters, and a long time islander, I have experienced the power of the Salish Sea environment to teach many wise lessons. Susan Carnes captures the poetic wonder of a young girls growth towards self confidence and maturity. “My Champion” through its narrative story and accompaning magical illustrations , draws readers young and old into a tale of the power of dreams to create anew reality full of promise. . "
- Sherry Smith Bell Artist , educator Director, Blue Sky Press

"I have watched My Champion grow from a few beautiful pictures and a mystical story to a full-fledged book of magic proportions. Inspired by memories of her childhood, Sue Carnes has given us a book that will enthrall children the world over and give them a belief in miracles."
- Ethel Stockton Author of the Annaliz series