Book Review of Wishes & Whinnies: Tyler’s Dream
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The Children’s Book Review
What to Expect: Therapeutic horsemanship, cerebral palsy, determination, dreams, perseverance.
Written by an author with 18 years of experience with therapeutic horsemanship, this story is about hope, resilience, and thinking outside the box to follow your passions.
There is nothing Tyler loves more than horses, but because he has cerebral palsy, Tyler doesn’t think horse riding is something he’ll ever be able to do. Then he comes across something wonderful—an advertisement for therapeutic riding! After being cleared by his medical team, Tyler can start riding, and the happiness it brings him is immeasurable; the horses seem to love Tyler as much as he loves them. But when he has another seizure, he’s told he won’t be able to ride for a whole year. In despair, he tells his sister to get rid of his beloved horse models, magazines, and pictures, sure that his dream is out of reach forever. But then, he has a fantastic idea—something that can help him and other children like him ride again … just not in the way they thought!
Tyler’s disability is presented with sensitivity and knowledge, and his determination and self-confidence will inspire any reader who wonders if they’ll be able to follow their dreams. In addition to offering inspiration, the story provides instruction on how therapeutic riding works and what readers can expect if they try it for themselves. Cheerful illustrations complement the uplifting tone of the story, while the short sentences and emphasis on dialogue help to support developing readers.
Wishes & Whinnies: Tyler’s Dream is a fantastic story for any reader who needs some reassurance that disability does not need to mean inability.
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About the Author
Mary Aggas draws upon her 18 years of volunteering at an equine therapeutic riding center in Arizona to write Tyler’s story. The Certified Horsemanship Association certifies her as an instructor of riders with disabilities. She is also a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Riding, International.
She cherishes her time working with special needs riders on the “big” horses and coordinates a program using miniature horses and donkeys to bring joy and fun to special education classes in schools and senior living facilities. She loves hanging out with horses and finds mucking stalls therapeutic!
Mary has written this picture book with the hope it will find its way into the hands of children and their families who can benefit from learning about this valuable form of therapy.
For more information, visit maryaggas.com.
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