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Out of the Valley of Horses
The valley of horses has been a safe haven for Honey and her family for seven peaceful years, but this seemingly perfect valley has also become their prison. Trapped by a mysterious magic, and fearing for her father’s life, Honey is determined to find a way out of the valley of horses. The valley of horses is the only true place Honey remembers since her family stumbled upon it in their converted ice cream truck while escaping from the rest of the world, and the illnesses that was spreading there. Honey’s parents, her brother Rumi, and her NanNan become self-sufficient, living off the land and sharing the valley with mystical horses who seem to have a wisdom of their own. But there is a magic in the valley that prevents Honey and her family from ever leaving. When Honey suspects her father has become ill, Honey knows she must find a way to escape the valley to find help from a world she only knows about through stories.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2023
4 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Orr
63 books209 followersI’m an author, but I could never have started writing books if I hadn’t loved reading them first. Reading isn’t just one of my favourite things to do; it’s one of the most important things in my life. I can’t imagine a world in which I couldn’t read, every day. That’s why I always read to my children every day, just as my parents used to read to me. Stories can be exciting, sad, funny, scary or comforting, but the most amazing thing about them is that they take us into new worlds and teach us something more about ourselves, all at the same time.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 23, 2023
Honey and the Valley of Horses is a delightful, enchanting, quite mystical tale from Aussie author Wendy Orr, which I loved.
Honey, at only four years old, and her baby brother, six month old Rumi, were bundled into their icecream van, which had been converted to a camper van, along side Mumma, Papa and NanNan, and they'd headed off. Driving for a long time, not sure where they were going, but getting away from the sickness their world had been engulfed in, they came upon a mountain with a bridge over the river. On a whim, they drove over the bridge and into a valley - and their lives changed.
Magical horses surrounded their idyllic spot, where the camper van parked under a large mango tree, keeping the summer sun from scorching them all. They were completely self sufficient, with the seeds from the fruit and vegetables they'd brought with them, growing into a lush and satisfying garden. Moongold had been drawn to Honey and daily she rode him, while Rumi, once he was big enough, rode Lightning. Soon, it would be seven years that they had been in the valley of the horses - would it be time to leave and return to the outside world?
I was captivated by this story, which would suit children approximately 8-12 years of age. And of course anyone else who wanted to immerse themselves into the magic of the valley of the horses. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Honey, at only four years old, and her baby brother, six month old Rumi, were bundled into their icecream van, which had been converted to a camper van, along side Mumma, Papa and NanNan, and they'd headed off. Driving for a long time, not sure where they were going, but getting away from the sickness their world had been engulfed in, they came upon a mountain with a bridge over the river. On a whim, they drove over the bridge and into a valley - and their lives changed.
Magical horses surrounded their idyllic spot, where the camper van parked under a large mango tree, keeping the summer sun from scorching them all. They were completely self sufficient, with the seeds from the fruit and vegetables they'd brought with them, growing into a lush and satisfying garden. Moongold had been drawn to Honey and daily she rode him, while Rumi, once he was big enough, rode Lightning. Soon, it would be seven years that they had been in the valley of the horses - would it be time to leave and return to the outside world?
I was captivated by this story, which would suit children approximately 8-12 years of age. And of course anyone else who wanted to immerse themselves into the magic of the valley of the horses. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2024
Honey and her family went on a road trip and discovered a hidden valley where a herd of wild horses live. Once they cross the river to enter the valley, they can never find the bridge again, and must live in the valley for the next seven years. Honey and her little brother, Rumi, grow up riding the wild horses, planting crops and fishing for food, and enjoying an idyllic life of peace. But when danger threatens their family, Honey must trust the horses to show them the way out of the valley when the time is right.
This book is like a dream world of enchantment. The writing feels like a reverie in the way it flows along taking the reader for a journey into dreamland. The magic of the valley is never explained. You just have to accept that this is the way things are with mystic horses in an enchanted valley.
I loved the descriptions of how Honey's family survived for seven years in the valley. They have very cleverly used every resource that is available to them to plant crops and harvest fruit. They reuse every scrap of fabric and thread for their clothing. They even use plant fibers to create their own string and rope.
I loved the characters and their quirky ways. They have adapted to life in the valley and they have their own ways of talking and behaving. The children are especially innocent, but intelligent in unique ways. However, there isn't a lot of character development. Honey does develop a little, but she is mostly just reacting to what is happening around her, not changing in herself.
There are some really meaningful themes and special moments of introspection in this book. There is one scene where Rumi is worried and excited and happy all at once, trying to take in all the changes that are occurring in the valley. It really spoke to me. "Rumi breathed deep, pulling the beauty inside, all the sights, sounds, and sensations; the more he did it, the more it calmed his fear. He knew this peace wouldn't change what happened... - but it made him feel stronger..."
There are some beautiful lessons to be learned in this book, and it encouraged and inspired me!
I finished this book in one day because it was so delightful and refreshing!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
This book is like a dream world of enchantment. The writing feels like a reverie in the way it flows along taking the reader for a journey into dreamland. The magic of the valley is never explained. You just have to accept that this is the way things are with mystic horses in an enchanted valley.
I loved the descriptions of how Honey's family survived for seven years in the valley. They have very cleverly used every resource that is available to them to plant crops and harvest fruit. They reuse every scrap of fabric and thread for their clothing. They even use plant fibers to create their own string and rope.
I loved the characters and their quirky ways. They have adapted to life in the valley and they have their own ways of talking and behaving. The children are especially innocent, but intelligent in unique ways. However, there isn't a lot of character development. Honey does develop a little, but she is mostly just reacting to what is happening around her, not changing in herself.
There are some really meaningful themes and special moments of introspection in this book. There is one scene where Rumi is worried and excited and happy all at once, trying to take in all the changes that are occurring in the valley. It really spoke to me. "Rumi breathed deep, pulling the beauty inside, all the sights, sounds, and sensations; the more he did it, the more it calmed his fear. He knew this peace wouldn't change what happened... - but it made him feel stronger..."
There are some beautiful lessons to be learned in this book, and it encouraged and inspired me!
I finished this book in one day because it was so delightful and refreshing!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
August 27, 2023
This beautifully written middle grade magical adventure will have young readers on the edge of their seats. No spoilers here, but if you are 7-12, remember the highs and lows of living in isolation a few years ago, and love horses, adventure and magic, then this is the story for you! One warning - once you start, it will be hard to put this book down.
August 2, 2024
Such a good book. I hate and love it at the same time. 🐴
September 16, 2023
This novel by Wendy Orr starts out as a gentle story of loss and starting over. After illness sweeps the world, a family of five load up their converted ice-cream van and take off into a mountain area. Grumpa has died, and NanNan slides into deep grief. 4-year-old Honey’s parents and NanNan decide to escape the sadness and become self-sufficient, along with Honey and her baby brother, Rumi.
They find themselves in a beautiful, secret valley, to which the entrance track becomes closed behind them, and isn’t seen again for 7 years. Nor are they.
In the valley is a herd of enchanted wild horses. The children, as they grow, form a strong bond with the horses. The family enjoys their simple lifestyle, away from the rest of the world. For seven years, they have no idea of anything that happens outside of their valley.
Nobody knows what has become of the family, and other family members continue to search for them. When Honey’s father becomes gravely ill, she is determined to find a way to get him medical help. But how will that happen when both the track, and the bridge they crossed to get to the valley, have disappeared? Is the world-wide illness still rampaging?
The story picks up pace as a desperate Honey seeks to find a way to assistance, aided by her enchanted horse Moongold. There are dangers along the way. What follows is a heart-stopping race to save Papa. It’s a tale of determination and resilience by Honey, who is now 11 years of age.
This is a lovely story of hope, renewal, love, endearing and enduring friendships and a new beginning. This will be enjoyed by readers 8+ years of age.
They find themselves in a beautiful, secret valley, to which the entrance track becomes closed behind them, and isn’t seen again for 7 years. Nor are they.
In the valley is a herd of enchanted wild horses. The children, as they grow, form a strong bond with the horses. The family enjoys their simple lifestyle, away from the rest of the world. For seven years, they have no idea of anything that happens outside of their valley.
Nobody knows what has become of the family, and other family members continue to search for them. When Honey’s father becomes gravely ill, she is determined to find a way to get him medical help. But how will that happen when both the track, and the bridge they crossed to get to the valley, have disappeared? Is the world-wide illness still rampaging?
The story picks up pace as a desperate Honey seeks to find a way to assistance, aided by her enchanted horse Moongold. There are dangers along the way. What follows is a heart-stopping race to save Papa. It’s a tale of determination and resilience by Honey, who is now 11 years of age.
This is a lovely story of hope, renewal, love, endearing and enduring friendships and a new beginning. This will be enjoyed by readers 8+ years of age.
February 26, 2024
When Honey was four and her brother Rumi was a tiny baby, her family loaded up their converted ice-cream-van-camper and drove away from all they knew, as an illness swept the sad wide world. They crossed a bridge to follow a mysterious herd of enchanted horses into a sheltered valley and they couldn’t get back. After years of living self-sufficiently in the valley of horses, Honey had to find a way back to the ‘outside world’ as her father fell desperately ill and she was determined to find help.
I had a slow start with this one, but then I got sucked in and finished in a day. This was such a lovely story! Honey’s adventure to find a way out of the Valley to save her dad was such a heartfelt one. It was so ironic that the family needed to get out of ‘paradise’ to survive, proving that the place, while beautiful, was still not perfect.
I loved the snippets of letters/texts between Kate and her mum at the end of each chapter. They were providing glimpses of what was happening in the ‘wide world’ after Honey’s family disappeared.
This was my kind of middle grade book. I’ll definitely pass this book to my daughter when she’s older.
(Thanks to Allen & Unwin for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
I had a slow start with this one, but then I got sucked in and finished in a day. This was such a lovely story! Honey’s adventure to find a way out of the Valley to save her dad was such a heartfelt one. It was so ironic that the family needed to get out of ‘paradise’ to survive, proving that the place, while beautiful, was still not perfect.
I loved the snippets of letters/texts between Kate and her mum at the end of each chapter. They were providing glimpses of what was happening in the ‘wide world’ after Honey’s family disappeared.
This was my kind of middle grade book. I’ll definitely pass this book to my daughter when she’s older.
(Thanks to Allen & Unwin for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
September 27, 2023
An enchanting story of determination, resilience and family love. The book will open your heart, fill it with wonder and leave you with hope. I highly recommend it to readers, young and old.
April 7, 2024
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
After the death of her grandfather, Honey's grandmother is distraught, and wants to take off in their ice cream truck on a big adventure. Because things are not good in the world, the rest of the family packs up and goes along for the adventure. The mother is an editor, so brings a manuscript along with her, and the father is a mechanic. The trip goes well until the group goes over a bridge into a land of magical horses and find themselves unable to get back. They are not too alarmed, since Nanna's grandfather had also purportedly spend seven years in this land, and they settle down to grow food and make an idyllic life for themselves. They grow food, harvest mangoes and macadamia nuts, and have a few comforts like cell phone flashlights, thanks to the solar panels on the ice cream truck. They haven't been able to get any texts, most likely because of the mountains. The best thing for Honey and her younger brother Rumi are the wild horses. They've named them, and have a special relationship with Moongold, whom Honey rides bareback. The family believes that perhaps everyone in the world is gone except for them. Sometimes this is problematic; when Honey's sleeping bag rips when being washed and they have used up the last of the thread, she starts to see that this life might not be able to continue forever. When the father becomes ill and they suspect apendicitis, Honey decides that she will ride Moongold and try to find the bridge to cross to get help. She manages to do this, but the first people that she meets want to capture Moongold and sell him, and the two barely escape with three other horses the outlaws have captured. Honey and the horses end up meeting Abbie and her father, who own the stolen horses, and are able to use the grandmother's cell phone that Honey has taken to contact Honey's aunt. She's an ambulance driver located very close, and comes to Abbie's farm to meet Honey. She takes off with Moongold, leading the rescue team, and manages to cause the bridge to appear when she flies over the river with Moongold. Her father gets the medical attention he needs, and the family realizes that things are okay in the world, and plan their next steps.
This is a pandemic tale, and it's fairly clear that the family's experiences of traveling away from humanity were motivated by trying to escape the COVID virus. The author has a note about her own experiences. There are so many variations of what people did during that time. Why not have a fantasy story about escaping to a magical valley where mangoes grow wild?
There are not a lot of middle grade books that merge horses with fantasy elements. Lasky's Horses of the Dawn and George's The Rose Legacy series, as well as DasGupta's The Chaos Monster (Secrets of the Sky) do. This is a great portal fantasy for readers who want to travel into a magical world where the biggest concern is horses, and not the fact that everyone has worn out their shoes!
This was slightly odd, and I wasn't surprised to find that the author lives in Australia. My readers who enjoy horse books seem to want more realistic tales, but I'll see what they think about this title.
After the death of her grandfather, Honey's grandmother is distraught, and wants to take off in their ice cream truck on a big adventure. Because things are not good in the world, the rest of the family packs up and goes along for the adventure. The mother is an editor, so brings a manuscript along with her, and the father is a mechanic. The trip goes well until the group goes over a bridge into a land of magical horses and find themselves unable to get back. They are not too alarmed, since Nanna's grandfather had also purportedly spend seven years in this land, and they settle down to grow food and make an idyllic life for themselves. They grow food, harvest mangoes and macadamia nuts, and have a few comforts like cell phone flashlights, thanks to the solar panels on the ice cream truck. They haven't been able to get any texts, most likely because of the mountains. The best thing for Honey and her younger brother Rumi are the wild horses. They've named them, and have a special relationship with Moongold, whom Honey rides bareback. The family believes that perhaps everyone in the world is gone except for them. Sometimes this is problematic; when Honey's sleeping bag rips when being washed and they have used up the last of the thread, she starts to see that this life might not be able to continue forever. When the father becomes ill and they suspect apendicitis, Honey decides that she will ride Moongold and try to find the bridge to cross to get help. She manages to do this, but the first people that she meets want to capture Moongold and sell him, and the two barely escape with three other horses the outlaws have captured. Honey and the horses end up meeting Abbie and her father, who own the stolen horses, and are able to use the grandmother's cell phone that Honey has taken to contact Honey's aunt. She's an ambulance driver located very close, and comes to Abbie's farm to meet Honey. She takes off with Moongold, leading the rescue team, and manages to cause the bridge to appear when she flies over the river with Moongold. Her father gets the medical attention he needs, and the family realizes that things are okay in the world, and plan their next steps.
This is a pandemic tale, and it's fairly clear that the family's experiences of traveling away from humanity were motivated by trying to escape the COVID virus. The author has a note about her own experiences. There are so many variations of what people did during that time. Why not have a fantasy story about escaping to a magical valley where mangoes grow wild?
There are not a lot of middle grade books that merge horses with fantasy elements. Lasky's Horses of the Dawn and George's The Rose Legacy series, as well as DasGupta's The Chaos Monster (Secrets of the Sky) do. This is a great portal fantasy for readers who want to travel into a magical world where the biggest concern is horses, and not the fact that everyone has worn out their shoes!
This was slightly odd, and I wasn't surprised to find that the author lives in Australia. My readers who enjoy horse books seem to want more realistic tales, but I'll see what they think about this title.
April 16, 2024
I read it front to back in one sitting. From the opening chapter, I was hooked and I just let the afternoon go while I traveled with Honey, Rumi, their family, and those beautiful horses.
Wendy Orr has an amazing knack for creating fantastical places that don't just feel real - they are real. Maybe it is her matter-of-fact way of presenting this valley or Nim's Island. She gives perfectly honed descriptions that are evocative, but with a "well, of course that's just how the place would be" sensibility. A valley that won't let you leave could give you a Hotel California shiver up your spine, but this one feels more like a protective shield, keeping you from harm.
Honey, Rumi, and their horses drive the narrative. There are loving adults along for the ride, but they don't dominate the story. It's as if you need a child's open heart to be fully taken by this place. The adults remember too much pain of the outside world to completely give themselves over to the valley. And, because the children are truly of the valley, it is up to them to save the family from the valley.
Wendy gives just the right amount of dramatic tension to push the story forward, running at a brisk canter but never at a run-away gallop. And there is so much here for children and families to savor - questions to discuss about how much of being in the wide world is too much and what role should nature play in our modern lives.
There will certainly be young readers who gravitate to the book because of those glorious horses, but you don't have to be a horse kid to love this story. Anyone who has thought of chucking it all and going completely off the grid will find something to hold onto in this story.
Wendy Orr has an amazing knack for creating fantastical places that don't just feel real - they are real. Maybe it is her matter-of-fact way of presenting this valley or Nim's Island. She gives perfectly honed descriptions that are evocative, but with a "well, of course that's just how the place would be" sensibility. A valley that won't let you leave could give you a Hotel California shiver up your spine, but this one feels more like a protective shield, keeping you from harm.
Honey, Rumi, and their horses drive the narrative. There are loving adults along for the ride, but they don't dominate the story. It's as if you need a child's open heart to be fully taken by this place. The adults remember too much pain of the outside world to completely give themselves over to the valley. And, because the children are truly of the valley, it is up to them to save the family from the valley.
Wendy gives just the right amount of dramatic tension to push the story forward, running at a brisk canter but never at a run-away gallop. And there is so much here for children and families to savor - questions to discuss about how much of being in the wide world is too much and what role should nature play in our modern lives.
There will certainly be young readers who gravitate to the book because of those glorious horses, but you don't have to be a horse kid to love this story. Anyone who has thought of chucking it all and going completely off the grid will find something to hold onto in this story.
July 25, 2023
Honey and The Valley of Horses by Wendy Orr is an absolutely delightful story.
Honey is four and her brother baby brother, Rumi leave with their family in a converted ice-cream-van-camper to escape from an illness that is sweeping across the world. They find themselves crossing a bridge and follow a track into a sheltered valley where a herd of mysterious horses live. The bridge disappears and they are trapped in paradise but become self-sufficient but totally isolated. Seven years later Honey’s father becomes gravely ill and she sets off to find the outside world and save her father.
Vivid descriptions of the valley, mountain and river bring the area alive. The survival strategies that the family employ are admirable as they manage the seasons by moving the van between winter and summer locations and are able feed and clothe themselves throughout the seven year period. Back to basics and using what you have and adapting.
Honey has no recollection of the world they came from but in order to try and save her father she ventures off, riding bareback on a horse called Moongold. In the meantime, Rumi with the horse called Lightening leads the rest of the family, in the van, to try and follow Honey. Compared with the rest of the story this part is very exciting and adventurous!
A marvellous story filled with warmth and adventure which should certainly be enjoyed by young people.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from Allen & Unwin via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#HoneyandtheValleyofHorses #NetGalley
Honey is four and her brother baby brother, Rumi leave with their family in a converted ice-cream-van-camper to escape from an illness that is sweeping across the world. They find themselves crossing a bridge and follow a track into a sheltered valley where a herd of mysterious horses live. The bridge disappears and they are trapped in paradise but become self-sufficient but totally isolated. Seven years later Honey’s father becomes gravely ill and she sets off to find the outside world and save her father.
Vivid descriptions of the valley, mountain and river bring the area alive. The survival strategies that the family employ are admirable as they manage the seasons by moving the van between winter and summer locations and are able feed and clothe themselves throughout the seven year period. Back to basics and using what you have and adapting.
Honey has no recollection of the world they came from but in order to try and save her father she ventures off, riding bareback on a horse called Moongold. In the meantime, Rumi with the horse called Lightening leads the rest of the family, in the van, to try and follow Honey. Compared with the rest of the story this part is very exciting and adventurous!
A marvellous story filled with warmth and adventure which should certainly be enjoyed by young people.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from Allen & Unwin via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#HoneyandtheValleyofHorses #NetGalley
February 11, 2025
This story is told from the perspective of Honey, who spends most of her childhood in an enchanted rainforest with her family, living among a valley of magical horses.
On her 3rd birthday, Honey, her brother Rumi, her parents, and her grandmother venture out for a trip away from the illness that is plaguing the world and become trapped inside this enchanted rainforest for 7 years, becoming self-sufficient and living off the land. When her father becomes life-threatening ill it is up to Honey, on her 11th birthday, to find a way out of the forest and save him and her family before it’s too late. With the help of her beloved horse, Moongold, Honey succeeds in escaping the valley but with only Moongold by her side and little knowledge of the real world, will she find the help she needs and make it back in time to save her family.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆:
✔️ The rich, insightful descriptions of their environment and new life
✔️ The magical aspect of their new world
✔️ The double-storyline; the end of each chapter, shares messages and texts from their family in the real world, expressing increasing concern for their missing family, adding an element of heartbreaking reality to the story
On her 3rd birthday, Honey, her brother Rumi, her parents, and her grandmother venture out for a trip away from the illness that is plaguing the world and become trapped inside this enchanted rainforest for 7 years, becoming self-sufficient and living off the land. When her father becomes life-threatening ill it is up to Honey, on her 11th birthday, to find a way out of the forest and save him and her family before it’s too late. With the help of her beloved horse, Moongold, Honey succeeds in escaping the valley but with only Moongold by her side and little knowledge of the real world, will she find the help she needs and make it back in time to save her family.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆:
✔️ The rich, insightful descriptions of their environment and new life
✔️ The magical aspect of their new world
✔️ The double-storyline; the end of each chapter, shares messages and texts from their family in the real world, expressing increasing concern for their missing family, adding an element of heartbreaking reality to the story
September 13, 2023
Honey's family departs the city in their modified ice cream van, searching for a safe area to call home after the pandemic. Honey has turned four years old. Rumi, her younger brother, is a newborn. They find an ideal camping location and discover a herd of enchanted horses. They cross a bridge that appears out of nowhere to enter a hidden valley, and the bridge disappears behind them. And they begin a self-sustaining life in this horse-filled valley. They learn to use what they can, forage for food, go fishing, live in the wilderness, and make do with what they have.
Time continues to pass, and everything changes on Honey's eleventh birthday. The family's defenders and the kids' closest companions are two of the horses, Lightning and Moongold. Honey embarks on Moongold to seek someone to help when Papa becomes sick. Honey sets out alone with Moongold when her family refuses to believe her. Honey knows a route out since the road has been trying to make itself known. But can Honey escape this magical valley to save her father and bring her family back together?
This marvellous adventure tale encompasses family togetherness, courage, hope, and personal strength.
Time continues to pass, and everything changes on Honey's eleventh birthday. The family's defenders and the kids' closest companions are two of the horses, Lightning and Moongold. Honey embarks on Moongold to seek someone to help when Papa becomes sick. Honey sets out alone with Moongold when her family refuses to believe her. Honey knows a route out since the road has been trying to make itself known. But can Honey escape this magical valley to save her father and bring her family back together?
This marvellous adventure tale encompasses family togetherness, courage, hope, and personal strength.
May 17, 2024
What a wonderful, magical little fantasy. With nature and horses and self-sufficiency and more than a dusting of actual magic (don't think too hard about their extended family assuming for 7 years that they must all have perished tragically), I couldn't stop thinking what a perfect read-aloud this would be. And the ending made the tears well up and spill over because I was so full of happy-sad emotions. I'm letting the magical horses sweep me up and carry me over to 5 full stars of praise.
(And I'm keeping the original cover, because as beautiful as the gray horses against a backdrop of purple hills and sunset coloring are on the U.S. edition that I read* -- and thank goodness it's available here now! -- the original cover is the one I fell in love with even before it was originally published, and it perfectly depicts the setting.)
*
(And I'm keeping the original cover, because as beautiful as the gray horses against a backdrop of purple hills and sunset coloring are on the U.S. edition that I read* -- and thank goodness it's available here now! -- the original cover is the one I fell in love with even before it was originally published, and it perfectly depicts the setting.)
*
February 1, 2025
After an illness leaves a lot of the world sick and dying, Honey’s grandmother, parents, and infant baby brother Rumi, take to the road in a converted ice cream truck. On their journey they come across a mountain that is not on any map and see some horses in the valley that surrounds it. Following the horses, the family finds itself in an idyllic paradise, but one they cannot find their way out of. Seven years later and 11 year old Honey is getting more and more curious about the world beyond the mountain and whether or not there is anyone still alive out there.
This book is a mesmerizing survival tale that takes place in a fantasy land of enchanted horses and a paradise setting that cannot be left behind. The family dynamics and traditions are heartwarming while ringing emotionally true.
Highly recommended for any library serving students in grades 3rd through 6th.
M.S.
Children's Librarian
This book is a mesmerizing survival tale that takes place in a fantasy land of enchanted horses and a paradise setting that cannot be left behind. The family dynamics and traditions are heartwarming while ringing emotionally true.
Highly recommended for any library serving students in grades 3rd through 6th.
M.S.
Children's Librarian
April 20, 2024
I've read this author before and I love horses too.
This book is indeed magical. Even though there were places that didn't make sense and that was a little silly at times, I still loved every minute of it. It was a change of pace for me.
A delightful book for anyone who loves horses and magic will love this one.
The cover and author are what made me choose it.
This book will leave you thinking about the characters long after the book is finished. I sure hated to say goodbye.
I could picture these beautiful horses in my mind it's that easy.
5 stars for a wonderful read. I recommend this novel.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this beautiful story. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book is indeed magical. Even though there were places that didn't make sense and that was a little silly at times, I still loved every minute of it. It was a change of pace for me.
A delightful book for anyone who loves horses and magic will love this one.
The cover and author are what made me choose it.
This book will leave you thinking about the characters long after the book is finished. I sure hated to say goodbye.
I could picture these beautiful horses in my mind it's that easy.
5 stars for a wonderful read. I recommend this novel.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this beautiful story. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 16, 2025
It's Wendy Orr - what more do you need to know? That alone is an indicator of how great a book this will be. And it certainly is!
It's a beautifully, sensitively-written, gentle story with huge emotion and feeling and love. And tension - so much wonderfully drawn, heart-stopping tension. About family and loved ones. Magical valleys and horses. And an ice-cream truck.
I adore Honey and the Valley of Horses and no fan of junior fiction and middle-grade fiction should miss the chance to delve into this book. Reading this story is like having Wendy Orr take you by the hand and guide you through a special story that will linger in hearts and minds long after the final page is turned.
Five stars! x
It's a beautifully, sensitively-written, gentle story with huge emotion and feeling and love. And tension - so much wonderfully drawn, heart-stopping tension. About family and loved ones. Magical valleys and horses. And an ice-cream truck.
I adore Honey and the Valley of Horses and no fan of junior fiction and middle-grade fiction should miss the chance to delve into this book. Reading this story is like having Wendy Orr take you by the hand and guide you through a special story that will linger in hearts and minds long after the final page is turned.
Five stars! x
April 9, 2025
"The valley of horses is the only true place Honey remembers since her family stumbled upon it in their converted ice cream truck while escaping from the rest of the world, and the illnesses that was spreading there. Honey’s parents, her brother Rumi, and her NanNan become self-sufficient, living off the land and sharing the valley with mystical horses who seem to have a wisdom of their own. But there is a magic in the valley that prevents Honey and her family from ever leaving. When Honey's father has become ill, Honey knows she must find a way to escape the valley to find help from a world she only knows about through stories."
September 23, 2025
This is a pleasant enough middle-grade novel. It features a likable family and a cast of spectacularly beautiful—and magical!—horses. That alone will make many a young reader's heart flutter.
Does the plot make sense? Not really, but the story moves along at a reasonable pace. I can imagine many middle-graders so enraptured by the concept of the magical horses that they won't poke holes in the rather shaky premise.
The book is wholesome and inoffensive. If it encourages a reluctant reader to read, it has done its job.
Does the plot make sense? Not really, but the story moves along at a reasonable pace. I can imagine many middle-graders so enraptured by the concept of the magical horses that they won't poke holes in the rather shaky premise.
The book is wholesome and inoffensive. If it encourages a reluctant reader to read, it has done its job.
September 18, 2023
A perfect read and elegantly written, as I have come to expect from Wendy Orr.
March 4, 2024
🐴 A story of compassion, empathy and resilience that will have young readers engaged and wanting to read more!
April 15, 2024
Review to follow.
May 21, 2024
What a magical book. I really enjoyed it.
July 10, 2024
Students who love horses will enjoy this one; it seems a bit young for MS but might purchase anyway.
September 3, 2024
This was a simple and quite fast-paced read. The plot was rather interesting, but I didn’t exactly love the writing style and the extremely unrealistic events. I’d say it was alright, but I wouldn’t buy it or reread it for the pure pleasure of it.
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