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I Cannot Draw a Horse
Award-winning author and illustrator Charise Mericle Harper delivers a fantastically funny adventure about doing the impossible: drawing a horse.
The cat wants a horse.
The book cannot draw a horse.
The book CAN draw a squirrel, a beaver, and a bunny.
Fun . . . but the cat still wants a horse.
Can the quick-draw book appease the horse-obsessed cat with an impressive collection of horse-y alternatives (all created from the same “nothing shape”)? Or will the cat finally get a horse? The cat REALLY wants a horse.
The cat wants a horse.
The book cannot draw a horse.
The book CAN draw a squirrel, a beaver, and a bunny.
Fun . . . but the cat still wants a horse.
Can the quick-draw book appease the horse-obsessed cat with an impressive collection of horse-y alternatives (all created from the same “nothing shape”)? Or will the cat finally get a horse? The cat REALLY wants a horse.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published October 11, 2022
2 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
April 28, 2022
Thank you, Union Square Kids, for the advance reading copy.
The book is for very young readers I feel. It presents some very basic artwork with minimal usage of words. The kids will learn new words and about sounds some animals make. It reads like a short animation clip.
The book is for very young readers I feel. It presents some very basic artwork with minimal usage of words. The kids will learn new words and about sounds some animals make. It reads like a short animation clip.
November 15, 2022
I Cannot Draw a Horse struck a chord with me. As a non-artist I could relate to the author/illustrator's reluctance to try drawing a horse. Horses can be quite difficult to draw after all depending on how accurately you want to do it. Here the author starts with a rounded-square shape which she turns into a cat. The cat then demands she draw a horse. Instead she starts drawing all sorts of other things, some of which get the cat into trouble. The dog for instance runs after the cat and only after receiving a skateboard from the illustrator does the cat get away. After several further adventures, the cat convinces the illustrator to try a horse. How that turns out, well, I don't want to spoil the ending, but it's amusing to say the least. I quite enjoyed the humor of this tail as the author/illustrator works hard to avoid doing what the cat wants her to do. This reminds me a great deal of some of the children I know who will go to sometimes extreme lengths to avoid even trying to do something they think is too hard. I plan to share this book with those students in an effort to show them that they will never know what they can do if they don't try. I thank the author for her fun, amusing tale that has a great message at the heart of it.
August 17, 2022
# I Cannot Draw a Horse by Charise Harper
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 (4.5/5)
#childrenfiction #picturebook
I Cannot Draw a Horse by Charise Harper is a wonderful picture book that demonstrates the power of the imagination.
On the book, the illustrator draws a semicircle-like shape that declares, 'I am a nothing shape.' To counteract this feeling, he quickly draws a Cat out of it. And now the Cat desires a horse. However, the illustrator claims that he cannot draw a horse and instead draws a variety of objects as companions and for entertainment to cheer up the Cat. Eventually, the Cat strikes gold with a Horse.
Two key messages from this story, in my opinion, are -
1. Art is a powerful tool, Imagination can be powerfully stimulated by it. You will be amazed by how the illustrator skillfully turns a straightforward semicircular shape into a myriad of amazing objects.
2. If you really want something, you will get it. But sometimes things don't go exactly as you planned or hoped. For instance, even though the Cat gets the Horse, he prefers riding a bicycle over running.
This book would undoubtedly appeal to young minds and introduce them to a variety of interesting objects. It can be a fantastic book in an art class or workshop where we can get creative with other shapes.
I loved the narrative and would strongly recommend it. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the Advance Reader Copy.
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 (4.5/5)
#childrenfiction #picturebook
I Cannot Draw a Horse by Charise Harper is a wonderful picture book that demonstrates the power of the imagination.
On the book, the illustrator draws a semicircle-like shape that declares, 'I am a nothing shape.' To counteract this feeling, he quickly draws a Cat out of it. And now the Cat desires a horse. However, the illustrator claims that he cannot draw a horse and instead draws a variety of objects as companions and for entertainment to cheer up the Cat. Eventually, the Cat strikes gold with a Horse.
Two key messages from this story, in my opinion, are -
1. Art is a powerful tool, Imagination can be powerfully stimulated by it. You will be amazed by how the illustrator skillfully turns a straightforward semicircular shape into a myriad of amazing objects.
2. If you really want something, you will get it. But sometimes things don't go exactly as you planned or hoped. For instance, even though the Cat gets the Horse, he prefers riding a bicycle over running.
This book would undoubtedly appeal to young minds and introduce them to a variety of interesting objects. It can be a fantastic book in an art class or workshop where we can get creative with other shapes.
I loved the narrative and would strongly recommend it. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the Advance Reader Copy.
October 12, 2022
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is I Cannot Draw a Horse by Charise Mericle Harper, a delightful fourth wall-breaking adventure about creativity and confidence.
Our story begins with a shape, a “nothing” shape to be precise. The shape wonders what it will be, and the unseen narrator crafts it into a cat. Excited by this change, the cat asks for a horse companion, but therein lies the rub: the narrator cannot draw a horse (horses are hard to draw). The narrator offers plenty more suggestions and sketchy ideas, leading the cat on some energetic adventures, but the cat will settle for nothing less than a horse for a friend. Can the narrator find a way to appease this fickle fictional feline?
Silly fun with a hint of encouragement. This meta take on creative ability is one that artists of any age can laugh at; after all, horses ARE pretty hard to draw. And while the ending of the book is slightly abrupt, the subtle lesson on trying something new – even if you’re not sure you can do it – lands perfectly beforehand. Harper’s narrative between artist and creation is tons of fun to read aloud, seamlessly flowing between text and speech bubbles and paired with perfectly simplistic yet expressive art. The length is perfect for a storytime, and JJ had plenty of giggles over the cat’s unexpected antics. Overall, a charming read that perfectly balanced laughs and a lesson, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
November 26, 2022
The cat wants a horse.
But the book cannot draw a horse.
The book can draw other things. The book draws other things.
The cat has many wonderful adventures.
But still the cat wants a horse.
Can the book draw a horse?
Aw, super fun story. Easy for any kid to read. And filled with illustrations any kid could draw.
And did I say that this story is super fun? It is. It is super fun.
But the book cannot draw a horse.
The book can draw other things. The book draws other things.
The cat has many wonderful adventures.
But still the cat wants a horse.
Can the book draw a horse?
Aw, super fun story. Easy for any kid to read. And filled with illustrations any kid could draw.
And did I say that this story is super fun? It is. It is super fun.
April 19, 2022
I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
May 5, 2023
In this meta story, a cat wants a horse, which the artist claims they cannot draw. Much silliness and some cute characters follow.
May 14, 2022
This is a delightful book sure to enchant young readers. A cat really wants a horse, but the book doesn’t know how to draw one. The book comes up with other companions, but the cat is still not satisfied. I never saw the illustrator insert him or herself in a story before, so this is unique. I read this via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.
September 27, 2022
With simple phrases, easy shapes and tons of humor, this is a cute read, which is sure to have listeners giggling and laughing the entire way through.
This book includes the illustrator as one of the characters. The illustrator draws a simple shape, which so happens to then be made into a cat. The cat, however, has desires and demands, since it doesn't want to stay alone and wants some fun. It wants a horse. The illustrator, however, claims it can't draw a horse and tries to satisfy the cat with a different friend. The results are silly and send the cat into all sorts of mini-adventures.
Created with simple, short phrases, this is a wonderful book to get those early readers hitting words on their own. Plus, it makes a great read aloud, too. The sentences are printed clearly with only one or two on the page. Then, there are word-bubbles from the cat, which are just as simple and add comic relief.
But then, the situations (and the cat's complaints) are humorous.
The illustrations are very simple and, still, pack everything they need to make the story fun. And they do a great job and showing how creativity works. With just a simple, basic shape, various animals and scenes come to life.
And there is a message or two, which cleverly meld right into the silly fun. Altogether, it's a creative read, which is sure to become a favorite. I received an DRC and enjoyed the fun.
This book includes the illustrator as one of the characters. The illustrator draws a simple shape, which so happens to then be made into a cat. The cat, however, has desires and demands, since it doesn't want to stay alone and wants some fun. It wants a horse. The illustrator, however, claims it can't draw a horse and tries to satisfy the cat with a different friend. The results are silly and send the cat into all sorts of mini-adventures.
Created with simple, short phrases, this is a wonderful book to get those early readers hitting words on their own. Plus, it makes a great read aloud, too. The sentences are printed clearly with only one or two on the page. Then, there are word-bubbles from the cat, which are just as simple and add comic relief.
But then, the situations (and the cat's complaints) are humorous.
The illustrations are very simple and, still, pack everything they need to make the story fun. And they do a great job and showing how creativity works. With just a simple, basic shape, various animals and scenes come to life.
And there is a message or two, which cleverly meld right into the silly fun. Altogether, it's a creative read, which is sure to become a favorite. I received an DRC and enjoyed the fun.
June 6, 2022
Cat wants the artist of the book to draw a horse. But horses are hard to draw, so the artist offers alternatives. A surprising number of things are not a horse! But the cat has decided. It wants a horse.
Finally, the artist thinks the cat has what it wants! It isn't so. Then cat realizes that it was lucky to get a horse.
This is a fun little book with a variety of different messages, depending on how you use it.
1)This is an amusing story filled with "nothing shapes" that look suspiciously like gumdrops. It's hard to please others sometimes, but if they are patient and supportive, sometimes amazing things can happen!
2)Simple drawings can tell a story. So nearly everybody can tell stories about the things they see and imagine.
3)Adventures can begin by adding just one thing to a story.
4)Some book characters are very picky (and may need a nap).
5/5 Stars
Thanks to Union Square Kids and Sterling Publishing, and NetGalley for the free preview of this ebook pdf; the review is voluntary.
#ICannotDrawaHorse #NetGalley
#ChariseMericleHarper
#NetGalley #UnionSquareKids #SterlingPublishing
#ChildrensFiction #ChildrensDrawingandArt
#ChildrensHumorBooks #ChildrensStorytelling
#ChildrenWritingStories
#ChildrensAnimalDrawings
Finally, the artist thinks the cat has what it wants! It isn't so. Then cat realizes that it was lucky to get a horse.
This is a fun little book with a variety of different messages, depending on how you use it.
1)This is an amusing story filled with "nothing shapes" that look suspiciously like gumdrops. It's hard to please others sometimes, but if they are patient and supportive, sometimes amazing things can happen!
2)Simple drawings can tell a story. So nearly everybody can tell stories about the things they see and imagine.
3)Adventures can begin by adding just one thing to a story.
4)Some book characters are very picky (and may need a nap).
5/5 Stars
Thanks to Union Square Kids and Sterling Publishing, and NetGalley for the free preview of this ebook pdf; the review is voluntary.
#ICannotDrawaHorse #NetGalley
#ChariseMericleHarper
#NetGalley #UnionSquareKids #SterlingPublishing
#ChildrensFiction #ChildrensDrawingandArt
#ChildrensHumorBooks #ChildrensStorytelling
#ChildrenWritingStories
#ChildrensAnimalDrawings
May 9, 2022
This book will bring hours upon hours of fun!!
First you can read the story of a simple shape that turns in to a cat, and main character. The cat continues its adventure to have the narrator (or perhaps illustrator) to draw a horse. The story line is great for any Piggy & Gerald book lover!! Next the reader will want to take a closer look at all of the illustrations. Each page of images looks very simple, but with a closer look are full of life (or is it the other way around!!). Finally, the reader learns that even we can draw a horse and many other animals and places with just one easy to draw shape. I can see my son practicing each and every character and creating his own little story.
This book is truly a fountain of inspiration and creativity.
Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Union Square Kids.
First you can read the story of a simple shape that turns in to a cat, and main character. The cat continues its adventure to have the narrator (or perhaps illustrator) to draw a horse. The story line is great for any Piggy & Gerald book lover!! Next the reader will want to take a closer look at all of the illustrations. Each page of images looks very simple, but with a closer look are full of life (or is it the other way around!!). Finally, the reader learns that even we can draw a horse and many other animals and places with just one easy to draw shape. I can see my son practicing each and every character and creating his own little story.
This book is truly a fountain of inspiration and creativity.
Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Union Square Kids.
July 27, 2022
I received an electronic ARC from Union Square Kids through NetGalley.
The author uses one basic shape and builds the entire story around it. I appreciate the fun and creativity involved. Readers first meet the shape. It feels like a "nothing shape" so the narrator/artist draws a cat from it. The cat wants a horse but the narrator insists they cannot draw one. Instead, they draw a series of other animals. Readers will appreciate the humor as the cat interacts with the other drawings - all while asking for a horse. Harper leaves the ending wide open for readers to decide what was drawn last. Terrific for dialogue and short writings about how the story goes on from here. It's also an encouraging text to show what can be done with a simple shape. Entire books can be created. Elementary level readers will enjoy the story.
The author uses one basic shape and builds the entire story around it. I appreciate the fun and creativity involved. Readers first meet the shape. It feels like a "nothing shape" so the narrator/artist draws a cat from it. The cat wants a horse but the narrator insists they cannot draw one. Instead, they draw a series of other animals. Readers will appreciate the humor as the cat interacts with the other drawings - all while asking for a horse. Harper leaves the ending wide open for readers to decide what was drawn last. Terrific for dialogue and short writings about how the story goes on from here. It's also an encouraging text to show what can be done with a simple shape. Entire books can be created. Elementary level readers will enjoy the story.
January 28, 2023
An illustrator draws a shape, and when the shape says it is a "nothing shape" the illustrator turns it into a cat. But the cat wants a horse. The illustrator says that a horse is too hard to draw, and then proceeds to demonstrate things they can draw - even helping the cat drawing escape the dog drawing. But will the cat ever get the wished-for horse?
Kids will want to try to draw all these things. I loved that the background is graph paper! I don't always like when the characters talk to the author or illustrator, but this one works. I called AJ over right away to read this with me and she loved it, too. She pointed out the simple changes that made the shape into a cat, a squirrel, a beaver, a bunny, and a dog and then looked for how that shape was incorporated into the other drawings. A bunch of fun.
cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
Kids will want to try to draw all these things. I loved that the background is graph paper! I don't always like when the characters talk to the author or illustrator, but this one works. I called AJ over right away to read this with me and she loved it, too. She pointed out the simple changes that made the shape into a cat, a squirrel, a beaver, a bunny, and a dog and then looked for how that shape was incorporated into the other drawings. A bunch of fun.
cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
April 28, 2022
Get ready to laugh with your preschooler! A simple shape appears. The artist is happy with that shape but then a voice says “I want a horse” and the fun begins. With a few lines, the simple shape becomes a squirrel, a beaver, a bunny and a dog. It is transformed into a hill, a pool and rocks. Still, the voice demands “I want a horse”. When the horse finally appears, he’s not satisfied. He wants a bicycle.
I Cannot Draw a Horse is not only delightful, it’s interactive. How does the simple shape become so many things? What lines are added? Can you think of another word that rhymes with clay? This is guaranteed to be a bedtime favorite! 5 stars
Thank you to Union Square Kids - A subsidiary of Sterling Publishing and Charise Mericle Harper for this ARC.
I Cannot Draw a Horse is not only delightful, it’s interactive. How does the simple shape become so many things? What lines are added? Can you think of another word that rhymes with clay? This is guaranteed to be a bedtime favorite! 5 stars
Thank you to Union Square Kids - A subsidiary of Sterling Publishing and Charise Mericle Harper for this ARC.
May 4, 2022
I Cannot Draw A Horse by Charise Mericle Harper
Okaaay, talk about adorable! A book about believing in yourself and others. The narrator can draw a cat, the cat wants a horse, but a horse is hard to draw. So, the narrator draws the cat some other friends and things for fun, but the cat still wants a horse.
I love the graph paper as background for this cute picture book. The use of shapes is delightful, the colors are fun and lend to the sketchbook feel. I love how Harper brings the illustrations to life as we go through our journey with the cat. I Cannot Draw a Horse is a story sure to pull your child in.
Okaaay, talk about adorable! A book about believing in yourself and others. The narrator can draw a cat, the cat wants a horse, but a horse is hard to draw. So, the narrator draws the cat some other friends and things for fun, but the cat still wants a horse.
I love the graph paper as background for this cute picture book. The use of shapes is delightful, the colors are fun and lend to the sketchbook feel. I love how Harper brings the illustrations to life as we go through our journey with the cat. I Cannot Draw a Horse is a story sure to pull your child in.
May 6, 2022
Well of all the meta books that talk to themselves, that have a creator's voice discussing the book's own creation and so on, this is towards the lower end of the pile. Out of all the things that can be created using the most simplistic design elements here we settle on a cat, however the cat wants a horse and declaims that in most Ricardian fashion. How many things will we have to see the artist produce before a horse is even attempted? Well, quite a few, and it's all inoffensively light-hearted, non-taxing fun – but as I say it's only the frisson to be had from the book discussing itself that any real joy is to be had, and that kind of thing has been done better before.
July 22, 2022
Kids will love this wonderful new picture book, I Cannot Draw a Horse by Charise Mericle Harper coming out on September 27, 2022. Pre-order your copy now.
When the nothing shape turns into a cat, cat becomes obsessed and wants a horse. The quick draw book can draw lots of other things which turn into a witty story for cat. In the end cat STILL wants a horse. Will his wish come true?
This book offers lots of simple dialogue and presents opportunities for kids to make predictions. It's the new must have book for classroom and home library shelves.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sterling Publishing for an ARC.
When the nothing shape turns into a cat, cat becomes obsessed and wants a horse. The quick draw book can draw lots of other things which turn into a witty story for cat. In the end cat STILL wants a horse. Will his wish come true?
This book offers lots of simple dialogue and presents opportunities for kids to make predictions. It's the new must have book for classroom and home library shelves.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sterling Publishing for an ARC.
October 31, 2022
This book has an omniscient narrator. It starts out with a sheep that becomes a cat and the cat wants a horse. But our omniscient narrator says they can’t draw a horse, but they could draw a fill in the blank. The story goes on from there. It is a round robin story like “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”, which makes for a really fun ride. The illustrations are fun and childlike but in the best possible way. It helps move the story forward as well as keep it entertaining. While it’s great on the pages, it could also be great for a whiteboard story time or even made that way for a flannel story time. Overall, the story just works, and kids are going to love it.
December 15, 2023
Set on pale, barely visible graph paper the author starts with a shape, a nothing shape, and adds lines to create a mouse, a squirrel, a beaver, a dog, but, claims the author, "I cannot draw a horse." As the characters drawn interact with each other, a large hill enters the story as the mouse call claims still, "I want a horse!" The metafictive engagement between the artist and the reader mistake the mouse's question, "Did you say a house?" Because the illustrator is able to draw a house.... With a bear inside. When the mouse's adventures are finally fulfilled as a horse enters the story, the reader understands the horse's desire, "I want a bicycle!"
September 15, 2022
This book is ADORABLE. At it's core, it's both a fun children's book, but also a way to learn how to draw a variety of things using one basic shape. The cat is going through the book asking for a horse, but the author just keeps drawing everything else, all using that same shape, but in different ways. You can draw a bunny! A bear! A dog! But where is the cat's horse?? It's really fun and I love that it's both an engaging story, but it won't be read and forgotten - your child can use it to draw all sorts of creatures and objects. It's a very creative and unique book.
September 24, 2022
Reminiscent of The Little Prince when he demands a drawing of a sheep from the pilot. This picture book is so fun and creative. Perfect for story time, you can ask participants to see what else you can draw with this little shape. I loved the little details, like the pages drawn of graph paper and the yellow speech bubbles. This encourages readers to broaden their imaginations and keep trying even when they feel like they can't do something. Engaging, silly, and charming; which is all you can want from a picture book.
January 1, 2024
This book is very funny and I hope it inspires kids to draw since the main character Cat is relatively easy to draw. The whole premise of the book is that Cat wants a horse and the author, who herself is a character, thinks she can't draw a horse because it's too difficult. It won't surprise grown-ups that at the end
A great book for humans of all ages. I think it would make a great preschool storytime read aloud too.
A great book for humans of all ages. I think it would make a great preschool storytime read aloud too.
September 27, 2024
As someone who REALLY struggled with drawing as a child (and who doesn't do it for fun as an adult), this book spoke to me.
I have gradually gotten to be a better artist by following the how-to-draw tutorials on Youtube. However, my main reason for drawing has happened in front of my students. And, I realized that as they saw me drawing, and trying my best- even when something didn't go right, it made the space feel safer for them to try and draw. (And, it was so cute when they would encourage me in my efforts.)
So, this is a book to encourage people to TRY- and that's amazing!
I have gradually gotten to be a better artist by following the how-to-draw tutorials on Youtube. However, my main reason for drawing has happened in front of my students. And, I realized that as they saw me drawing, and trying my best- even when something didn't go right, it made the space feel safer for them to try and draw. (And, it was so cute when they would encourage me in my efforts.)
So, this is a book to encourage people to TRY- and that's amazing!
September 8, 2022
How many times a day do I hear "I cannot draw a ..." from one of my kids? The author/illustrator of this book uses that premise and runs in a super comical way with it as the cat she draws offers their opinions on what she can draw and what they wish she would draw (spoiler, they want a horse). A playful book that works well read aloud and will have kids encouraged and eager to draw when you're done.
September 22, 2022
I thought that this was an enjoyable book, it was fun and very funny
The story was easy to follow and it was fun to read with my daughter - it was lovely
She has recently learnt to read in Reception at school so it was great that we could read it together
The illustrations are lovely and they really bring the story to life and we had plenty of giggles
It is five stars from me for this one – very highly recommended!
The story was easy to follow and it was fun to read with my daughter - it was lovely
She has recently learnt to read in Reception at school so it was great that we could read it together
The illustrations are lovely and they really bring the story to life and we had plenty of giggles
It is five stars from me for this one – very highly recommended!
August 28, 2023
Does everyone go through that horsey phase? Around 4th grade, I desperately wanted my own horse, and I drew horses on everything. Okay, I tried to draw horses on everything. They honestly looked like troubled cows with bells for feet. Horses are not easy to draw. I get it. Wanting a horse? Check! Drawing a horse? It's a challenge.
I think that this will be fun to try for storytime. This reads like a fun cartoon, and it has great sections for interaction.
I think that this will be fun to try for storytime. This reads like a fun cartoon, and it has great sections for interaction.
May 17, 2022
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great book to show kids how a book can be made, and how to come up with the illustrations. A squirrel, beaver, bunny, dog, and cat can come from the same shape. It reminded me of "Harold and the Purple Crayon".
Very cute and enjoyable story.
This is a great book to show kids how a book can be made, and how to come up with the illustrations. A squirrel, beaver, bunny, dog, and cat can come from the same shape. It reminded me of "Harold and the Purple Crayon".
Very cute and enjoyable story.
June 4, 2023
This was cute in the way of Duck/Rabbit where you are shown many illustrations that could be multiple things. It was a cute book that I would recommend for younger grades. My fifth graders were not as interested. I got a kick out of it and enjoyed reading it with my own children. It kept us entertained.
February 11, 2025
At first, I wasn't sure how this book would work as a read-aloud in the library. However, after doing it once or twice, I found it to be so much fun! It’s such a cute story that makes the kids feel like anyone can be an illustrator with their animal creations. Reading it aloud turned out to be a delightful experience!
May 25, 2022
This one got me to laugh out loud.
This poor cat just wants a horse friend, but all the author can draw are other half-circle shaped friends and surprises.
A fun and entertaining book about trying something even when you think you can't and how once you try, you might surprise yourself.
This poor cat just wants a horse friend, but all the author can draw are other half-circle shaped friends and surprises.
A fun and entertaining book about trying something even when you think you can't and how once you try, you might surprise yourself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews