Fans pick 90 books like New Beginnings

By Christine Meunier,

Here are 90 books that New Beginnings fans have personally recommended if you like New Beginnings. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Book cover of Tabby's Big Year

Deanie Humphrys-Dunne Author Of My Life at Sweetbrier: A Life Changed by Horses

From my list on encouraging children to believe in themselves.

Why am I passionate about this?

My parents encouraged me to become a children’s author when I was very young. At first, I thought that was the silliest idea ever, but I found creating stories to be fun and inspiring. I’ve been an award-winning published author since 2009, when I had an intuition to try writing stories for children. I love being a role model for children; someone who can show them that they can achieve much more than they imagine if they persevere. My personal story, My Life at Sweetbrier; A Life Changed by Horses, is a testament that remarkable things can be accomplished through perseverance. I’m honored my work has earned many literary awards. 

Deanie's book list on encouraging children to believe in themselves

Deanie Humphrys-Dunne Why did Deanie love this book?

This is a well-written book for preteens and young teenagers. The main character, Tabby, must overcome several family problems. In the beginning, she is not brave enough to face them, but eventually, she finds creative ways to solve her issues. Tabby grows as a character and that is something that will help engage young readers. The target audience will be eager to keep turning pages. They’ll want to know how Tabby changes. How does she handle bullies? How does she help save one of her favorite horses? Tabby’s Mom works nearly all the time so they have never had a close relationship. Does Tabby find out new things about her mom?

By Hollie Anne Marsh,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Tabby's Big Year as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?


A Tale of Sweetbriars. A 'feel good', coming of age series, for horse-mad girls, teens and those 'young at heart'. Tabby's Big Year, won the Best Young Adult Fiction award at the 2019 EQUUS Film Festival. It's also been called a 'Must Read' by Horse & Hound and 'included several times in the Pony Magazine's best horse book recommendations.

Welcome to the yard! Come and meet the girls... Cate, Tabby and Violet.

This second book follows Tabby. After her father vanishes, a deep rift develops in Tabby's family. Tabby's mother is focused on being a star performer in her pharmaceutical…


Book cover of Meow Said the Cow

Deanie Humphrys-Dunne Author Of My Life at Sweetbrier: A Life Changed by Horses

From my list on encouraging children to believe in themselves.

Why am I passionate about this?

My parents encouraged me to become a children’s author when I was very young. At first, I thought that was the silliest idea ever, but I found creating stories to be fun and inspiring. I’ve been an award-winning published author since 2009, when I had an intuition to try writing stories for children. I love being a role model for children; someone who can show them that they can achieve much more than they imagine if they persevere. My personal story, My Life at Sweetbrier; A Life Changed by Horses, is a testament that remarkable things can be accomplished through perseverance. I’m honored my work has earned many literary awards. 

Deanie's book list on encouraging children to believe in themselves

Deanie Humphrys-Dunne Why did Deanie love this book?

This book has adorable illustrations and wonderful, amusing rhymes that children and families will want to read again and again. It’s sure to bring smiles to everyone. Not only is it fun, but also educational. At the end of the book, there are engaging riddles with answers listed under them, so children and their families can see how well they remember the information presented in the book. It’s a must-have bedtime story for the little ones, in my opinion.

I adore this story. It first presents silly pictures, like a cow laying eggs, followed by an illustration of a hen and information on the hen and what she does. It’s so funny as well as educational. In addition to the story, there are endearing riddles at the end I feel the book will appeal to toddlers and preschoolers and they will learn a great deal by reading this funny, fact-filled…

By Sarah Mazor,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Meow Said the Cow as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

Meow Said the Cow is the second in the hilarious Auntie Lily series that is a perfect read right before sleep. The mood is lightened with Auntie Lily's silly rhymes, which guarantees bedtime with a smile :)

Silly Auntie Lily
Loves cows big and small
She tells us cow stories
That make no sense at all
Loony goofy stories
Always told in rhyme
‘Cause silly Auntie Lily
Is silly all the time

Have fun and help your child develop with Meow Said the Cow - the hilarious second volume in the READY TO READ children's books series about funny, silly,…


Book cover of Maximus the Platypus Finds His Family

Deanie Humphrys-Dunne Author Of My Life at Sweetbrier: A Life Changed by Horses

From my list on encouraging children to believe in themselves.

Why am I passionate about this?

My parents encouraged me to become a children’s author when I was very young. At first, I thought that was the silliest idea ever, but I found creating stories to be fun and inspiring. I’ve been an award-winning published author since 2009, when I had an intuition to try writing stories for children. I love being a role model for children; someone who can show them that they can achieve much more than they imagine if they persevere. My personal story, My Life at Sweetbrier; A Life Changed by Horses, is a testament that remarkable things can be accomplished through perseverance. I’m honored my work has earned many literary awards. 

Deanie's book list on encouraging children to believe in themselves

Deanie Humphrys-Dunne Why did Deanie love this book?

Maximus is a cute fellow, who is much larger than the average platypus. Max has a loving family, but he endures a trauma when his bed floats away from home during a rainstorm and he loses track of this family. Max encounters other animals who have some of the same traits. For example, Deedee Duck has a bill like Max and similar feet, but she’s not related. Soon Max meets Ollie the Otter, hoping they were part of the same family. Ollie admits their tails look alike, but still; they are not related. In the end, all of the animals Max meets help reunite him with his grandparents. Max is delighted, but he also realizes his new friends are part of his extended family. I loved that message and found the illustrations to be endearing.

By Andi Cann,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Maximus the Platypus Finds His Family as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Maximus, a cute Platypus, is lost! A great big storm swept him away from his grandparents. Where could they be? He must find them! Along the way, he meets friends who look a little bit like him. Will he ever find his family? Find out what happens!
Another great family-friendly book for kids by Andi Cann with special details about the unique traits of a platypus animal!


Book cover of Sticky Icky Vicky: Courage over Fear

Deanie Humphrys-Dunne Author Of My Life at Sweetbrier: A Life Changed by Horses

From my list on encouraging children to believe in themselves.

Why am I passionate about this?

My parents encouraged me to become a children’s author when I was very young. At first, I thought that was the silliest idea ever, but I found creating stories to be fun and inspiring. I’ve been an award-winning published author since 2009, when I had an intuition to try writing stories for children. I love being a role model for children; someone who can show them that they can achieve much more than they imagine if they persevere. My personal story, My Life at Sweetbrier; A Life Changed by Horses, is a testament that remarkable things can be accomplished through perseverance. I’m honored my work has earned many literary awards. 

Deanie's book list on encouraging children to believe in themselves

Deanie Humphrys-Dunne Why did Deanie love this book?

Sticky Icky Vicky is an educational, entertaining, well-written book for children. The big, bright illustrations will help engage readers. They will want to know why Vicky is so terrified of water that she even hates bathing. What happened to make her fear water? How did Vicky overcome her fear? Readers will want to keep turning the pages to see how Vicky changes her thought process. What occurs in the story that helps Vicky make an important choice? Readers will cheer for Vicky as she tackles her fear.

By Alysia Ssentamu, Michael Ssentamu, Noor Alshalabi (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sticky Icky Vicky as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

Meet Sticky Icky Vicky, a girl who wants to get over her fear—once and for all
In Sticky Icky Vicky: Courage over Fear, the first book in the Sticky Icky Vicky™ series, authors Alysia and Michael Ssentamu introduce readers to Vicky, a fun-loving girl who doesn't mind getting a little sticky and icky. She loves rolling down hills and playing in mud—but when it comes to water, Sticky Icky Vicky's fear prevents her from joining in the fun. Then Vicky gets an invitation for a waterpark party, and she decides that she really wants to go—even if it means ignoring…


Book cover of Dream of Fair Horses

Amanda Wills Author Of The Lost Pony of Riverdale

From my list on capturing the bond between horses and people.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been mad about horses since I was tiny, and as soon as I started to read I devoured every pony book I could lay my hands on. My love of pony books led to a life-long passion for horses and I still ride every week. When I began writing fiction a decade ago, I decided to write the kind of pony books I loved reading when I was a child. Here I am, almost twenty books later, spending my days dreaming of horses, still a pony-mad girl at heart! 

Amanda's book list on capturing the bond between horses and people

Amanda Wills Why did Amanda love this book?

Pony-mad Gillian dreams of riding in the Horse of the Year Show at Wembley.

Problem is, she doesn’t have a pony. And that would be that but for the fact that she finds one in a field near her new home. And this pony – Perdita – is perfect.

How I dreamed of finding my own perfect pony, just like Gill, as I raced through this book as a child. I was as excited as she was when Perdita’s owner offers her the chance to ride the grey mare. I was with her every step of the way as they work their socks off to qualify for Wembley. And I bawled my eyes out when the story didn’t end the way I’d hoped.

Because this tale of love and loss, of winning and losing, is a timeless classic that should be top of the To Be Read pile for…

By Patricia Leitch,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dream of Fair Horses as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'In all my life, I had never seen anything as beautiful as this grey pony ... '
Gill Caridia and her family are on the move. Gill's father writes the sort of book that literary papers love, but which few people actually buy. And then he writes a detective story that sells so well he buys back the house in the countryside where he grew up. It means change for all the children, but for Gill it means the chance to find horses, and not just horses but to ride at Wembley. But Gill learns that no dream comes without…


Book cover of Grabbing Mane

Heather Wallace Author Of Back Door Horse

From my list on books if you love horses.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been horse-obsessed since before I can remember. I begged my parents for lessons and read every horse book I could, starting with Misty of Chincoteague and the Black Stallion series. I let life lead me away from horses, but I came back after almost two decades away. Now, I write about horses for a living and work with them daily–the main theme of my life in both books and business is connection. I write nonfiction and fiction books and have a hilariously honest and fun podcast called Adulting with Horses, where we talk about our favorite topic. Want to guess what it is? 

Heather's book list on books if you love horses

Heather Wallace Why did Heather love this book?

I loved this book because it was so relatable to me as a returning adult equestrian.

The story follows Casey, a woman who left horses behind as a teenager but is called back after meeting someone who reminds her to chase her passions. I honestly felt like the author was describing me!

The struggle for balance between work, family, and horses is never-ending, yet totally worth it in the end. 

By Natalie Keller Reinert,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Grabbing Mane as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Buy a horse, they said. It will be fun, they said."


Casey Halbach's life was perfectly on track. She had it all: good friends, loving boyfriend, decent job with her very own cubicle.

Then, she met Sky. Riding instructor, barn manager, and whirlwind of energy, Sky effortlessly launches Casey back into the saddle. After fifteen years behind a desk, Casey was a little rusty... but the more time she spends at the stable, the more she never wants to leave.


Friends are confused, the boyfriend is concerned, and Casey is conflicted -- but when she decides to take the plunge…


Book cover of The Dressage Seat: Achieving a Beautiful, Effective Position in Every Gait and Movement

Alexandra Kurland Author Of The Click That Teaches: A Step-By-Step Guide in Pictures

From my list on training horses.

Why am I passionate about this?

In 1998 I launched the rapidly growing field of clicker training for horses with the publication of Clicker Training for Your Horse, the first reference for clicker training in the horse world. When you come across a training method that is as kind, safe, effective, and fun as clicker training, it’s not something you want to keep to yourself. Clicker training needs to be shared and that’s what I have been doing for almost thirty years. Through my books, DVDs, clinics, online courses, conference presentations, blogs, and podcasts, I have been teaching people how to clicker train their horses. Together we are changing the way horses are trained.

Alexandra's book list on training horses

Alexandra Kurland Why did Alexandra love this book?

Anja Beran again shares her love of horses by helping us ride better.  

Thoughtless riding damages horses. It breaks their bodies and their spirits. But we can ride horses into soundness. We can bring back the sparkle in their eyes even as we help heal their bodies. The Dressage Seat will help you ride effectively and support the well-being of your horse.

By Anja Beran,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Dressage Seat as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

With stunningly beautiful photographs and clear descriptions, classical dressage authority Anja Beran breaks down the physical requirements of the rider's seat on the horse, as well as its responsibilities during various movements-from the gaits and paces to lateral work, lead changes, piaffe, passage, and pirouettes.

Beran provides a unique perspective on the use of breath when riding, citing the recommendations of a classically-trained opera singer who regularly works with Beran and her riding students to develop their deep breathing skills. 'A relaxed seat', Beran says, 'is never possible with restricted breathing'.

In addition, she explores the need for an improved…


Book cover of Horse Sluts: The Saga of Two Women on the Trail of Their Yeehaw

Tory Bilski Author Of Wild Horses of the Summer Sun: A Memoir of Iceland

From my list on memoirs by women who love horses.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was a horse-crazy young girl whose passion for equines went dormant for 30 years. It reawakened when I turned 40, and I was again a lovelorn teenager, daydreaming about horses, plotting treks, swooning over the mere sight of an equine, even if it was online. One day in the late 90s at the dawn of the Google search engine, I happened upon a picture of a beauty, a dark horse with a thick mane blowing in the wind. It was an Icelandic horse, the photo taken on a misty green tussock in Iceland. That was it for me. I focused my equine passion (fair to call it an obsession) to that horse and that country.  

Tory's book list on memoirs by women who love horses

Tory Bilski Why did Tory love this book?

The title just made me laugh. Wade introduces herself and her co-partner in her adventures, Penelope Langley, as middle-aged women who refuse to surrender to age, and exhort themselves and others to reclaim their “yeehaw”—that feeling of freedom, wildness, that one we last had at the age of twelve. In this collection of short tales, her answer to the age-old problem of aging is a call to gallop. We follow her all very relatable equestrian pursuits through all her foibles and fun. A scene where she watches as Penelope makes friends with the most questionable character—why? because he owns horses—made me spit out my coffee. Hence the title of her book explained, they are horse sluts because they will do anything to pimp a ride.

Wade is honest about the challenges of riding as you start to get older. She is both fearful and fearless. She worries about hurting herself…

By Candace Wade, Penelope Langley,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Horse Sluts as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A swelling number of horse riders aren't nubile nymphs and don't start riding as toddlers. Horse Sluts - The Saga of Two Women on the Trail of Their Yeehaw winks at mid-life riders who relate to the feeling "when memories of who we were and what we used to do smash at our egos like bugs on a windshield." Candace Wade and Penelope Langley wrote Horse Sluts to give those riders a leg up on recapturing the yeehaw of youth. "It's how to stand up to fears, how to challenge ourselves. Horse Sluts is for women who refuse to surrender…


Book cover of The One Dollar Horse

Sydney Scrogham Author Of Chase

From my list on for horse crazy kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been a horse-crazy girl (going on nearly 20 years now)! Horses are excellent teachers and even better friends. They never lie, and they always treat you fairly. I’ve been teaching lessons for the past five years as a PATH Intl. certified instructor, and it’s been such a joy to share my love of horses with others. Here’s to all the great real-life horses in the world that inspire such great books.

Sydney's book list on for horse crazy kids

Sydney Scrogham Why did Sydney love this book?

I absolutely love this book even though it’s written in British English. It’s a great rags-to-riches, character-driven story that communicates the thrill of eventing. You never know what you’re going to get with horses until you’ve got it. Sometimes the one-dollar horses can be just as great as the six-figure ones. The story will stick with you long after the book is finished!

By Lauren St John,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The One Dollar Horse as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A thriller set in the equestrian world about making the impossible possible, about reaching the top on a one dollar horse. Fifteen year old Casey Blue lives in East London's grimmest tower block and volunteers at a local riding school, but her dream is to win the world's greatest Three Day Event: the Badminton Horse Trials. When she rescues a starving, half-wild horse, she's convinced that the impossible can be made possible. But she has reckoned without the consequences of her father's criminal record, or the distraction of a boy with melty, dark eyes, with whom she refuses to fall…


Book cover of Man & Horse: The Long Ride Across America

Merri Melde Author Of Soul Deep in Horses: Memoir of an Equestrian Vagabond

From my list on adventures from a traveling Endurance horse rider.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've been addicted to horses for as long as I can remember – not that I'm complaining. Reading The Black Stallion books as a youngster started me down the path of a life with equines. Everything fell into place, one step after another, as I became a racetrack groom, horse photographer, writer, traveler, Endurance rider, and author. I write and photograph for numerous magazines, and I’ve authored five books and several short e-stories on horses. My long-time love was my off-the-track Thoroughbred Stormy, who lived to be 30, and I currently own Hillbillie Willie, an off-the-track Standardbred who loves Endurance riding.

Merri's book list on adventures from a traveling Endurance horse rider

Merri Melde Why did Merri love this book?

Back in the day when you could ride across the country, an inexperienced young John Egenes and his young gelding Gizmo left a broken home in California, looking toward the Atlantic Ocean. Over the seven months of their exploit, they learned to depend on each other and become true partners as they found their way eastward.

I loved this story as a journey, both as a long horseback ride and a personal journey. John has a candid and humorous way of looking at life and describing the people and adventures along the way – the good and the bad. It's an up close and personal adventure across the country, shared with man's best friend,  one that I wish I could have done.

By John Egenes,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Man & Horse as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In 1974 a disillusioned young man from a broken home set out to do the impossible. With a hundred dollars in his pocket, a beat up cavalry saddle, and a faraway look in his eye, John Egenes saddled his horse Gizmo and started down the trail on an adventure across the North American continent. Their seven month journey took them across 11 states from California to Virginia, ocean to ocean.. As they left the pressing confinement of the city behind them, the pair experienced the isolation and loneliness of the southwestern deserts, the vastness of the prairie, and the great…


Book cover of Tabby's Big Year
Book cover of Meow Said the Cow
Book cover of Maximus the Platypus Finds His Family

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,608

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in equestrianism, horses, and dressage?

Equestrianism 35 books
Horses 126 books
Dressage 12 books