The Secret Horses of Briar Hill

“Here’s writing and illustration in perfect partnership, making a remarkable book. Astonishing!” * Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse *
A book about finding hope and beauty in the darkest of places, with exquisite, powerful illustrations from Pinfold. * The Bookseller *
Megan Shepherd has drawn on well-known tropes from children's classics and the horses are beautifully captured in descriptions as well as Levi Pinfold's pencil drawings. The Black Horse swoops menacingly overhead, symbolising German bombers and the ever present threat of death. A powerful story. * Irish News *
There is a classic feel about Emmaline’s story, which is enhanced by Kate Greenaway award-winner Levi Pinfold’s stunning and delicate pencil illustrations. This is a magic-realist, bittersweet story about children in wartime. * BookTrust *
Reminiscent of C.S. Lewis's Narnia and Michael Morpurgo books it explores friendship, love and loss. Wonderfully illustrated by Levi Pinfold his atmospheric paintings of horses and war time life will captivate history, art and animals lovers alike and make a wonderful gift. * South Wales Evening Post *
It's a powerful story that will no doubt find a place, alongside the classics, in children's hearts. * The Belfast Telegraph *
[...] a glorious story celebrating the beauty of both the imagination and stories. Movingly set in World War 2 and the horrors of this time, this book will move you and enthrall. * Armadillo *
A powerful story that will find a place in children's hearts. * Daily Post *
Take one look at the cover and you will be enthralled - a riveting read about the Second World War. * Sunday Independent, Dublin *
[...] both unusual and moving. * Newbury Weekly News *
“This is a very special book indeed. Not only because of the sheer beauty of its production, illustrated as it is by Greenaway medal winner Levi pinfold, known for his exquisite colour, mesmerising picture books, but here demonstrating what he can do with simple line and restricted to black and white. But also because it is an enthralling, moving and evocative tale set in the midst of World War Two. […] This is a beautifully written story of bravery and resilience with a terrific sense of time and place and which reminds us all of the fragility of life. Highly recommended do thoughtful readers of any age.” * The School Librarian *
“The book was clear and well written and I got quite engrossed in it; the illustrations were a nice touch and added to the story.” * Teen titles Reader review *
“Timeless and timely, exquisite writing and illustration, this novel for ages 9+ gives the reader much to think about while exploring a wonder-filled landscape of both reality and imagination.” * Fallen Star Stories *
Shepherd weaves fantasy with reality to create colour in a bleak world. Emmaline deals with the anger and helplessness that illness, grief and the realisation of her own mortality bring with them. * Children's Books Ireland - Mind Yourself *