author/illustrator: Jane Godwin, Felicita Sala
ages: 3+
32 pages
27.5 cm x 23 cm
hardcover
English
Scribble (Australia)
Rights sold: French, German, Romanian, Russian
Arno and his Horse
Arno had a horse
It was brown and it was black
He took it with him everywhere
But did he bring it back?
When Arno loses his precious toy horse, all the kids in town help him to look for it. They look everywhere, but will Arno ever see his horse again?
This poignant and touching story tells, in gentle rolling rhyme, the story of a boy’s relationship to his grandfather, exploring love, loss, memory, and the the way that objects hold the memories of our loved ones.
- Shortlisted for ABDA (Australian Book Design Awards) Best Designed Children's Illustrated Book
IN THE MEDIA
"Besides offering an Australian setting and suggesting the boy’s powerful connection with his grandfather, the book communicates a strong sense that something magical has happened…An appealing addition to picture-book collections." —Booklist
‘Wide landscapes help to illustrate happy days past and present in this story about the sweetness of remembrance’
—Foreword Reviews"When Arno loses his wooden horse, everyone helps hunt for the small carving….[Grandpa] is introduced as the now-deceased carver of the horse. That’s what makes it special. After Arno dreams about his grandpa, he knows where to find the horse…Grandpa is seen fording the river, both in Arno’s memory of his grandfather’s stories and in his dream. Does it matter? The book’s emphasis on the relationship between the older man and the young boy is comforting. —Kirkus
"A delightful rhyme scheme and Felicita Sala’s beautiful watercolour illustrations of the landscape, as well as of Arno and his friends, make this poignant tale truly special. I particularly loved the depiction of the strong bond between grandparent and grandchild through a keepsake. Arno and His Horse is an utter delight for kids ages 3+."
—Angela Crocombe, Readings Kids
THE AUTHOR
Jane Godwin is an Australian children’s book publisher, and also the highly acclaimed author of over twenty books for children, across all styles and ages.
THE ILLUSTRATOR
Felicita Sala was born in Rome but grew up in Perth. She graduated with Honours in Philosophy and is a selftaught illustrator. She has received several awards: 10 best picture books of 2018 by the New York Times (She Made a Monster), 2020: Premio Andersen as best illustrator in Italy. Her picture book Lunch at Pomegranate Street has been translated in over 10 languages.
She also illustrated My Dog and I (text by Luca Tortolini). This title has been part of the selection 2024 D-Pictus Outstanding Picture books.