Rated ★★★★★ by Readers' Favorite When a young horse and a little girl fascinated by the stars above are brought together by a bit of fate and one shooting star, nothing can keep them apart. Cheryl Olsten tells the fanciful and delightful tale of a young horse in Belgium and a little girl living in America who are brought together by a bit of fate and a shooting star. When Ella's parents send her to live with her great-aunt in the beautiful Kingdom of Belgium, she becomes lonely and lost. Not far away lives an equally lonely young horse, the smallest in the stable. Little Feat, as he will be known, longs for a forever friend. When Ella and Little Feat are brought together, their devotion to each other grows. Their awe and love of the night sky with sparkling stars and constellations takes them on a journey that will change their lives forever. Big Wishes for Little Feat is a wonderful tale that will ignite the imagination with its rich, colorful illustrations by award-winning Italian illustrator Paolo d'Altan. Central to the book's charm is the imagery of stars and constellations to which a little girl and her horse both look for inspiration, confidence, and faith in themselves, as they learn how to turn disappointments into achievements. A quirky aunt adds to the fun of this tale of happy endings and new beginnings. For young girls who love animals with a special fondness for the magic of horses. Cheryl Olsten was formerly the publisher of two New Jersey Magazines, New Jersey Life and New Jersey Life Health and Beauty . She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, while their grown children are living their happy lives on different parts of the globe. From the story, to the message it conveys, and the beautiful artwork, Big Wishes for Little Feat is a wonderful book that should be added to your child's bookshelf! The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and really add a dreamy feel to the whole story. Any child who loves horses will certainly adore this story as will any child that loves to dream. -- Feathered Quill Book Reviews Cheryl Olsten's children's story, Big Wishes for Little Feat, is full of wishes and dreams and the power of believing. Using beautiful, colorful illustrations and the skill of an expert storyteller, the plot develops in a third-person narrative beginning with Lafitte's story and then Ella's, until the two connect and bond. The story is told with compassion and will help young readers really believe in themselves and their dreams and to have the courage to follow their dreams. Most of the story is narrated but there is sufficient, well-executed dialogue to help carry the tale along. The young reader will be instantly drawn into the warmth of this inspiring little story. A real treasure. -- Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite Seeing that the story is based on a real horse in the first few pages of the book makes the tale even more heartwarming than it already is. Even though Little Feat is very real, he stands as a metaphor for reaching for the stars--one that is bound to inspire and give hope to those of all ages. On top of Olsten's wonderful and rich writing, Paolo d'Altan's illustrations work in sync, bringing as much magic and awe to the page as every word. Furthermore, d'Altan uses a warm palette of colors that creates vivid and smooth illustrations that are bound to fill any child's heart with adoration just as profoundly as Little Feat's dreams and determination. -- Reviewed by Yousra Medhkour for US Review of Books "You probably know Lafitte De Muse from his many accolades in the biggest hunter classes with rider Amanda Steege. But owner Cheryl Olsten highlights his star quality in an entirely different, more creative way in her children’s book Big Wishes for Little Feat. Olsten has based the book on her 2019 WCHR Hunter of the Year, but the story, while inspired by Lafitte, quickly becomes more imaginative than any real-life tale could be. This little horse has dreams he won’t give up on and the kind of otherworldly brilliance we all attribute to our own favorite horses, real or imagined. When a young girl named Ella enters the picture, my 11-year-old daughter knew where the plot was headed, but she enjoyed the journey nevertheless. Colorful and delightful artwork by Italian artist Paolo d’Altan—even on the gorgeous inside covers featuring gold constellations—carries the story beautifully from page to page. If you’re looking for a gift for a young horse lover, “Big Wishes for Little Feat” is one you can enjoy alongside your child for a bedtime read that is sure to be pulled off the shelf over and over again." — Beth Rasin with Chronicle of the Horse "Like all good children's books, Big Wishes For Little Feat features important lessons, but the story never feels forced or preachy. Instead, Ella and Little Feat encounter obstacles that all readers will find relatable. The themes of building confidence and believing in yourself apply to all c