Blue Horse and Tilly

Lonely children and their imaginary friends are the subjects of a number of books, speaking of the need for stories which convey empathy with those who may be lonely or who feel left out. This picture book will provide opportunities for parents and teachers to talk about loneliness and friendship, and an opportunity for children in this situation to empathise with Tilly who is new in town and finds it difficult to make friends. Her toy blue horse comes to the rescue. Together they play games and eventually blue horse encourages Tilly to speak to another little girl in the playground. Stephens' flat, stylish paintings and her use of purple, blue and turquoise help to create a feeling of space and an atmosphere of being apart for Tilly, who, while she may be lonely, is certainly not without sparkiness.