The Snow Foal By Susanna Bailey

I decided to read this book after seeing the brilliant review by Dame Jaqueline Wilson, and I was not dissappointed - I absolutely loved this book! In fact, I wanted to review it as soon as I put it down but decided to wait a bit to give a more considered review. So here goes....

The story revolves around a young girl named Addie, who is taken into foster care at the start of the book and goes to live on a farm in Exmoor with her foster family, Sam, Ruth, Gabe, and Flo the dog. Also at the farm are two other foster children, called Sunni and Jake. Sunni is rather bossy, and Addie is quite suspicious of her. Jake never speaks. A short time after Addie arrives, a young foal, rescued from the moor, is brought to the farm to recoup. Addie is tasked with looking after the foal while he recovers, and they soon develop a bond. There is an issue over whether the foal is a true Exmoor foal or not. If he is not, he will not be returned to the moor, and Addie is worried he will never see his mam again. Addie hopes she and the foal will be able to return home, and she plans to do everything she can to help the foal.

The story deals with the realities of the foster care system and the complex emotions that come with it. It can be slow -paced at times, but it is full of love, friendship, and healing and is a beautiful read, perfect for the 8–12 age bracket. It is possibly a little aspirational in the experience of the foster care system that Addie has. It may also not appeal to some given the sensitive subject matter, but it is, in my view, a must read for most! I would give it 4.5 /5