Big Wishes for Little Feat is a wonderful tale that will ignite the imagination with rich colorful illustrations by award-winning, Italian illustrator, Paolo d’ Altan. Central to the book’s charm is 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. It is a tale about true friendship, facing and overcoming obstacles and, most importantly, always believing. A quirky aunt adds to the fun of this tale of happy endings and new beginnings. Just in time for the holidays, Cheryl Olsten’s Big Wishes for Little Feat will be released October 6, 2020, through most major booksellers.
For young children who love animals, especially those with a special fondness for the magic of horses, Big Wishes for Little Feat is not to be missed. Olsten’s debut work is sure to become a cherished favorite that readers will want to hold onto and pass down to the next generation.
The inspired mind behind the work, Olsten crafted the whimsical tale to include her own Lafitte De Muze, the Belgian Warmblood she imported from Germany as a youngster that has been ridden to stardom in the hunter ring and derbies by professional, Amanda Steege. Pulling from Lafitte’s inspiring qualities that have made him a star in the ring, an equine ambassador with the EQUUS Foundation and a favorite in the barn, the author fabricated a heartwarming account that includes the likeness of her horse beside fictional Ella in the starring roles, and the characters come to life thanks to celebrated illustrator, Paolo d’Altan.
Early Praise for Big Wishes for Little Feat
“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
“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
Olsten’s new book is available online now for pre-order with major booksellers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as through other booksellers that include Books-A-Million, Porchlight, Indiebound and Goodreads.
For more information, please visit cherylolsten.com.
About The Author
Olsten grew up on the north shore of Long Island, and attended Syracuse University’s School of Visual Communications before moving to Pennsylvania, just across the Delaware River from New Jersey. After starting a family, she freelanced for regional magazines until she launched New Jersey Life magazine. A few years later, she debuted a second magazine in the form of New Jersey Life Health and Beauty. An equestrian since childhood, Olsten’s father had Standardbreds, trotters and pacers, and in her teens she was introduced to Show Jumping Hall of Famer, Neil Shapiro, who taught her to ride and fostered her sense of horsemanship. Thus started her journey to ownership of Lafitte De Muze, who proved to be the perfect fairytale horse.
