The Day Dancer Flew - by Tiffany Stone (Hardcover)

About the Book

In this beautiful picture book inspired by a true story, flooding forces a child and their family to flee their farm without their beloved horse, Dancer. But the child won't give up on Dancer and finds helpers in the community who get Dancer airlifted to safety.

Book Synopsis

In this beautiful picture book inspired by real events, a young girl works to rescue her horse after a devastating flood.

Dancer is a gentle and loving horse. He got his name because of how he moves his hooves--happily, like he's dancing. Every day when the girl rides on his back, it feels like she is flying--until the rain descends and won't let up. Everything floods and the girl and her family flee...leaving Dancer behind. But while sheltering at the community center, the girl can't stop worrying about Dancer. She knows there must be a way to save him too. With the help of an agriculture officer, a horse expert and a helicopter pilot, a plan comes together to save the stranded horse.

Inspired by real events during the flooding near Spences Bridge, British Columbia, in 2021, this gorgeously illustrated book tells the tale of a girl's love for her horse and the power of a community coming together to help humans (and animals) during a natural disaster.

Review Quotes

"Awe-inspiring [with] a perfect ending!"

-- "Sal's Fiction Addiction"

"Any child who loves animals will be captivated by this tale showcasing the love between a girl and her horse. Children will be reminded to have hope and look to their community for support in tough times."

-- "Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)"

"There is a beautiful flow and rhythm to [Stone's] words, making The Day Dancer Flew ideal for reading aloud...[and] the illustrations by Brittany Lane are stunning, soft, and ethereal...Being able to place the story anywhere makes it easier for readers to connect to the idea that there are always helpers, and that some people will do selfless things to help others. Highly Recommended."

-- "CM: Canadian Review of Materials"

"Readers will be moved by how the protagonist's flights of fancy turn into concrete solutions. The story is a much-needed reminder about the importance of community; it also offers a crucial takeaway: Even in the face of natural disaster and trauma, we must never stop attempting the seemingly impossible...A tremendous example of collective efforts in the wake of disaster."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

About the Author

Tiffany Stone is a children's poet and picture book author. She is constantly inspired by animals of all kinds and loves to write about them. Tiffany lives with her family, including many beloved pets, in Maple Ridge, British Columbia.

Brittany Lane is a freelance illustrator and fine artist inspired by nature, animals, travel and folklore. She formally trained as a biologist and spent over a decade working as a wildlife biologist before pursuing her passion for art. Now she uses visual storytelling as a way to share her love for nature and wildlife with others. She currently lives in Stouffville, Ontario.