Detective Galileo by Peter Helliar and Andrew Joyner

For as long as he can remember, it has been Galileo's dream to become a police horse. But when his dream comes true, he soon realises he's not there to solve crimes - he's just a vehicle to carry around the 'real' human detectives. Even though his friend Reynolds likes the fact that police horses can poop in the street with impunity, Galileo thinks that if that is to be the high point of his career, then he wants out.

But before he has the chance to quit, Galileo witnesses a crime, a cat (burglar) robs a jewellery store - and he decides to take matters into his own hands. This is not going to be a crime handed over to cops in cars. He has a lot to learn, but each crime he solves is sure to take him one step closer to becoming a real detective ...

But while Galileo thinks he is going to be showered in glory for solving a crime, the opposite happens and he is actually sent home, back to Happy Valley Trail Rides in disgrace. Is this a one-off wonder or is there another way that Galileo can realise his dreams...?

Written for newly-independent readers honing their skills with stepping-stone novels that have the shorter chapters, larger font and plenty of illustrations that support their efforts, this is a new series - the second is due in late October - that will appeal to those looking for something a little different. Both the action and the dialogue are fast-paced and built on Helliar's trademark humour and Joyner's distinctive illustrations convey Galileo's moods and emotions so well, making the reader believe he is almost human.

There are old adages about if at first you don't succeed and there being more than one way to skin a cat that would fit this story well, applying to both horse and reader. We all have hopes and dreams but our pathway to achieving them may take unexpected twists and turns, but it's possible to turn those obstacles into opportunities to get where we ultimately want to be.

Themes: Horses, Police.

Barbara Braxton