Written by Haven Lindsey
What happens when Gracie, a small “blue” dog, befriends Max, a big white horse? Despite all outward differences, these two become inseparable! Young Gracie learns to be confident and unafraid, and aging Max learns that he still has purpose. In The Blue Dog and the White Horse: The Best of Friends, you’ll join this unlikely pair on real-life adventures as they build bonds of love and trust while navigating excitement, illness, danger, uncertainty, and even great loss together. In this heartwarming collection of true stories, you’ll find that Gracie, Max, and their community of friends face many of the same emotions and circumstances as people. Their experiences and lessons in courage, compassion, communication, and connection are sure to resonate with children, adults, and families everywhere! (Downloadable activity book included!)
$15.95
Haven Lindsey works full time as a healthcare writer and marketing strategist. She has more than twenty years of experience writing human-interest stories and articles about health and well-being, public policy, education, travel, and food. Haven also enjoys freelance writing projects. She lives near Taos, New Mexico, with Gracie and her cat, Banjo. Haven loves watching the sunrise over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains from her home and spotting hot air balloons in the mornings.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 56
ISBN Paperback: 978-1-962416-99-3
Release date: 7/8/2025
“Haven Lindsey has written a remarkable book in the tradition of Charlotte’s Web, a thrilling exploration of friendship that happens to be between two animals but that readers will recognize as universal. l fell in love with Gracie (the blue dog) and Max (the white horse) and delighted in their instinctual connection. Haven Lindsey’s prose is luminous and deeply stirring. A book for anyone who loves animals and recognizes the deep, healing power of friendship.”
—Steve Almond, New York Times best-selling author of Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow
“Sickness, big emotions, risks, change, threats, and even death are inevitabilities in life. In these six short stories, Lindsey tenderly touches each and gives us peace that it’s all ok.”
—Brook Benten, M.Ed., author & Professional Life Coach
“. . . Shines a light on the power of relationships to heal and transform us. Gracie and Max model how to be curious and brave, how to feel your feelings, and how to embrace life and let go. This book is a treasure for children and adults alike.”
—Mirabai Starr, award-winning author of Wild Mercy and Ordinary Mysticism
“. . . A heartwarming tale capturing the transformative power of friendship. It’s a poignant reminder that love is universal, regardless of size or species.”
—Kaila Yu, author and influencer
“. . . A delightful series of charming stories that invites readers into the world of Max, a wise and gentle horse, and Gracie, an inquisitive young dog with a spirit full of wonder. Though Max and Gracie are quite different, their bond transcends these differences. At the series’ heart is their profound friendship, built on unwavering trust and genuine care for one another and those around them. Their touching experiences provide valuable lessons that will resonate with readers of all ages—the power of empathy, the strength
found in courage, and the irreplaceable beauty of true friendship. . . . It’s perfect for anyone who loves heartwarming stories that will tug at your heartstrings!”
—Christy Coleman, Executive Director, Taos Art Museum at Fechin House
“A . . . delightful and sincere expression of the compassionate bond shared by animals and humans in a contemporary world.”
—J.S. Douglas, Psy.D., neuropsychologist
“A lovely story . . . with simple but valuable life lessons . . . and gorgeous illustrations. My first thought was how much I wished I could have had this to read to my kids when they were little.”
—Eliza Gilkyson, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter
“Max and Gracie . . . focus on what matters most. They serve as great role models . . . and help reinforce some of the most basic truths about living a good life: slow down, be loyal, and focus on the good in others.”
—Marika Flatt, owner, PR by the Book; book publicist for 27 years
“. . . Filled with lessons about . . . how to be a good friend—especially to those who are different from us. These are powerful messages we all need to hear. We are all children at heart.”
—Quint Studer, author, philanthropist, entrepreneur
“. . . A good reminder of the connection possible between friends—be they animal or human. . . . Absolutely wonderful and inspiring for all ages—my grandchildren loved it!”
—Michael Hearne, award-winning singer-songwriter
“This book teaches all of the lessons . . . and valuable life skills . . . that I come across as an educator: trust, friendship, bonds, sickness, scary situations, being brave, feeling a range of emotions and how to overcome them, connecting to others, and living life to the fullest. The downloadable activity book makes the perfect complement and added bonus . . . (helping) children think in a fun way. It is all just perfect . . . to share . . . with my students!”
—Natalie Gibson, Academic Interventionist Teacher
“. . . A beautiful story of love and trust. There are so many lessons here. I would love to share this book with my psychiatric patients who have experienced trauma. It gives a sense that they are not alone and teaches the responsibility of caring.”
—Mary Ann Dameron, CNP, FNP, PMHNP, Caring Hearts Mental Health
“With a captivating narrative . . . delightful illustrations . . . and relatable characters, this book . . . encourages the values of trust, friendship, and courage. . . . As a fellow children’s book writer, I truly admire Haven’s creativity and dedication to helping children cope with life’s lessons. . . . This book will be a valuable addition to any child’s bookshelf.”
—Renate C. Hume, author of ALEX the Pink Rat and The Stone’s Journey
“Perfect for readers of all ages, this inspiring book teaches valuable lessons about empathy, perseverance, and the importance of supporting one another. Whether navigating fear, celebrating milestones, or learning to say goodbye, Gracie and Max remind us that true friendship knows no boundaries. A delightful and moving read for families and animal lovers everywhere!”
—Shanti U. Jones, Ph.D., Certified Philosophical Counselor
“Kindness, empathy, compassion, and understanding are emotions kids of all ages can relate to, and that is what we glean from . . . these two creatures from entirely different breeds. It’s a message we all need to learn, especially in these fraught times.”
—Lynne Robinson, editor, Taos News Tempo
“My three children and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about their adventures and talking about the support and self-confidence we develop from our friendships.”
—Ashok Roy, MD, MPH, MBA
“These true tales … resonate as authentic, illuminating, and educational. As the friends navigate learning new skills, overcoming obstacles, facing sickness, loss, and adapting to life changes, they share wise lessons with readers in a poignant way. . . . Going through new and tough times is always easier with a good friend close by. Caring for each other’s well-being and safety overcomes differences in the friend’s species, size, and abilities.”
—Jan Smith, MFA, Executive Director of SOMOS, writer and teacher
“The Blue Dog and the White Horse reminded me of my little son’s favorite book about a small dog, Bobik, who lived on a farm and made friends with all the animals. My son is 29 now and still keeps the book in his treasure box. Very rarely can we read books for children based on true stories. Such books live forever with us, and so do the authors.”
—Agnieszka Szafraniec, travel guide, Kraków, Poland
Emily Hurst Pritchett grew up in western New York and has loved to draw and paint all her life. She studied illustration at Brigham Young University. She loves to read books for kids and grown-ups, sing, dance, and play video games. She currently lives abroad in Colombia with her husband and two children. You can find more about Emily at her website, emilypritchettart.com
