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Reviewed by Janelle Fila for Readers' Favorite
Helper Returns by Malinda Mitchell is a sweet story for children about a beautiful horse, aptly named Helper, who tries his best to help the people (mostly children) within the story. I enjoyed the idea of a talking horse that could help people and I think kids will appreciate it too. As a child, I always loved horses and had a strong fascination with them. I would have loved a magic horse to sweep down and help me with all of my issues, (although I never experienced anything as traumatic as the characters within this book).
The drawings incorporated within the story are very enjoyable and reminded me of some of the books I used to read when I was younger and I think kids will appreciate that break in the page of words. Perhaps the drawings are a little young for young adult readers though. The drawings (and really the story) felt more geared toward a middle grade audience.
This story reminded me a little of the old television show Lassie. It just had a feel good quality about it that really made me want to smile. I almost felt like Helper was a symbol for a god-like creature (and some readers might have an issue with that much religion in their child's text) but I don't think the religious theme was too overt. I felt more that Helper was the kid's best friend and every kid needs a best friend like Helper.
