Note: I accessed digital review copies of this book through Edelweiss and NetGalley. ( )

I am really not sure what age Steve the Horse is directed at. My 5 year old grandson was not the least bit interested in this story, even though I tried. I can see using this story with older children. It has some humor, confidence (over confidence), self-esteem, some vocabulary building and teamwork, but I was not sure if this is a book I would recommend to teachers or parents. I know many love this series, perhaps adults get the humor more than children. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. ( )

Everyone’s favourite horse is back in a new story, Team Steve written by the hilarious Kelly Collier. There is so much to like about Steve. HE’s a good horse, built for racing. Each year he is the winner of the big Spring Race-a-Thon but this year things are different...this year the race is a relay. To keep things fair Steve is on a team with snail, duck, and turtle. Even though Steve’s teammates are not exactly the fastest racers he is not deterred and is determined to coach his team to victory.

Team Steve is an especially silly story with fabulous illustrations making it an excellent read aloud. You could really dive in a come up with voices for the characters and read it with tremendous enthusiasm. Steve proves to be a great coach and with an underlying message of sportsmanship and gumption, readers will hopefully come away with a better appreciation of how to be a great teammate and how to be a positive problem solvers.

Once again, the illustrations make this story completely come to life. The simple black drawings on a beige background, you wouldn’t think this story would be a lively and full of humour as it is given the colour choice. However, it’s just right. The illustrations are able to stand on their own merit and do not need any other colour to come to life and grab your attention. With the same little asides and hilarious facial expressions as in the first Steve book, you will be happy to read this book again and again. I know as I have already had to red it three times today and it’s not even lunch time. We love how Kelly Collier is not afraid to use some big words to help the story along, also aiding in expanding everyone’s vocabulary. This book does not talk down to readers but instead invites them into the race. ( )

Steve the Horse returns in this second entertaining picture-book adventure, following upon his debut in A Horse Named Steve. In this tale, Steve, who always wins the forest's annual race-a-thon, is surprised to discover that the rules have been changed, and that this year it will be a relay race. He is even more surprised to learn that his teammates will be Duck, Turtle and Snail. What's a winning-obsessed horse to do? Become a great coach, and get his slowpoke companions to speed up, any way they can. Things seem to be going his way on race-day, until overconfidence leads to an upset...

I enjoyed Canadian author/illustrator Kelly Collier's earlier story about her equine hero, finding it heartwarming and entertaining, although not particularly funny. As mentioned in my review of that book, humor is very idiosyncratic, and my funny-bone can be difficult to reach. That said, I actually found myself chuckling aloud on a number of occasions, while reading Team Steve. The story is amusing, and the artwork droll. I particularly liked the tolerance and compassion demonstrated by Duck, Turtle and Snail, in the face of Steve's peccadilloes. The final page, on which Steve photobombs the snapshot of the race winners finishes the book on a hilarious note. Recommended to anyone who enjoyed the first story about Steve, and to anyone looking for children's stories about teamwork, competitiveness, and good sportsmanship. ( )

Steve, the horse, expects to win every race in the forest. Unfortunately, he is paired with turtle, snail, and duck for a relay race. The animals suggest to him that he coach them with all of his racing knowledge. Steve ignores their suggestions and decides he should coach them with all of his racing knowledge. Steve is a bit obtuse. His obtuseness comes back later in the story for the climax. I do not find his obtuseness endearing. I do like the Brer Rabbit-like situations with the other racers on his team. ( )