Peabody the Mini Horse

PreS-K–Peabody, a miniature horse, is too small to run or play. But Nurse Pippa, a young girl with peach skin and reddish brown hair says, “God never makes mistakes,” and teaches Peabody. When Peabody becomes friends with a tiny donkey, Fitzgerald, and a tiny puppy, Bubblegum, Nurse Pippa gives them all a forever home. Inspired by the author’s viral TikTok videos of the real Peabody, the picture book’s message is that one must connect with one’s own kind. However, that’s the opposite for the millions of people around the world who witnessed the real Peabody’s brief but beautiful life via social media. The refrain “God never makes mistakes,” is superfluous to the story. Braun’s illustrations—generally delightful in most of his books and often bordering on classic—use a stylized shape and placement of the eyes which together with Peabody’s lolling tongue make the otherwise cute main character slightly unappealing. Back matter includes sweet photographs and a few biographical details, but doesn’t mention that Peabody died at only four months old.