Kat and Brandy

810WV11mQ7L
Co-Authors / Illustrators
Age Range
4+
Release Date
November 04, 2025
ISBN
978-0593385838
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From New York Times bestselling author Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt comes an inspiring, empowering, and heartwarming tale about the powerful connection between animals and humans and the enduring friendships that can change a child’s life.

Through beautiful illustrations and compelling text, the story of Brandy and Kat takes the reader on a journey where fear is transformed into courage. Where trust is earned, and love is realized.

Kat has loved horses for as long as she can remember. She’s grown up going to the barn, watching her mom ride, and riding herself. But while out on a ride one day, her pony gets scared, and she falls off. Ever since then, Kat has been afraid to get back in the saddle—until she meets Brandy.

Brandy is a rescue horse with a past that makes it hard for her to trust others. From the moment Kat first sees Brandy in the pasture from afar, with her pretty white coat and the unique little scar on her face, she wants to learn the horse’s story. Kat sees herself in Brandy and is intrigued, eager to get to know her better. Through patience and curiosity, Kat works through her worries and builds up the courage to get back in the saddle and ride again.

Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt shares a heartfelt story—based on her own childhood memories with her real-life pony Brandy—complete with a letter to the reader about the bonds we have with animals that help us feel strong and confident, and sometimes even allow us to conquer fears we never thought possible.

Editor review

1 review
Horses and Confidence to Try Again
(Updated: June 12, 2026)
Overall rating
 
4.8
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
4.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
5.0
Contemplative and joyful, Kat and Brandy tells the story of a girl overcoming her fears through friendship, thinking of others, and giving dreams a second chance. The soft, colorful illustrations are full of bright spring grass, farmyard scenery, and lovable horses, capturing Kat's hesitation and tentative courage.

Kat's experience with horses - falling from her pony at a young age - demonstrates how brief, seemingly small incidents have a profound impact on an individual, especially when growing up. I sympathize with her mixed feelings afterward, including her not wanting to talk about her fear and her more furtive love for horses which still persists. Through Brandy, Kat is able to help another animal who's also been marked by a tough experience and finally open up to a future where she's unafraid to admit her fear and that she's ready to try again.

Based on a true story, this is a perfect tale for horse and animal lovers, whether they like to admire them up close or at a distance.
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