CHLOE AND THE MAGIC BATON

In the hands of a more competent translator, this beautifully illustrated book might have been a winner. Chloe arrives at her lesson barn the morning of a horse show to find she’s been assigned to ride Niki, the most stubborn pony there. Chloe despairs, until her Uncle arrives with the “magic riding baton.” Thus armed, Chloe succeeds beyond her dreams, until—you knew this was coming, didn’t you?—she loses the baton, and must discover that her success comes from inside. Okay, we’ve heard the plot before—but never quite so awkwardly. Americans call a “baton” a “crop” or a “whip”; readers may think Chloe’s about to start twirling. It’s “rein,” not “reign.” The stilted words detract from the absolutely stunning watercolors, which capture movement and energy and joy, and show perfectly every detail of the world of riding. “Better luck next time.” (Picture book. 5-8)