The Loveville Carnival

In 1925, the quaint town of Loveville is buzzing, because the traveling carnival has arrived. And with it comes Stella, a dazzling white show horse who's used to bright lights, perfect routines, and cheering crowds.

For a week, Stella is boarded at Sunny Acres Farm, where the ground is muddy, the barn is creaky, and the welcome committee includes a muddy piglet named Pip, a boot-collecting dog named Max, and a bossy hen who thinks she should run the whole place. Worst of all (at least at first), Stella meets Benny, a sturdy farm horse with a calm voice, a sharp sense of humor, and absolutely no interest in being impressed.

When Pip goes missing in the cornfields, Stella and Benny must work together to bring him home. Under warm barn lanterns, Stella begins to discover something she hasn't felt in a long time: belonging. But pride can be fragile, and one misunderstanding threatens to pull them apart, until a fierce storm forces every animal on the farm (and a few carnival guests, too) to face what really matters.

As the carnival's lanterns glow for one final night, Stella must decide what she wants more, applause, or a home where she's truly known. The Loveville Carnival is a tender, funny, and hopeful children's story about friendship, courage, and discovering that the best kind of love doesn't need an audience.

• Wholesome farm-and-carnival adventure set in small-town America

• Lovable animal characters, gentle humor, and cozy barn-lantern warmth

• Themes of kindness, teamwork, apology, and finding where you belong

• Ideal for read-aloud time and early independent readers who enjoy animal stories