Horses (Secret S.T.E.A.M. Society #1)

In this time-bending graphic novel from Mueller (Bat Pat), a human tween with a fear of horses dives headfirst into a primer on equine science. Middle schooler Thea attends the London Academy of Ideas and Ingenuity, a boarding school dedicated to S.T.E.A.M.-based education. When she learns that her next lesson involves visiting the academy stables, usually confident Thea loses her nerve. But with help from her classmates George and Toot—an alien exchange student who possesses technology capable of propelling them through time—Thea endeavors to overcome her equinophobia. As the trio travels across time and space, Thea witnesses the evolution of horses firsthand, while The Magic School Bus–flavored sequences take the students on imaginative plunges into equine digestive and nervous systems. Panels and pages jam-packed with text are accompanied by Mayorga’s sunny artwork. Hyperrealistic horse illustrations sparkle with subtle emotion, imparting friendly atmosphere throughout analytical, sometimes dry dialogue. It’s a thoughtful and instructional introduction to the titular subject, as well as an engaging opening to an information-focused series. Characters are depicted with various skin tones, some fanciful. Ages 7–12. (Feb.)