By: Caroline Maximus Hankinson
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Join Edward Chocolate and Bertie Boo Boo, two spirited goats locked in a playful rivalry, in this delightful and exciting tale.
Their latest nighttime game brings them head-to-head once again, this time competing over the size of their horns.
But when the wise owl swoops in with her words of wisdom, the competition takes a heartwarming turn, reminding them that true worth goes beyond appearances, and putting any feelings of inferiority to rest.
Caroline Maximus Hankinson is a nature and animal enthusiast, driven to write after the birth of her daughter, Belle-Valentina. Suddenly, her surroundings were through the eyes of a child. Being an owner of three ponies, four dogs and two goats, she incorporated the characters of her animals into her stories. Residing in a quaint cottage in rural Wiltshire, her bright, beautiful fairy-tale-like garden decor depicts her broad appreciation for a world of imagination. Her stories are a reflection of the morals that she hopes to instil in her daughter throughout her life.
Caroline Maximus Hankinson’s *Big Horns Little Horns* is a charming, light-hearted picture book that gently teaches children the value of self-worth, humility, and friendship. Through the playful rivalry of two spirited goats—Edward Chocolate and Bertie Boo Boo—young readers are treated to a lively bedtime story that offers more than just laughs and mischief. The tale opens with Edward and Bertie engaged in one of their nightly games, this time fixated on a contest over who has the biggest horns. Like many childhood rivalries, the debate is energetic, exaggerated, and wonderfully relatable. Children will find amusement in the goats’ over-the-top antics, and the dynamic illustrations (noted in the description, though not visible here) likely add vibrancy and visual humor to the already animated storyline. As the competition escalates, a wise owl swoops in to restore perspective, delivering the book’s poignant message: that true value isn't measured by outward appearances or who "wins" a friendly contest, but by the kindness and character within. The owl's intervention is subtle yet powerful—her words of wisdom don't scold but guide the goats (and the readers) toward a moment of emotional clarity and growth. What makes this book particularly effective is how it takes a common childhood experience—comparing oneself to others—and transforms it into a teachable moment without ever feeling preachy. Hankinson uses animals and light humor to mirror real feelings of jealousy, inadequacy, and the need for validation, and then gently redirects those feelings toward empathy and understanding. Edward Chocolate and Bertie Boo Boo are delightful characters in their own right. Their names are memorable, their personalities endearing, and their journey feels both entertaining and meaningful. Their evolution from playful competitors to thoughtful friends serves as a heartwarming reminder of the strength of friendship and the importance of looking beyond surface-level comparisons. This book is a wonderful tool for parents, teachers, and caregivers seeking to foster emotional intelligence and self-confidence in young readers. With its rhythmic storytelling, gentle humor, and timeless life lessons, *Big Horns Little Horns* is bound to become a favorite read-aloud that prompts meaningful conversations. In summary, Caroline Maximus Hankinson has created a whimsical and wise tale that offers more than its playful premise suggests. It’s a reminder that while big horns may catch the eye, it’s the size of the heart that truly counts.
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