Reviews of My Books

Stormy Normy Finds His Forever Home

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

Stormy Normy Finds His Forever Home is a charming children's book written by Leisa Fail, with illustrations by Amy Rennie. Set in the Australian outback, it tells the tale of a Brumby colt named Stormy Normy. Born during a thunderstorm to a mare named Midnight, Stormy becomes separated from his mother while gazing at farm horses behind a fence. He is eventually taken in by a new herd, but he struggles with his identity and faces challenges in fitting into this new environment. Throughout the story, he encounters both humans and other horses, which shape his understanding of the world. As Stormy navigates friendships and the dynamics of horse society, he often faces bullying due to his large ears and wild heritage. Thankfully, he finds a kindred spirit who teaches him the importance of staying calm, embracing self-acceptance, and recognizing the value of his heritage. These lessons ultimately lead him to discover his forever home.

Stormy Normy Finds His Forever Home is a heartwarming story that conveys profound lessons about growth, adaptation, and resilience. It is the first book in the Adventures of Stormy Normy series and sets an intriguing foundation for future installments. Life brings both joy and pain and, from a young age, Stormy experiences both. His journey is inspiring and contains relatable moments that readers of all ages can connect with. We all wish to find a place to belong and to be surrounded by people who love us unconditionally. I appreciated how Stormy's trials helped him discover his true self and find a home that embraces his uniqueness. The book also offers educational elements, teaching young readers about horses and their way of life. The colorful illustrations bring the characters and story to life. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to exploring more of Stormy Normy’s adventures.

Link to review: Book review of Stormy Normy Finds His Forever Home - Readers' Favorite: Book Reviews and Award Contest 

Universal lessons of resilience, self-discovery and the importance of being true to yourself.

STORMY NORMY Finds His Forever Home
Written by Australian children's author and horse enthusiast, Leisa Fail
Full colour illustrations by Amy Rennie
Published by Ingram Book Co. (March 2024)
Soft cover $23.06 (Amazon.ca) 130 pages
Kindle e-book: $7.99
Suitable for ages 6-11

This charming story takes place in eastern Australia’s high country where wild horses, known as brumbies, roam. The story starts on a wild and stormy night when our 4-legged hero is born. The first chapter sets the scene and introduces readers to the equine characters, then from chapter 2 onwards, Stormy Normy takes up narration from the point of view of a spirited little colt struggling to survive, especially after getting separated from his mum.

Stormy Normy tells of his curiosity when coming across a human’s paddock containing other foals and galloping off to join them even though his mother begs him to stay by her side.

When rancher Peter approaches the little colt, Stormy Normy’s mum is nowhere to be found so our hero becomes a member of this new herd of strangers. Our little hero is forced to navigate the challenges of life from facing abandonment to overcoming bullying and embracing what makes him unique. It’s an inspiring adventure that is not just about a colt finding his forever home, but is also about the universal lessons of resilience, self-discovery and the importance of being true to yourself.

Review by Glenda Fordham for The Rider

Link to review: Stormy Normy | TheRider.com

Stormy Normy Finds His Forever Home - Leisa Fail - ★★★.½

April 05, 2024
AUTHOR: Leisa Fail
SERIES: The Adventures of Stormy Normy, #1GENRE: Children's Fiction, Animals.
PUBLICATION DATE: March 25, 2024
RATING: 3.5 stars

In a Nutshell: A children’s chapter book about a young brumby horse named Stormy Normy. The author certainly knows horses! Recommended to young animal lovers looking for a sweet and easy-going story.

Plot Preview: Outback Queensland, Australia. Young Stormy Normy was born, as his name suggests, on a stormy night. As his mother and he are returning to their herd, Stormy gets distracted and enters a farm with many horses. His mother, realising that he will have a better life there than in the wild pack, leaves him there with a heavy heart. Thus begins Stormy’s life, where he learns to navigate tricky situations, make new friends, and realises whom and how to trust.The story is written in Stormy’s first person perspective, with two brief interludes from his mother’s point of view in third person.

I am not really a horse person, being a city girl (woman!) all my life. But in my childhood, I had read a couple of memorable books with horse characters, including the classic ‘Black Beauty’ by Anna Sewell. Reading this debut indie work was a flashback down memory lane to some extent.
Though both Black Beauty and Stormy Normy are titular characters in their books, their stories aren’t exactly similar. The classic story is much darker, meant to make us empathise with a horse’s hard life. Stormy Normy, on the other hand, focuses more on the bright spots, as it rightly should, considering that its target age group is readers aged 6+.
The knowledge of the author with respect to the setting of outback Australia and the various horse breeds awed me a little. The book has mention of trees and shrubs native to the location, as well as detailed information on horses. It helps that the ranch where Stormy finds himself has a variety of horse breeds, so the information comes to us through Stormy’s perception of the other animals than as a factual listing. That said, I didn’t know some of the “horsey” words such as being “broken in” or “haltered”, though I could take a shot at the meaning from the context. But children might find some of these words difficult. Even other than the equine vocabulary, there are a few tough words in the story, so beginner readers might need help comprehending the same.
Stormy’s personality comes out well through the story. As he goes from a newborn to a two-year-old over the course of the book, we see him grow in awareness and confidence. However, there is a slight inconsistency in his knowhow; he seems to know words like ‘baseball’ and ‘machine’, or the year being ‘1994’, but doesn’t know what ‘man’ means. Animal perspectives must sound like we are actually hearing the animal narrate its thoughts, but sometimes, that doesn’t happen with Stormy, who sounds mostly like a human child. There are also some gaps in the story with things left unexplained, such as why was he so eager to go to a new owner when he was so happy with Peter.
I am not sure how children would find the two parts (one chapter and one subsection) that are written from the point of view of Midnight – Stormy’s mother – not just because of the possible comprehension gap but also because those are the only sections in third person. But I found those quite poignant, as her hopes and fears for her young son come out beautifully. I wish the story had more mentions of her, either through more third-person interludes, or through Stormy’s recollections, but as the focus of the tale is on the young horse and he barely had any time with his mother, she soon becomes a distant memory.
One thing I really appreciate is how the story handles the painful sequences without making them brutal for little readers. The scenes of Midnight’s labour, Stormy’s abandonment, and his branding are completed quickly and smoothly without stressing too much on the negative emotions.
The story does include some important life lessons. In a simple, instructional manner that would work well with young kids, a wise older horse in the book talks about various topics such as name calling, accepting differences, fitting into a group, dealing with bullying, and handling anxiety. A great part of this middle section is focussed on these good habits, so the story becomes more conversation-intensive than action-oriented. But this does provide fodder for parent-child or teacher-child discussions, and considering how the book ended, there promises to be more action in the next title of the series.
All in all, this is a sweet story of a young horse and how he learns to navigate life with the help of his friends. The story is supported by some lovely full-colour illustrations. This is the first of a series, and it completes the current arc while providing an indication of where the story will go next.
Recommended to little animal lovers aged 6-10. This would be a nice option for a bedtime story as well as classroom discussions.
My thanks to author Leisa Fail for providing me with a complimentary copy of “Stormy Normy Finds His Forever Home”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Link to review: Stormy Normy Finds His Forever Home - Leisa Fail - ★★★.½ 

The kids love it!

Reviewed in Australia on 14 October 2024

Review from an 8 year old kid - 'the book is good. I love it!☺️' 'i can't wait for the second book'.

A beautiful brumby tale!

Reviewed in Australia on 19 June 2024

Follow the journey of an abandoned brumby, taken in by a kind human, Peter. This tale not only captivates with its narrative but also subtly imparts valuable life lessons. It teaches children self-acceptance and coping with bullies and stress by using the power of positive self-talk and distracting from their problems with self-questioning and breathing techniques.

As a child who suffered bullying during high school, I wish I had a human version of Jacqueline, the wise old mare in this story, to give me this advice.

I look forward to seeing Stormy Normy’s tale continue.

A delightful read for young people and adults

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 October 2024

Verified Purchase

This gorgeous book is a great read for any young person with a love for animals. It’s a wonderful story in its own right but, as a counsellor, I also loved the way it could also help the reader to manage anxiety and to build resilience.

DANIJELA F.
May 9, 2024

The "Stormy Normy Finds His Forever Home" book is a heartwarming journey filled with resilience and self-discovery, perfect for young readers. Stormy Normy's quest for a forever home is a metaphor for many challenges kids face, making it relatable and impactful. The blend of adventure, life lessons, and charming illustrations promises an engaging read for children aged 6 and up.

Abhay Singh
December 14, 2024

Stormy Normy Finds His Forever Home, the first book in The Adventures of Stormy Normy series by Leisa Fail, is a heartwarming and inspiring story that will capture the imaginations of young readers. Perfect for children aged 6 and up, this beautifully written chapter book follows the journey of a spirited brumby colt named Stormy Normy as he searches for his forever home.

The story is filled with adventure, resilience, and powerful life lessons. From facing abandonment to overcoming bullying, Stormy Normy's journey is one of self-discovery, showing young readers the importance of embracing their uniqueness and staying true to themselves. Leisa Fail has skillfully woven these themes into the narrative, making them accessible and meaningful for children in a way that feels both engaging and authentic.

What stands out about this book is the emotional depth it offers. While it's a tale of a colt's search for belonging, it also mirrors the universal challenges that kids face when learning to navigate the world around them. Through Stormy Normy’s determination and bravery, readers are encouraged to keep going even when the path seems uncertain a message that will resonate with children and parents alike.

The story is complemented by the vibrant and charming illustrations of Amy Rennie, which add a delightful touch and help bring the characters and setting to life. The colorful artwork enriches the experience, making it an even more enjoyable read for young audiences.

Overall, Stormy Normy Finds His Forever Home is a must-read for young readers and families. It’s a perfect bedtime story or a book for independent reading, offering both adventure and life lessons in an accessible and fun way. Leisa Fail has created a memorable character in Stormy Normy, and we can’t wait to see where his adventures lead next. Highly recommended!

Happy reading ❤️✨

Ultimate World
December 8, 2024

Leisa Fail’s Stormy Normy Finds His Forever Home is a heartwarming and uplifting tale that introduces young readers to the spirited brumby colt, Stormy Normy. Perfect for children aged 6 and up, this first installment in The Adventures of Stormy Normy offers a beautiful blend of adventure, self-discovery, and life lessons that are both entertaining and inspiring.

The story follows Stormy Normy as he embarks on a journey filled with challenges, including abandonment and bullying, before ultimately discovering his unique strengths and finding his forever home. Through Normy’s adventures, young readers are encouraged to embrace resilience, celebrate individuality, and remain true to themselves.

Leisa Fail’s writing is accessible and engaging, making it ideal for independent readers or as a delightful bedtime story. Amy Rennie’s charming illustrations add a layer of visual appeal, bringing Stormy Normy’s world to life and enhancing the emotional connection to the story.

This book is more than just an adventure—it’s a teaching tool that instills important values of kindness, perseverance, and self-acceptance. Children will cheer for Normy as he navigates life’s hurdles, and parents will appreciate the positive messages woven seamlessly into the narrative.

Stormy Normy Finds His Forever Home is a delightful debut to what promises to be a beloved series. With its captivating storyline and valuable lessons, it’s a must-read for young animal lovers and adventure seekers. A story that will leave both kids and parents smiling, this is a gem of a chapter book that belongs on every child’s bookshelf.

Meg Bozarth
November 8, 2024

What a wonderful book!

I read it to my nieces who love horses …. And it was the best thing ever for them!!!

Such a sweet and heartwarming story, and children can relate to some of the issues in this book!

The illustrations were beautiful!

So glad I came across this book!

Stormy Normy and the Tom Quilty Gold Cup - Leisa Fail - ★★★.½

- January 23, 2025

AUTHOR: Leisa Fail

ILLUSTRATOR: Amy Rennie

SERIES: The Adventures of Stormy Normy, #2

GENRE: Children's Fiction, Animals

.PUBLICATION DATE: November 5, 2024

RATING: 3.5 stars.

In a Nutshell: A children’s chapter book about an Australian brumby horse gearing for a big race. Nice animal characters and a good plot. A bit too much telling than showing, but kids won’t notice this. The second book of the Stormy Normy series. Can be read as a standalone. A nice option for little animal lovers.

Plot Preview:
This story continues from Book One: Stormy Normy Finds His Forever Home.Goldsborough Valley, Australia. Stormy Normy has now found his forever home with Charlie, his new owner. Charlie intends for Stormy to begin training for the Tom Quilty Gold Cup, an endurance race of 160 kms. Stormy isn’t sure if he can manage that long a distance, and neither can his best friend, Charlie’s pet dog named Willow. But with the help of some patient and loving coaching from Charlie, motivational pep talks and mindfulness training from Willow, and endurance race training from a fellow Brumby named Patches, Stormy finds himself gearing up towards the event. But in a competition dominated by sturdy Arabian horses, does a brumby stand any chance?The story comes to us in Stormy’s first-person perspective.

When we think of “horse stories”, the gold standard is “Black Beauty”. However, Stormy’s story isn’t as dark or depressing as the classic is, making it a much more age-appropriate option for young horse lovers. I had read Stormy’s first story last year. While some part of the writing was a bit too straightforward for me, I was sure that kids would enjoy his tale.
Animal stories always hold an appeal for children, and this brave young brumby sure lives an interesting and adventurous life. Now that he's moved on to his forever home, Stormy is more secure in his position with Charlie, even though he's uncertain about her decision of going for the lengthy endurance race. But he knows that he wants to give it his best shot. Charlie too is clear that she wants to compete and not necessarily to win. I think this is a good lesson for kids to learn: don't give up when something is difficult but give it your best shot. If you win, good; if you don't, you still tried your best. As Charlie says, "Completing is winning."
Many of Stormy's lessons, in fact, are applicable to children as well when they are facing a challenge such as an important sports game or an exam. His training covers the necessity of mindfulness, of keeping calm under pressure, and most importantly, of eating healthy and getting enough sleep before the big day.
The author’s Australian background is evident in the writing. She intimately describes the rainforest setting of the location. (It was "breaking news" to me that Australia has rainforests! 🤭) The location makes for a nice contrast from the outback setting of the earlier book.
Her passion for and knowledge of horses is also quite visible. Through Charlie's interaction with Stormy, we see what it takes to build up a horse towards an endurance race and what the race actually involves. It's not simply "running fast" but akin to a horsey marathon. I'm not at all a horse person so my knowledge of anything equine is quite restricted. As such, I had a couple of queries that weren't answered by the book. (Question: Why aren't dark-skinned horses considered suitable for racing? Do they heat up soon and hence get tired more easily? I didn’t get any info online.)
Stormy's love for Patches and Willow is very clear and their bond elevates this story. But we don't get to know Charlie too well as Stormy keeps his narration mostly limited to the functional. I wish there had been more interactive scenes between them, especially during the race.
Even Stormy's own emotions too are not revealed intensely, though the story is in his first-person voice. He tells us a lot of things about the what's of his day, but how he feels is mostly limited to his doubt about his ability to complete the race. Even for this, he shows reluctance only because he's unsure of his prowess. Not once does he question if he himself wants to run an endurance race, but is ready to do so just because of Charlie. I wish the exploration of his feelings had been a bit more layered.
That said, I love how the story does cover the difficulty of riding from the horse's point of view. Humans tend to think that animals such as horses and camels can go over varied terrain easily and that they are built for racing, but these animals too face challenges, which comes out well in the book.
One complaint I had last time was about the horse's narrative covering ideas that a horse simply couldn't know. That problem is much reduced this time, though it still pops up a few times, especially when it comes to telling readers about the Tom Quilty Gold Cup. For instance, why/how would an Aussie horse know the difference between Australian and American measurements of distance? But overall, the writing is much more *equine* in tone.
The content isn't so episodic this time, though we still see some random interactions with other horses only for a couple of scenes in between. The overarching narrative is focused on Stormy's training, which takes place over years. As such, the story also spans multiple years, so it feels a little rushed at times.
Every chapter begins with a cute little B&W illustration under the title. The final chapter gives a clue about the main theme of the next book, and just like Stormy, I have absolutely no idea what that is. I guess we both will learn about it in Stormy's third adventure.
Despite some reservations, I still consider this a good story for kids who love horses and horse stories. The life lessons that come through Stormy’s training are a bonus.
Recommended to little animal lovers looking for an Aussie equine adventure story.
3.5 stars, rounding up because many of my issues spring from an adult perspective and children won't even notice many of those things.
My thanks to author Leisa Fail for providing me with a complimentary copy of “Stormy Normy and the Tom Quilty Gold Cup”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Geoff Barlow
23 February 2025
A great sequel to the heartwarming opener of this series - Stormy Normy Finds his Forever Home. Like the original, Stormy Normy and the Tom Quilty Gold Cup is filled with an innate sense of optimism and important life lessons for young readers. The author has once again skillfully blended adventure and excitement in the great Australian bush with positive messages for people who might be doing it tough.

Thoroughly recommended for readers of all age groups; for those who ride and know horses and those who do not; and for all those who love the Aussie bush: in short, a truly uplifting yarn. Looking forward to number three in this excellent series. Geoff

Kathryn Mcleer

17th March 2025

still going strong in this series

This was a strong sequel in the Adventures of Stormy Normy series, it had that element that I was looking for from the first book. The characters were really well done and was invested in what was happening. It had that action element that I was looking and enjoyed the illustrations. The plot worked well and left me wanting to read more. Leisa Fail has a strong writing style and am excited to read where this goes.