Illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2026
ISBN: 978-1949480573
40 pages
Cowgirl Dreaming
A young Black equestrian realizes her dream of riding in her community’s parade, inspired by Oakland’s annual Black Cowboy Parade, in this picture book filled with heart and pride.
A cowgirl jumps over the moon, in my dreams.
On Garbo, my pretty palomino pony.
But clip clops on blacktop make my eyes pop open.
Today is the Black Cowboy Parade.
A little girl and her pony are nervous for their very first Black Cowboy Parade―but just like her papa and papa’s papa before her, she’ll saddle up and hold her head high as she rides through the streets she knows by heart.
With captivating, collage-style illustrations by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow and a stirring text by author R. J. Owens, this picture book celebrates both the long tradition and lineage of Black equestrians. It also pays respect to the peaceful protests led by community activist Brianna Noble, who gained fame while riding her Appaloosa magnificently through Oakland, California, during Black Lives Matter marches.
A call to action as well as a call for children everywhere to reach for their dreams, Cowgirl Dreaming is inspiring and powerful.
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Reviews
“Protest and pageantry go hand in hand in this rousing tribute to equestrian dreams of every type.”
“This lovely picture books presents a beautiful story of peace and togetherness.”
“Awakening from a dream of a cowgirl jumping over the moon, the protagonist details her nervousness about taking part in the upcoming parade. But the familiar presence of her palomino pony, Garbo—who is just as anxious—gives the rider an opportunity to soothe them both (“Breathe in, breathe out, it’s cool”). Mama, too, offers steady reassurance while reflecting on their family’s long line of Black equestrians. And the parade takes on further meaning as the duo travel past candles set out for the protagonist’s much-missed brother and the riders raise banners calling for an end to gun violence. While the late-emerging activist emphasis feels abrupt, sensate prose, paired with colored pencil and digital collage illustrations, ground the day, making for a sincere homage to cultural legacy and community strength.”
“Colored-pencil drawings collaged with renderings of horse paraphernalia layer like snapshots in a family album with snippets of yellow-lined concrete woven throughout, while evocative language captures “clip-clops on blacktop” and the day’s busy sights and sounds.”
—Kit Ballenger / Booklist
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