Yokki and the Parno Gry

O’Neill, a Romani storyteller from the U.K., imagines a Traveler family saved by a magic horse. Yokki’s family fixes things and does odd jobs, but a wet year is their downfall: they’re forced to sell almost everything they own, and food is scarce. Young Yokki’s stories about Parno Gry, a flying white horse, comfort hungry family members but infuriate his Grandfather Elijah: “You are filling their heads with dreams of a made-up future.” Though the story seems headed for a solution congruent with the realistic setup, the ending offers a dream come true as the Parno Gry carries the family to a paradise of food, free for the gathering. O’Neill and Quarmby (Fussy Freya) highlight Traveler children’s contributions to the family and their dependence on the generosity of non-Travelers, such as kind Farmer Tom, who will keep their lame horse, Bessie, until she heals. Nellisen’s warm, folk-art-like illustrations engage and inform, with images of Traveler clothing, wares, and—of special importance—storytelling around the fire. A rare voice from a culture that isn’t always well-known or understood, especially in the U.S. Ages 4–7. (Mar.)