By Kurt Wisser

PLAINWELL, MICHIGAN — Have you ever heard of a “poodle” horse?” Kids reading The Power of Horses, an equine activity book, keep busy as they learn. Filled with articles, crossword puzzles, mazes, recipes, crafts and word searches, this fun and educational book targets horse enthusiasts age 9 to 14.

The Power of Horses is a product of two lifelong horse lovers: Kim Marie Wood and Kimberly Graham. Wood and Graham met a few years ago standing next to a horse (where else?). Wood was an educator and a freelance writer while Graham was a freelance graphic designer and artist. The two women soon realized that in addition to their mutual love of horses and children, they shared the combined talents and desire to produce horse-related books for children and young adults. After several conversations and brainstorming sessions, Syncopated Press was born.

Their book took the horse world by storm. Written by Wood and illustrated/designed by Graham, The Power of Horses was awarded “Most Innovative New Product/Service for Children” when it debuted at Equitana USA ’99 in Louisville, KY in June. “Equitana is like a world’s fair/trade show for the horse industry,” said Wood. “We were thrilled to win this award with our very first book.”

With no time to sit back enjoy their success, the writer/illustrator team of Wood and Graham got busy putting the finishing touches on their next book: Forelocks, Fetlocks & Horse Tales, a collection of illustrated horse short stories for middle grade readers that was released in August 1999. Soon after, The Magic of Horses, an activity book sequel to The Power of Horses. “Magic” was released in October 1999.