The Zeus and Ziggy Series
by E.C. Sherman, PhD
“The childhood dream of a horse of one’s own is oft an emblem of growing up. As a lifelong writer, animal lover, and horseback riding instructor, I find Zeus and Ziggy propels readers of all ages into the true spirit, the journey’s beginning, of being near these magical creatures we call horses. When we truly listen, horses teach us how to care for them and in so doing, to care for ourselves. Start that journey here, with Zeus and Ziggy.”
Marissa Keller, Author
Zeus and Ziggy
First Ride
“In the final installment of Dr. Sherman’s beloved Friesen and Friends Series, young readers warmly reunite with Ziggy and Zeus. Enriched with vivid illustrations from Vic McLindon that beautifully bring this story to life, Zeus and Ziggy: First Ride offers a timeless reflection on the powerful lessons horses can teach children about responsibility, resilience, and self-belief. More than simply a story about learning to ride, Ziggy and Zeus’s enduring connection captures the eternal bond between a horse and a child-and the lasting confidence, comfort, and sense of belonging that relationship can inspire.”
Tony Buttino Sr., Emmy Award-Winning Co-Creator of Reading Rainbow and Co-Author of Creating Reading Rainbow: The Untold Story of a Beloved Children’s Series
Ziggy is SO excited to ride Zeus!
With the help and guidance of Ms. Rita, she’s finally in the saddle and ready to go off with Zeus on more adventures. But there are still lessons with Zeus that Ziggy needs to practice helping her to become a rider with confidence, kindness, calmness, and respect as the two grow and learn together.
Does she have the right gear on? What if Zeus ‘spooks’ a bit? As Ziggy spends more time with Zeus, another worry grows—what if he doesn’t stay at Soft Whisper Farm?
As Ziggy learns to ride, listen, and trust, she discovers that being brave doesn’t always mean being fearless— sometimes it means opening your heart, even when you are unsure of what comes next.
“As a certified equine-assisted psychotherapist, who has worked with both children and horses for years, I can attest to the benefit of allowing space to grow confidence and harmony through gentle experience. When Ziggy takes her first ride on Zeus, they have already learned each other’s languages, so that any obstacle that may surface, they can navigate together with success.“
Amanda T. Adams, MSW, LCSW-C, EAGALA Certified Mendal Health Professional
Zeus and Ziggy
From the Ground Up
“Zeus and Ziggy: From the Ground Up is a wonderful journey through a child’s eye of the love, excitement, wonder, and, sometimes, frustration of the magical world of horses. No matter what they give to us on any certain day, it’s ultimately always about learning. As owner of a horse facility, I’ve had the privilege of knowing hundreds of horses through the years…and the little girls (and women) that come to befriend them and the experiences that take them to that ultimate connection. This book captures the spirit and love of those relationships.”
Kathy Emery, Proprietor Spring Willow Farm
Ziggy’s adventures with Zeus continue in Zeus and Ziggy: From the Ground Up. While Ziggy is excited to ride her new horse Zeus, she quickly finds out that there are several other lessons and movements with Zeus she needs to practice on the ground before they can do any riding.
How will she be able to move such a large animal in the direction that she chooses? How will she become a leader to this beautiful Friesian partner?
Join Ziggy as she continues to build confidence, trust, respect, and patience with Zeus, as the two friends create an even deeper connection.
This story is based on a real horse named Zeus and a real little girl named Ziggy. It is a continuation of the relationship between horse and rider, encouraging young riders to slow down, move deliberately, and think before doing, in order to make groundwork fun.
Zeus and Ziggy
First Friends
“This book is a beautiful tribute to the bond between a child and her horse, full of warmth, discovery, and heartfelt moments. Ziggy’s journey with Zeus is not only educational but deeply inspiring, teaching young readers about patience, trust, and the magic of connection. The illustrations radiate love and joy, perfectly capturing the wonder of each experience. A gentle, empowering story for any child who dreams of horses and friendship. A must-have for every little equestrian’s bookshelf!”
Angie DePuydt, Education & Research Liaison, Fenway Foundation for Friesian Horses
Zeus and Ziggy: First Friends is based on a real registered Friesian named Zeus, who has just arrived at Soft Whisper Farm for Ziggy to begin her journey into horses with.
By the time Zeus arrived at the farm, he was well known, and was already a champion.
Before Ziggy can even think about riding, she needs to practice listening, understanding, patience, compassion, and calmness with Zeus. Together, they begin to form what becomes a lifelong bond of trust.
This story is a tribute to the Friesian horse and the amazing intuition they have, slowly introducing a young rider to the unconditional love of a what a true partnership really means.
“Zeus and Ziggy First Friends is a heartwarming children’s book that beautifully captures the emotions of a young girl meeting a beautiful black pearl for the first time. The story follows Ziggy, a sweet and curious girl who meets Zeus for the first time and “hearing” him for the first time. As Ziggy navigates the beginnings of a new profound friendship, the author skillfully conveys her feelings of excitement, confusion, and longing for the new union to progress quickly. The illustrations are beautifully done, conveying the emotions and excitement of a girl meeting her new friend. Throughout the story, readers can truly feel Ziggy’s emotions, and the message of the importance of building a friendship from the beginning resonates deeply. Zeus and Ziggy: First Friends is a touching and relatable story that will fill you with all of the emotions of a young girl and pull at the heartstrings of both children and adults alike. It teaches valuable lessons. A must-read for any child with a love of horses!“
Danielle Piascik, Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA) Board of Director
Zeus and Ziggy
In the Spotlight
Interview with Miriam Laundry Publishing
Author of the Year Finalist
E. C. Sherman
E. C. Sherman is a full professor, coach, mediator, and writer originally from Boston, Massachusetts. She has an MBA from Boston University and a PhD from Marquette University.
After spending many years in academia, teaching undergraduate and graduate students on Change Leadership, she chartered a new course for herself and became certified in health, life, grief, and divorce coaching, as well as sought certifications in divorce mediation, child custody evaluations, and co-parent coaching.
She currently runs a busy private practice giving back to parents and children going through significant life changes. She resides in a small town in S.E. Wisconsin with her husband, two pups, and of course her beloved Friesian, Zeus.
E. C. Sherman is now fulfilling a lifelong dream of authoring children’s books based on her love of horses, her understanding of their behavior, and the richness these majestic animals can bring to the lives of children. Her first children’s book series, Zeus and Ziggy is based on her own beautiful granddaughter, and of course the prince himself, Zeus.
Meet the Illustrator
Vic McLindon
Vic McLindon lives in the beautiful town of Skipton in North Yorkshire, England. After leaving art school, he worked in advertising before becoming a freelance illustrator. Besides book illustrations, he also creates pictures for jigsaws, greeting cards, magazines, and packaging. The thrill of seeing one of his images in shop windows is as strong as ever! Vic is represented by Advocate Art at: advocate-art.com
EC Sherman 