The Boy Who Sprouted Antlers

About a boy who sprouts antlers and the power of self-belief, this classic tale by John Yeoman, illustrated by Quentin Blake, is as charming and relevant today as it was fifty years ago. 

It is nearly summer and Billy Dexter and his classmates are making baskets. Their teacher is so appalled by Billy’s efforts that she offers him a pep talk. “As long as you set your mind on something and try hard enough, there’s nothing you can’t do.” Billy loves the idea that he can do anything, but his friends disagree. “What about growing horns?” suggests Melanie. It’s a challenge Billy has to accept.

Sure enough, when Billy sets his mind to it, antlers start to grow. But despite his mother’s dismay,…