The story of Blue Blue Sea, a beloved horse who overcomes odds, illustrated by NKy’s Hayley Mullins

By Judy Clabes
NKyTribune editor

A children’s book about a beloved blue-collar racehorse who overcomes a devastating illness began when its author adopted an off-the-track horse, aiming to turn him into a jumper.

Miranda N. Prather brings the tale of Blue Blue Sea Finds His Cape to life, hoping to inspire children who are facing their own struggles.

And thanks, too, to charming illustrations by Northern Kentucky’s own Hayley Mullins of Erlanger, the recently released book will certainly capture the imaginations of young readers.

Hayley, an 18-year-old senior at Heritage Academy in Florence, is a self-taught illustrator who has been drawing “since she could hold a pencil.” She does freelance illustrations, but this is her first book.

Prather currently lives in Maryland but she lived in Kentucky for a while, moving to the state at age nine, when she took lessons in dressage and show-jumping and competed in show jumping. She had a number of different horses over the years — but prefers thoroughbreds off the track, and Blue Blue Sea became a particular favorite.

Blue Blue Sea, a great-grandson of Alydar, came into Prather’s life in 2004. She adopted him from a private owner, knowing he had a number of physical challenges. But two years later he developed a rather serious one — a malabsorption disorder, similar to Crohn’s disease in people, and was given just a few years to live. With good care from Prather and a succession of vets — and his own determination — Blue Blue Sea lived for another seven years. Teaching and inspiring Prather.

In 2011 Prather started a Facebook page for Blue Blue Sea which garnered hundreds of followers who shared in his adventures — and ultimately mourned his loss. The “community” page bearing his name continues, educating readers on horse-related topics and providing inspiration.

It was through Facebook that Prather also met Hayley Mullins, the aspiring artist and illustrator.

They became friends, sharing a common love of the horse. One thing led to another when she decided to write a children’s book about her horse and needed an illustrator.

The then-17-year-old Mullins got the job on sheer natural talent.

The result is a charming and appealing children’s book — with a purposeful message. It is available through Amazon.

Prather is writing a novel and has published articles, short stories and poetry but this is her first published book.

Hayley has her eyes on college. Her natural talent is sure to take her on a continued path to success.

To learn more and follow Blue Blue Sea visit the Facebook page.

In the introduction to the book, Hayley writes: “I’d like to thank God, firstly. Without Him, none of this would be possible. To my family, thank you for your unconditional love and support. You’ve pushed me to be better and improve with eery page. For my sisters, Maddie and Gracie, I love you both so much. For my Heritage family and friends. You guys are the best. Thank you for your endless love, prayers and support.”