Pony Scouts: Really Riding!

Children's Literature - Heather Robertson Mason

Jill's mom owns a horse farm. One day Jill brings her two best friends over for a sleepover and riding lessons. Since the three girls call themselves "The Pony Scouts," this proves to be a very exciting day. They ride horses in the ring, take pictures, and make a bulletin board for Pony Cub headquarters. That night, they all sneak out to the barn to see the horses only to find that Rosy, the fat, little horse they all loved, is actually pregnant and getting ready to deliver a foal. This is a true girl's book. There is little action and the entire story revolves around the three girls' love of horses. That being said, if you have a pony-loving girl at home or in class, this book is a winner—even with the unbelievable ending. The illustrations are bright and colorful and help readers picture the horses as they are being described in the story. The author uses some content vocabulary that non-equestrians may not know, but a glossary is included and there are not very many of these words. The reading may be challenging to some, but since this is from the "I Can Read" series of books and is level two, it is meant to be a challenge. A definite yes if you know a reader who rides. Reviewer: Heather Robertson Mason