Reviews

Pony Patch Collection

Do you know any horse-crazy kids? Lots of people have sports and hobbies, but it seems to me that children and adults who love horses want to spend every waking moment immersed in their obsession. Which is where books like this come in!

The Pony Patch Collection is actually four junior novels in one. Written by Bernadette Kelly, and illustrated by Liz Alger, it was published by black dog books in 2009. I love the style of this publication, which is perfect for kids who need some support in their reading. It’s a paperback, so is not too heavy to hold, despite being a collection of four. It has large print and lots of white space, so it’s not daunting the way a middle grade chapter book might be. It’s illustrated, which gives young readers lots of clues if they choose to read it independently.

Norton is a naughty pony that loves to eat. His owner, Molly, thinks he is the most perfect pony in the world.

Kelly has created such lovable characters in Norton and Molly. There is much humour in the dichotomy between what Molly thinks, and what is actually happening.

At the third jump, Mrs Withers said, ‘This jump is called an apex. It can be tricky, so it’s important to plan your approach.’

Norton had a plan, but it didn’t seem to be the same as mine.

Alger’s black and white sketches are just as full of action and life as the stories, and complement them beautifully. Often, Molly’s words don’t quite gel with what we SEE has actually happened, and Alger also manages to show such a variety of expressions on Norton’s face, making many giggle-worthy moments.

After the four Norton books (Naughty Norton, Losing Norton, Norton Saves the Day, and Norton’s Blue Ribbon) comes a great glossary, information on looking after a pony, and pony facts. So kids are actually getting fun fiction stories linked to solid non-fiction facts, a definite win-win.

The Pony Patch Collection would be a great choice if you have kids who love horses, but it is definitely also worth considering if you have children who will enjoy humour and action in an easy-to-read format. black dog books have added still more value to the book with excellent teacher’s notes on their website, making it the perfect choice for homeschoolers and teachers.

—The Book Chook, 31 March 2010

Riding High series

A fantastic series for young riders by Bernadette Kelly

Follow Annie Boyd on her adventures in this series written to inspire every horse lover!

Annie used to live in the city, be fashion conscious, and love going to the local shopping centre with her best friend Jade – until her father took a new job and her family moved to the quiet country town of Ridgeview.

Now Annie is a country girl, and even owns her very own horse – a very sweet and loving chestnut gelding named Bobby. Along with her new found friends, Annie, Bobby and Annie’s little Jack Russell, Jonesy – find themselves in adventures that Annie had only ever dreamed of!

This wonderful series is not only entertaining – but each book is full of useful information on horse care and riding. Learn with Annie as she graduates from total novice to a competent rider – competing in her first event, taking a job as a stable hand, and having lots of fun along the way!

Bernadette Kelly’s ‘Riding High’ series is a wonderful introduction into the world of riding and horse care. More than once while reading, we felt the urge to go and saddle up our horses – forget about work and go riding!

A real sense of horsemanship emerges as Kelly vibrantly describes the horses – from their endearing habits, to the struggles Annie must contend with in order to improve her riding. Every rider will relate to Annie’s first riding attempts, reading as we were with a knowing smile!

There are currently eight books in the series, each with a unique and entertaining plot filled with stories of horses and adventure! We thoroughly enjoyed reading about Annie’s escapades – and can’t wait for the next instalment!

—Horsepower, Spring 2007

If Wishes Were Horses

Annie moves to a small country town with her parents, and as she comes to terms with her new home and making new friends, she dreams of owning a pony. This easy to read chapter book for independant readers has a well paced plot with large print. It is a perfect book to read simply for enjoyment. With themes about coping with change and developing new relationships, the novel could lead to discussions and writing activities about making and maintaining friendships and the feelings associated with this process. As the first book in a series of eight, the novel is sure to entertain and hold the interest of any young reader who wishes to own a pony.

— L Doyle, www.schools.nsw.edu.au/resourcereviews

Balancing Act

Annie and her horse, Bobby, are becoming a formidable team. Knowing nothing about school equestrian events, Annie and her friends launch themselves headlong into the challenge. Annie, however, finds herself compromised on many levels. The novel has a believable storyline with which readers, both male and fermale, will identify on many levels. Themes include peer pressure and relationships, honesty, self belief and family dynamics. Written in the vernacular of the target audience, the narrative flows quickly and is well sentenced. Chapters are manageable, and the characters and setting totally authentic. Specific language relating to horses and equestrian events is used, but is done so in context where meaning is apparent to the reader.

— G Cale, NSW Dept of Education and Training

Norton Saves the Day & Norton’s Blue Ribbon

Was there ever an animal as naughty as Norton? When Norton escapes out of his yard for the third time in a weerk and tucks into a bag of oats, Molly and her mother think he is bored and decide to take him to pony school. Norton has a trick or two to keep the other ponies on their toes. And when Molly decides to enter him into show day, Norton likes the look of the judge’s hat! Kids will love the humour as Molly says one thing and the drawings show that Norton definitely does not agree!

— Australian Family Magazine