A Perfect Pony
Charming Ponies Series
on Goodreads (38)
What’s inside...
This brand-new chapter book series is designed for girls who have outgrown My Little Pony but are not yet ready for the Phantom Stallion series. Each book comes with a charming pony necklace, making it a consumable item. The story explores Meg's unique relationship with her pony, Azure, who seems to possess the ability to read Meg's mind and share her emotions. Meg wonders if Azure might be the son of the legendary great white stallion rumored to reside on the mountain, as his presence coincides with magical occurrences in the valley. In a separate story, Niki has been saving up to buy her own pony at an auction. She initially wants a beautiful white mare but becomes captivated by a little black horse with sad eyes, which might lead her to miss out on owning the perfect pony she originally desired.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you like most about the pony in the story? Why?
How did the characters in the book show kindness to each other?
What would you do if you met a pony like the one in the story?
How do you think the pony felt when it found a new friend?
If you could add another character to the story, who would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by asking open-ended questions. Show interest in their responses, and expand the conversation by asking them to explain their thinking. Share your own thoughts and relate personal experiences to the storyline to demonstrate connection. Use the book’s themes, like friendship and kindness, as a starting point for teaching these values in daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'A Perfect Pony', the protagonist learns to take care of a pony, illustrating the responsibilities involved in caring for another living being.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply this lesson by taking on age-appropriate chores at home, such as feeding a pet or helping with household tasks, fostering a sense of responsibility and care.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story demonstrates empathy through the character's understanding and responsiveness to the pony's needs and emotions.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more attuned to the feelings and needs of friends and family, enhancing their emotional intelligence and social skills.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The main character faces challenges in caring for the pony but persists despite difficulties, embodying perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of persisting in the face of challenges, whether it be in their academic pursuits, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist encounters problems that require thoughtful solutions, highlighting problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply these skills in real life by thinking critically and creatively to solve problems at school or in play.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The bond between the character and the pony, as well as interactions with other characters, emphasizes the value of friendship.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships with their peers.