Pony Mysteries #1: Penny and Pepper
#1 of 5 in Pony Mysteries Series
What’s inside...
Penny moves to the country and bonds with a miniature pony named Pepper, and they become fast friends. They share pony rides, sleepovers, and even secrets. When one of their secrets leads to some trouble, Pepper and Penny will have to work together to put things right, leading to a heartwarming tale of friendship, trust, and pony adventures. An early reader series debut for every horse lover! Penny is visiting her grandparents out in the country for the summer. They have a surprise for her--a pony named Pepper! Along with their new friends, Tom and Tina, Penny and Pepper solve mysteries in the neighborhood, and rescue a frightened kitten!
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Penny and Pepper such great friends?
How would you solve a mystery like Penny and Pepper did?
What do you think is the most important clue they found?
How did Penny and Pepper show bravery and teamwork?
What would you have done differently if you were in Penny’s shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the characters, fostering empathy and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the notion of teamwork as shown in the book, highlighting occasions where working together was beneficial.
Prompt your child to guess what might happen next at several points in the story to develop their predictive and analytical skills.
After finishing the book, ask your child to draw their favorite scene, enhancing their recall and interpretation of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Friendship and cooperation
Explanation: In 'Penny and Pepper,' the main characters work together to solve mysteries, demonstrating the power of teamwork and unity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by collaborating with peers in school projects or in playing team sports, learning that collective effort often leads to greater success.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, Penny and Pepper face various challenges that they solve using critical thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach their own challenges, such as puzzles or difficult homework, with a strategic and creative mindset.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Taking care of Pepper, the pony, teaches Penny the importance of being responsible for another living being.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of daily responsibilities, whether it’s caring for a pet, keeping their room tidy, or managing simple tasks assigned by parents or teachers.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Penny shows empathy towards others' feelings and situations throughout the series, which helps resolve conflicts and deepen friendships.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice empathy by considering their friends' or siblings’ perspectives during disagreements, promoting a more harmonious and understanding environment.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Penny often faces situations that are outside of her comfort zone, but she tackles them bravely.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face their own fears, such as trying out for a new sport, speaking in front of the class, or tackling a challenging task.