Pp Ss #06: The Last Pony Ride (Pony Pals)
#6 of 26 in Pony pals Series
on Goodreads (203)
What’s inside...
In 'Pony Pals #06: The Last Pony Ride,' Anna, Lulu, and Pam, also known as the Pony Pals, are faced with the potential end of their cherished pony rides at the Crandal Animal Clinic's annual fundraiser due to a decision by the local town council. The girls are determined to save the tradition and come up with a plan to demonstrate its importance to the community. As they work together to preserve their beloved pony rides, the story highlights their strong friendship, determination, and the special human-animal bond. Meanwhile, the series concludes with the girls taking their final trail ride together, as life changes, including Lulu moving to Africa and the girls outgrowing their ponies, signal the end of their Pony Pal adventures.
Discussion points
How did you feel when Anna found out it might be her last pony ride and why?
What would you have done differently if you were in Anna's shoes during her challenges?
Why do you think friendship is important in the story, and how do the Pony Pals support each other?
Can you think of a time you helped a friend like the Pony Pals help each other?
What did you learn from the story about facing changes and making tough decisions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the characters, making the story come alive for your child.
Pause at pivotal moments in the story to allow your child to absorb and reflect on the situation, encouraging them to develop empathy and understanding.
Relate the story's themes to your child’s own experiences, discussing similar feelings and decisions they've faced to enhance personal connection.
Encourage your child to envision alternative endings or solutions to the problems faced by the characters, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
After reading, reinforce the lessons learned by discussing how your child can apply them in their own life, linking the story to real-world scenarios.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'The Last Pony Ride', the characters demonstrate responsibility through caring for their ponies, ensuring they are fed, groomed, and exercised.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on duties at home such as looking after a pet, keeping their room tidy, or helping with household chores.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story showcases empathy as the characters understand and share the feelings of each other and their ponies during challenging times.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be considerate of others' feelings and perspectives, helping them build more supportive relationships with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Change
Explanation: The book addresses how the characters cope with the possibility of a last pony ride, managing their emotions and adapting to changes.
Real-World Application: Children learn to navigate their own experiences of change and transition, whether it's moving to a new school, or adjusting to a new family dynamic.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout 'The Last Pony Ride', the Pony Pals face various challenges requiring them to think critically and creatively to find solutions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to tackle obstacles they encounter at school or in play, fostering a can-do attitude and inventive thinking.