Runaway Pony
#1 in Jessie and the Pony Rescue Series
What’s inside...
When Radish the pony grows too big for the girls who own him, he goes to live at a horse camp where there are always new children for him to train. Radish is a feisty pony and the best teacher Judy has ever had. He teaches her how to ride, how to go fast and far, and even how to fall off. But most of all, he teaches her to be patient. When Judy outgrows him, Radish teaches Nina all the same things, and most of all, how to be brave. But girls grow, and ponies stay the same size. What will Radish do with no one to teach? It takes his running away for Judy and Nina to find the perfect solution, one that keeps Radish from being outgrown ever again!
Discussion points
What do you think made the pony run away? How do you think it felt?
How did the characters in the story show kindness or help each other?
What would you do if you found a lost pony?
How did the relationship between the pony and the characters change throughout the story?
What did you learn about responsibility and friendship from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the pony's journey, relating it to any personal experiences of feeling lost or found.
Discuss the actions of the characters, asking your child how they might act in similar situations.
Use the story as a springboard to talk about the importance of caring for animals and the responsibilities involved.
Highlight the moments of teamwork in the book and discuss the value of working together to solve problems.
After reading, you could explore more about ponies and their behavior to deepen your child's understanding and interest in the themes discussed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Runaway Pony', the protagonist learns to take care of her pony, demonstrating the importance of being responsible for another being.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on age-appropriate responsibilities at home, like caring for a pet or maintaining their personal space.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The story showcases the young character facing her fears when searching for her missing pony, highlighting the virtue of bravery.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a team, standing up to a bully, or tackling a difficult subject at school.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout 'Runaway Pony', the protagonist must think critically and make quick decisions to find her pony, showing effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can use similar critical thinking skills to resolve conflicts with peers or to overcome obstacles in their academic and personal lives.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The character's relentless effort to recover her lost pony teaches the value of perseverance despite challenges.
Real-World Application: This instills in children the importance of persistent effort in achieving goals, whether it's improving in a sport, mastering a musical instrument, or excelling in academics.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: By understanding and responding to the emotions of her pony, the character exhibits empathy.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider and respond to the feelings of others, which is crucial for building healthy relationships and fostering a supportive community environment.