Stolen Ponies
#20 of 26 in Pony pals Series
What’s inside...
The Pony Pals discover that Tommy and Mike have been lighting campfires in the woods and upon warning them about the dangers of fire, the boys steal the girls' ponies. Meanwhile, during a thunderstorm, the Pony Pals find that their ponies are missing from their secret hideout. The ponies may be in danger and it's unclear whether they ran away or were stolen.
Discussion points
How did you feel when the ponies were stolen, and what would you have done if you were in the characters' shoes?
Why do you think teamwork was important in helping the characters find the ponies?
What did you learn about friendship and trust from the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to solve a problem with your friends? How did it compare to the pony club's adventure?
How do you think the story would have changed if the ponies weren't found?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening to encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the book’s events.
Relate the story's themes to your child’s daily experiences to enhance their understanding and personal connection.
Ask your child to predict alternative endings or continue the story, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Discuss the characters’ decisions and actions, prompting your child to consider different perspectives and moral choices.
Encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite scene, deepening their engagement with the story’s content.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Stolen Ponies', the characters are tasked with taking care of ponies, demonstrating the importance of responsibility through their actions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking ownership of their chores at home or tasks at school, learning that their actions have consequences.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The children in the book work together to solve the mystery of the stolen ponies, illustrating how collaboration can achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child's life through participating in team sports, group projects, or family activities, stressing the importance of cooperation.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters exhibit understanding and compassion towards each other, especially in times of distress, which highlights the role of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be considerate of others' feelings and perspectives, which can enhance their social interactions and friendships.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonists face and overcome various challenges in their quest, which showcases effective problem solving.
Real-World Application: Kids can use similar strategies when faced with obstacles, whether it's resolving conflicts with peers or tackling difficult tasks.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: When faced with the mystery of the stolen ponies, the young characters show bravery, underlining the virtue of courage in adverse situations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their fears and stand up for what is right, be it in standing up to a bully or trying out for a new activity.