Summer Pony
#1 of 15 in Ginny and Mokey Series
What’s inside...
Ginny has always dreamed of having her very own pony, so when her parents agree to rent her a pony for the summer, Ginny is thrilled! But when Mokey arrives, he is shaggy, dirty, and half-starved—not at all what Ginny had imagined. Can Ginny still have the summer of her dreams? From the Trade Paperback edition.; Vintage book
Discussion points
How do you think Ginny felt when she first met Mokey, and how did her feelings change throughout the book?
What are some responsibilities Ginny had to take on with Mokey? How do you think taking care of a pony helps her grow?
If you were in Ginny's shoes, what would you have done differently?
What does the story teach us about friendship and trust?
How did the characters in the book show courage and kindness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions Ginny experiences, enhancing the emotional connection with the story.
Pause at key moments to ask your child how they feel about the decisions Ginny makes, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences with pets or responsibilities, making the story more relevant and meaningful.
Discuss the outcomes of the story, focusing on lessons learned about friendship and responsibility.
Encourage your child to imagine and discuss what could happen next if the book continued.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Summer Pony', the protagonist learns to care for her pony, demonstrating the importance of daily responsibilities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking ownership of their chores or caring for a pet, helping them understand the value of consistency and commitment.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story illustrates understanding and kindness towards the pony, which teaches children to recognize and respond to the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and supportive in their interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Faced with challenges in handling her pony, the protagonist in 'Summer Pony' persists and improves, showcasing the reward of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn that tackling difficult tasks, whether in academics or personal goals, can lead to success and self-improvement.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: As the protagonist encounters obstacles with her pony, she employs critical thinking and resourcefulness to resolve issues.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to approach problems in school or in their social lives creatively, fostering an innovative mindset.
Example Lesson: The joy of learning new skills
Explanation: Throughout 'Summer Pony', the joy and pride of gaining new skills while training her pony are evident in the protagonist's journey.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to engage in and enjoy learning new skills, whether in sports, arts, or academics.