The Princess and the Pony
on Goodreads (5,404)
What’s inside...
Princess Pinecone knows exactly what she wants for her birthday this year: a big, strong horse fit for a warrior princess. However, when her birthday arrives, she doesn't quite get the horse of her dreams. From the artist behind the comic phenomenon Hark! A Vagrant, The Princess and the Pony is a humorous story of brave warriors, big surprises, and falling in love with an unforgettable little pony. The book introduces Kate Beaton, a new picture book talent and author/illustrator of #1.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Princess Pinecone learned about true strength and leadership by the end of the story?
Why do you think the pony was different from the other warriors' horses? How did the pony help Princess Pinecone?
How did Princess Pinecone's feelings change about her pony throughout the story?
What does this story teach us about the importance of kindness and acceptance?
Can you think of a time when something unexpected turned out to be great? How does that relate to the pony in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask your child how they felt when Princess Pinecone received the pony and relate it to a time they received an unexpected gift.
Discuss the various warriors and their unique traits. Encourage your child to think about what makes a good leader or a strong person.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their version of the 'perfect warrior’s horse' and describe why it's perfect for them.
While discussing the book's themes, tie in real-life examples of kindness and acceptance from your child’s experiences to deepen their understanding.
Encourage your child to predict what might happen next if the story continued, fostering imagination and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: The story celebrates the unique traits of the pony, who is unlike the traditional, majestic steeds. The princess learns to appreciate the pony's differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and appreciate diversity among their peers, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
Example Lesson: The value of kindness
Explanation: The princess shows kindness to the pony despite its quirks and shortcomings. Her actions demonstrate compassion and empathy.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be kind and empathetic towards others, regardless of first impressions or expectations.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Despite initial setbacks with the pony, the princess does not give up on her goals. Her perseverance is a key to her success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by continuing to strive for their goals, even when faced with challenges or when things don’t initially meet their expectations.
Example Lesson: Embracing one’s identity
Explanation: The pony, despite not fitting the traditional image of a warrior’s steed, embraces its unique characteristics which eventually are seen as strengths.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of self-acceptance and the power that lies in embracing who they are.