Pony problem by Yvette Poshoglian
Ella and Olivia series. Scholastic, 2013. ISBN: 9781742837987
When seven year old Ella and her younger sister Olivia accompany
Ella's friend Zoe to her pony competition, things quickly get out of
hand when Ella finds herself on a pony and is accidentally included
in the equestrian events. Who will come to the rescue when things
start to go wrong? Will this be Ella's dream come true or her worst
nightmare?
This is a slim story for emergent female readers who love horses.
Enormous font, liberally scattered illustrations and lacy patterned
edges to the pages would possibly add to the appeal of the title for
the very young child. Despite difficult words such as equestrian and
dismounts, they are minimal in number so the series would not
provide an overwhelming challenge in terms of vocabulary. Themes of
horse-riding, friendship, envy, bravery and winning and losing are
positive and age appropriate for the target audience.
Jo Schenkel