A Perfect Pony [With Pony Charm Necklace]

Below is my review for the more recent reprint of this book, but as you will see, I actually like this edition (cover) much better. Originally published in 1996, under the same title, this book was later adopted as part of HarperFestival's "A Perfect Pony" series, consisting of several Szymanski books all about the same size, reading level, and format. I like the original packaging much better - the "A Perfect Pony" masthead on the new cover, in shades of pink and light purple, give the book a much cheaper, schmaltzy, more generic look, like it was written to formula as #96 in a series of 143. It also looks much more "girlish," which I'm sure is their intended audience - too bad, as I think the story might also appeal to boys. A teacher friend of mine, knowing my high standards for my classroom library, saw the cover and commented, "You ordered THAT for your classroom?!?" Not a good sign. The good news is that A PERFECT PONY is a great book! In the story, Niki has been saving up for a horse for a long time, and it's finally time to purchase one at the local horse auction that she and her dad have attended every week for many years. Niki sees, and is enamored by, a proud and beautiful, "perfect" white mare. She just knows this is the horse for her, and has even chosen the name "Princess" in her mind, until... she sees a horse that has been horribly neglected and has little life left in him. When the sickly horse is auctioned off, with the horse meat / dog food man showing interest, Niki becomes angry at the injustice of the horse's plight and her compassion kicks in - she outbids the dog food man by almost double, stunning the auctioneer and audience into prolonged silence, as none of them believe the horse is worth it. Meanwhile, the beautiful white horse is won by Billy, a schoolmate of Niki's who often bullies her, making fun of her on the school bus they ride together. There are several speculations mentioned in the book of a bad home life for Billy. The vet basically says that Blackberry, as Niki comes to name her horse, just needs lots of tender, loving care, and Niki certainly showers plenty of love and attention on him. She attends to his case of thrush (wikipedia helped on that one), brushes him, feeds him properly, keeps him and his stall clean, and speaks gently to him. He responds, quickly becoming stronger and beautiful, and he heads straight to Niki whenever she appears. When she finally climbs on his back, Blackberry seems puzzled - he obviously hasn't been ridden before. When Niki happens across Billy, hiding in the bushes in her yard with tears in his eyes, he tells her his horse, "Warrior" (as he's named her), threw him when he whacked her with a riding crop, and then ran off. He asks Niki what she's done to bring about Blackberry's transformation so quickly. Niki is wary at first, knowing what a bully Billy has always been, but he seems genuinely interested as Niki tells and shows him about how well horses re

My six year old liked this book, but was confused by some of the terms used. I think anyone who likes horses and has a bit of knowledge about their care would love this book!

My daughter is a horse LOVER, and LOVES these books! First one she ever bougth came with little charm necklace I think. and so did the second one. Whatever, the books keep her entertained, usually have a point, lesson she can get (started reading these at 6). She's waiting for more!

This is the second one of Szymanski's pony books that my 6 year old is reading and she loves this one as much as The Pony Promise.

A young girl's compassion for an abused pony becomes an allegory for her relationship with the neighbor bully. It's a very readable tale, with enough detail to build the characters' personalities and paint a realistic setting. Young readers will be able to identify with Niki and her struggle to see the value in a "lost cause" and act on her convictions.