Kids into books - The Paradise Pony

This weeks title - The Paradise Pony

Author: K.M. Peyton

Illustrator: Robin Lawrie

Publisher: Random house, $12.95

Age group: 8-10 years


Shona-Ilona Smith flew clear over all the jumps on her pony Lunar. The spectators clapped and cheered (mostly her parents and relations.)

Lauren Briggs and her friend Tashy Parks scowled unsportingly.

They hated Shona. She kept Lunar at a very expensive Equestrian Centre and had lessons with a Top Man. She was much too good to take part in the potty local show and was scooping all the prizes.

They – of course – kept their ponies in a field at home, had no lessons at all and their ponies had been obtained from a rescue centre. Lunar had cost ten thousand pounds!

"Even I would win on Lunar" said Tashy crossly. Her pony was called Monkey, because he was naughty. Nice, but naughty. If he was in a good mood, she stood a chance of winning, because he could jump if he felt like it.

But with Lunar there, no-one else stood a chance.

"You're next," said Lauren.


Tomorrow: "Winning isn't everything!"