The sixth book in the Magical Adventures and Pony Tales short stories for children is titled the Wooden Pony.  In this story, young Thomas longs for fields of green that to him depict freedom.  Although he loves watching his father work in his carpentry shop, he struggles with envy.  The beautiful toys, instruments and other items are carefully crafted and then sold to someone else.

Thomas has no doubt it will be the same for the wooden horse that his father is making.  As the pony starts to take shape, he also comes to life.  Thomas is amazed to find he has a new friend – a talking wooden pony!  As he grows closer to the pony, his father continues to work on him.  Eyes are added so he can see; legs are carved so he can move.

And as he continues to take shape, Thomas’ friendship deepens and he is able to enjoy doing more with the pony.  But he is aware that his time of friendship is running out.  As Thomas describes the world around them to the pony, the topic of ownership comes up.  The pony is saddened to find that he will be sold and owned by someone else.  Thomas is devastated.

The Wooden Pony is a delightful story of magic and deep friendship.  As Thomas’ friendship deepens, he learns more about the pony.  This leads him to naming the pony.  Once his name is carved onto the hindquarters, Thomas knows that he will be complete.  Although he dreads this day, he can’t help but name the pony for the freedom they both desire.  Little does Thomas know that his hearts desire is that of his parents, too.  This is a short, delightful read with a wonderful ending.

Author – Angharad Thompson Rees
Fiction – children
In my library – as an eBook it is.
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.

What I really love about the books by Angharad Thompson Rees is the imagination involved – as well as the horses!  She writes in a beautifully descriptive way that I am sure children will love.  This is true of previous books I have read by her.  It is also true of The Desert Pony, a short story for young horse fans.

Young Hannan lives a lonely life.  As the only son of his parents, his life takes a devastating turn when his mother becomes ill.  In search of a cure, his parents leave seeking a mystical lake in the middle of the desert.  Hannan is left in the care of his grandmother.  Sadly, she in time passes on, leaving the young boy all alone – except for the goats that he tends to.

His life moves in cycles of travelling with his goats, seeking good grazing.  When they are fat enough he sells them at market, buys some more goats – and grain to feed them alongside the grass – and off he goes to do it all again.  A chance meeting with a strange old man suddenly turns the direction of Hannan’s life.  The young boy finds himself on an unplanned adventure, without goats but now in possession of a rather unusual pony.

And it is this unusual pony – and his unique sense of humour and incredible talents – that help Hannan to seek that which he has lost: his beloved parents.  The Desert Pony is a wonderfully imaginative tale.  Angharad Thompson Rees has woven in some delightful riddles into the story and a touch of humour.  The theme of focusing on the thing you want most, rather than trying to have it all is a good one for young – and older readers alike – to learn.  This is another short tale in the Magical Adventures and Pony Tales series that is highly recommended.

Author – Angharad Thompson Rees
Fiction – children
In my library – as an eBook it is.
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.

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