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Series: Pony Scouts (book 4)

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Jill and Apples are competing in the horse show, but when she sees the competition, Jill gets nervous that she and Apples will not measure up.

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Pony Scouts: At the Show by Catherine Hapka

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Ponies!! And Pony Scouts!

This fun little book is at the mid-2nd Grade Reading Level and teachers should note that there is Lexile and Accelerated Reading level info available.

The first book I read in this series was RUNAWAY PONIES! and it was okay. This book has a lot more complexity and more meat to it.

The story's focus is a horse show. Meg and Annie aren't riding but Jill is and they are there to support her.

** POSSIBLE SPOILERS **
(Yes, I know this is a book for children reading at the 2nd grade level, but I've been chastised before)

When they arrive the girls find Jill has already been up for hours getting herself and Apples ready. They help her finish the grooming and then they are off to where there are so many PONIES! The year before Jill came in third place, and this year she hopes to do better. She loses her confidence though when a beautiful bay pony shows up with a rider who is dressed to the nines: shiny riding boots, fancy green jacket, riding hat and everything.

"Uh-oh," Jill whispered.
"That girl looks like a pro!"

Meg and Annie offer reassuring words and that bit of the story ends with Jill saying that she'll do her best and she's sure that no matter what, she and Apples will have fun.

There are 6 ponies in Jill's class and the story's focus is on the fancy bay, Apples, and a really tiny pony with a tiny rider. The drama comes to a head when it comes to walking over a series of poles.

THOUGHTS
I like this little story. It's sugary sweet but that's appropriate for early elementary school. The focus on 'doing the best you can' and 'going at it while trying to maintain the attitude that it's fun even if you don't reach your highest goal' is in line with current popular tropes.

I like that the smallest rider is given a chance to shine. Also that the judge was positive when one of the horses stalled.

"I hope my pony, Silky,
is as brave as your ponies someday!"

Good messages cloaked in pony goodness. Young readers will pick up information about shows and horse care (

)