Princess Ellie to the Rescue

The Pony-Crazed Princess #1

by Diana Kimpton, Lizzie Finlay (Illustrator)

When her pony, Sundance, goes missing, Princess Ellie blames a mysterious stranger for the disappearance, so Ellie and her best friend Kate must track down the mystery person and get Sundance back before it is too late.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Horses, Middle Grade, Princesses, Mystery

96 pages, Paperback

First published July 30, 2004

About the author

I'm the author of more than forty books, including my successful Pony-Mad Princess series. I write for adults as well as children. and many of my books have been translated into other languages. My Amy Wild - Animal Talker series is popular in Japan, and the Japanese editions look fantastic.

I've always been pony-mad so it's not surprising that my favourite animals feature in many of my books. I even used my research for "There Must Be Horses" as an excuse to buy the horse I had always dreamed of owning. He's a Haflinger so he's a palomino who gets fat really easily.

I've recently started writing books to help other writers. "Plots and Plotting: how to create stories that work" has just been published, and I'm currently working on a sequel called "Scenes and Sentences". I'm also in the process of writing two more Amy Wild books so I'm very busy at the moment.

Reviews

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this book series for a certain demographic the frequents my school library-- the pony crazed princess series lovers! It certainly fits the bill.

The story is a clash between the "once upon a time" princess and modern day. Princess Ellie has waving lessons, big poofy gowns, a castle, and an "every day crown", but rides in a Range Rover, has a female stable groom, Meg, you might meet at your local barn, and calls people on the phone.

While a bit predictable, there is a minor twist that young readers will discover along with Princess Ellie. I learned lots about horses that was new to me, some good info in there for horse fans.

The vocabulary puts it at an upper 3rd grade/early 4th grade reading level, so I will be putting it in "regular fiction" rather than "everybody chapter books" in my elementary library. It would be a fun read aloud. Simple, well paced plot, lovable (though underdeveloped because of the brevity of the book) characters that grow throughout the series, and two things many 7-8 year olds love: princesses, ponies, a little adventure, and series.

[Dale Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reviewed this as a potential recommendation to my 2nd grade advanced-reader granddaughter, since it matches her pony/princess reading interests.

This is a very well told story on about the 4th grade level. Don't let Lizzy Finley's cute illustrations fool you into thinking it is for 1st graders. Though I'm not a rider, I've ridden a few times and have family with horses, yet at nearly 60, I still learned a few things about horses and tack from this story.

This is the first in the Pony-Crazed Princess series (Pony-Mad in the UK). It introduces Ellie, a modern, yet coddled princess, whose new groom (Meg) is suddenly encouraging her to be much more hands-on in caring for her ponies. To make things more interesting, there is someone hiding in the woods, watching her ride...

This is probably appropriate for 2nd through 6th grade readers, depending on their reading experience. Also, children interested but not experienced in horses and grooming will probably find that the little details of horse-care and handling tack will easily carry them through the story as it did for me.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story with all of the characters within. The main character was Princess Ellie.

Princess Ellie like ponies and she as four that live in her family's stables. One day she decides to go riding her ponies but she first got to meet the new groom. After meeting the groom she finds out that they are not like the old grooms. The old grooms would do everything for her and wouldn't let her help. But the new groom lets her help she happy that she can do this. But one day one of her ponies goes missing.  She looks around but can't find him. And there also been a stranger that has been showing up around the stables.

This was a fun story to read. It had action, adventure and suspense throughout. It had a few giggles within. It had a mystery within that was fun trying to guess.

I saw this book at my local library and decided to try it. This is my honest unbiased opinions.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story for young readers. This momma approves 6+, but they'll need a passing understanding of a horse's tack. Also, the author seems to be British? American kiddos won't understand a lot of these phrases/terms. But a 1st grader can handle it, I think, with only a few questions.

[Rebecca Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read aloud to my six year old. She gives it a five because she "really loved it." Her favorite part was when they found Sundance. She plans to read it again.

[Liz Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book and i loved it so if you want to go to www.unspekadl.co

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Involves bourses

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the story insipid. But my daughter LOVED it. So, hard to make a ratings call. My 7 year old could read a chapter on her own, good for a 2nd grader.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this to my daughter. She enjoys the horses. I like that the author includes realistic information about horses and their care.

[Diva]

I could totally make a shelf just for my childhood horse girl reads 💀

[Laura Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early reader chapter book. Simple, engaging and illustrated. Horse and animal lovers will really enjoy it.

[Cambria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just read this out loud to my little sister and I enjoyed doing silly voices for her😁

[CharlieSadNerd]

Ten czas w roku kiedy postanawiam czytać książki o koniarach

[KPGINNY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Ellie at times wants to be normal instead of a princess. She's doesn't like having a pink room and sometimes the tasks of a princess aren't what she wants to be doing. She knows that someone is following her. When she finally finds out who it is she realises one of her horses, Sundance, is missing and goes looking for him. I enjoyed it very much because it was a book full of adventure.

- review written by my 9 year old

[Esti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Playing on the idea that every little girl wants a pony and a tiara, this book is a light, sweet story about a princess who just wants to spend time with her ponies. There's a new groom at the palace and she's going to let Ellie finally learn to take care of her own ponies. Ellie is so excited that she barely notices the person who keeps watching her... but when one of her ponies is in trouble, the watcher helps her rescue him, and becomes Ellie's first human friend. With large text, cute line drawing illustrations, and a quick plot, this book will appeal to newly independent readers who like to daydream about princesses and ponies. Recommended for grades 1 and 2.

Tags: princess, ponies, horses, stable work, friendship, young girls, privilege, education, independence, transitional chapter book

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This begins a great gentle series, one that my daughter immediately wanted to read "JUST ONE MORE CHAPTER" till we got to the entire end. Good for starting out pony loving interests for young princesses. Simple story and text are super for encouraging beginner readers. I am very glad there are at least 10 in the series, we've already had multiple readings of the first three.

[Eija · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to chapter books for newly independent readers or an easy read aloud. Ellie wants to learn how to take care of her ponies, something she's never been allowed to do before. Fun little adventure about new responsibilities and friendship. Keywords for little girls: princess and ponies.

[Dahl Kids · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris read the 12 or so books in the series to the girls. They are so fun! I rated them 5 stars because of the wealth of "horse" knowledge they gave the girls. The girls know all about soaking the oats, tack rooms, lead ropes, etc.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter started reading chapter books so I picked this up to read on the flight home. She loved it. She loves the stories, and We are having a hard time locating more. The stories are simple and the font big. And even though a bit predictable for an adult, it was a great bonding time.

[Cherese A. Vines · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for little girls who like horses AND playing princess. My daughter liked it. The book has adventure and friendship. I just had trouble putting together the idea of princesses and a time with cell phones.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter and I were excited to find this series. It is our first chapter books, and she is loving them.

[Flannery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book because well one thing is horses are my favorit animal and alsow i just like it.

[Felipa]

Julia's first chapter book series.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like that store because Ellee had a friende and a pony and the pone runs off and she got stuk. Thay pulld her owt.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cute book that I read to my own little pony-crazed princess. Surprisingly, even my six year old son will sit and listen to this series!!!

[Tati · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love easy chapter books that have sweet girls in them (instead of rude girls that already want to be teenagers). This is a cute series that my daughter loves!

[Twyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Ellie was trying to save her runaway horse and she did it.Her horse got away by picking with the latch and got it undone.Auryn 8yo

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

awesome beginning reader, especially for all those parents out there being tormented by junie b jones...

[Jannette Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is good ..... ^.^

[Mona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Princesses and ponies all in one and adventure. For 1st-3rd grade girls.