Lucy and Copper

by Mandy Ford

Smudge has been Lucy's best friend since she was little. But these days, Lucy is too big to ride her beloved pony.

Lucy is sure no one can replace Smudge, even when Pa brings home a new horse called Copper. Can Lucy grow to love Copper just as much?

A story that will warm the heart of every animal lover, from the bestselling author-illustrator of Joey & Riley and The Wheels on the Bus.

Genres: Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 1, 2022

Reviews

[Brenda]

Lucy loved Smudge, her black pony which she’d owned and ridden since she was small. But now Lucy is bigger – too big for Smudge. When Pa brought home a new horse, higher than Smudge, Lucy wasn’t prepared to love Copper. She only loved Smudge – didn’t she? Would Lucy fall in love with Copper too?

Lucy and Copper is a delightful children’s story from Australian author Mandy Foot. A perfect bedtime story for little ones, of growing up and learning how to adjust. Thoroughly enjoyable and recommended.

With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol Seeley Reads]

This is a great book to progress your pre schooler from picture books to following/reading a story.

[Jennie]

Lucy loves her pony Smudge but as she grows up she is becoming too big to ride her little black pony. As dad looks after the new, larger pony, Copper, Lucy clings to her special friend and stubbornly refuses to become involved. Until one bright morning, perfect for riding, Lucy finds a compromise.
A gentle story about growing up, accepting change and embracing new beginnings.
The watercolour illustrations are quite captivating - realistic, with lots of fine detail that captures the setting perfectly - and full of feeling.
Ideal for newly independent young readers and horse lovers.

[Eigo Ehon Navi]

変化を嫌う子どもの特徴と動物に対する愛情がストレートに描かれた絵本。

自身の成長と変化を受け入れ、新しい始まりを自らのタイミングで踏み出す穏やかだけれどポジティブでエネルギッシュな物語。
細かいディテールが描かれた水彩画の優しいイラストが非常に魅力的で馬好きに最適です。

私の息子は自転車に乗るのが大好きなのですが、彼は既に５台の三輪車・自転車を乗り継いできました。もう小さくなったり、レベルがアップし次の自転車に乗り換えるときにはルーシーと同じように嫌がっていました。

するとある日、急に自ら乗りたいって言い出すんですよね。
そして乗ってみると・・・

『I love my new bike!!』って毎回なります。

大人も同じですが、変化を受け入れるにはパワーが必要です。
子どもを信じて彼らのタイミングを待ってあげることってとても大切だと思います。