Good-Bye Pony

Pony Pals #8

by Jeanne Betancourt

Ms.Wiggins asks the Pony Pals to take care of her old pony while she is away. Anna loves Winston and is happy to watch over the sweet pony.
But Winston is very old. The poor pony is very sick. Anna is upset and needs her Pony Pals more than ever. Can Lulu and Pam help Anna to say good-bye?

Genres: Horses, Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Contemporary, Young Readers, Middle Grade

87 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

When I was growing up I never thought of being an author. I was a terrible speller and didn't want to write any more than I had to. I wanted to be a tap dancer when I grew up. After a few years of teaching junior high and high school, I wrote my first novel. It was a surprise to discover that I liked making up stories and writing them down. I liked it so much that eventually I stopped teaching and became a fulltime writer.

Besides novels for children and young adults, I've also told stories by writing scripts for television and the movies.

I live on the top floor of a sixteen-story building near the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. From my apartment I have a view of Manhattan that includes the Empire State Building and the Plaza Hotel. In my free time I draw, paint, and read. I still love to dance.

Some people think that a writer's life is lonely. But when I'm writing a story I don't feel lonely because I am actively involved with lots of interesting people – the characters in my books. I love knowing that some day readers will get to know these characters, too. If you are one of my readers I hope you have as much enjoyment in reading my stories as I have writing them.

Reviews

[Meisha (ALittleReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this the summer after fifth grade. Having a soft spot for animals, this broke my heart. I remember the horses and characters feeling very real. Which made the ending that much more heartbreaking. But i do think the topic of losing a loved one was handled very well. This is a story that has stuck with me over the years and have never forgot it. I loved it so much that i had meant to read more in the series and never got around to it...

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a chapter book and book 8 of the "Pony Pals" series. My now grown daughter LOVED these books as a child (she begin to read them when she was about 8) and read all of the ones in the series. I found her copy of many of them and decided to try and read them to see what they were like. You can read these as stand alone books; but the reader would understand and relate to the girls better if you read them in order. If you have to miss one 'here and there' it's not big deal; you won't be lost but just get the full effect better in order.

It's a nice storybook of friendship for three girls (all 5th graders) and the bond they form with each other and each of their ponies. In this story it helped teach the girls that sometimes animals get old and just 'their time is over' regardless of what you do for them. One of the girls get angry at the vet because he says the pony's time is up and he wants to give him something so he won't be in pain as his final hours come. The girls all have to deal with mourning and letting go. GREAT book to help your child deal with death of a beloved pet.

As a mother reading these books I really appreciate the way Ms Betancourt has written about the girls putting their heads together and trying to work out problems together and coming up with solutions themselves. As the young adults they are becoming it gives the girls in the story the opportunity to think things through. Which helps readers know they could do the same thing to try and find solutions as the young adults they will be in a few years. Thus far in each of the books I've read of this series the girls have tried to come up with solutions to problems and that is such a good thing to teach children

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good addition to the series, and a sad one. The author handled the subject matter well, and I loved the arc Anna went through.

[Nicole Sandford · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit sad but could help with children coming to terms with losing a loved pet... Grade 5.

[Cathy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. What a sad story, but it does deal with the truth of life. Anna does not want to accept what everyone else sees, but eventually she does. It was a shame that Winston's owner did not make it back in time; that part I would have wanted differently. All owners need to be by their pet's side when they go. It was nice the way it ended, with tributes to Winston by Acorn and the girls. A good book for kids, and adults.

[Novels and Neckties - Kira Murasaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so sad now. This good bye was really touching.
Still I am amazed by how well this topic was handled. As a teacher I often hesitate to recommend books about loss to kids, but this one is is really well handled and with a lot of empathy.

[Shelly Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awsome book it is sad but lovely winston is such a popular pony! and acorn to!

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

An elderly pony is the centrepoint of this tale. He is drawing near to the end of a long and happy life, and the three Pony Pals spend time with him during his last weeks.

As well as teaching kids the inevitable, this is a kind story, with responsible care shown. And the great part is that we see the girls making plans and progress in living their full lives with their own ponies.
Some young people won't want to read this a second time, or not for a few years. But they'll come back to it and will understand it better.

Well done to the author for her bravery.
This is an unbiased review.

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is sad but happy at the same time

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

sad one.

[Piper Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not how you treat a dying horse.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet book. Tearjerker. My granddaughter loves ponies and she’ll love this.

[Cws]

JEAR3-Bet

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

read them all

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. A little bit sad, though.

[Gracie La · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really sad

[Alexandra Lindner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the series!!

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accelerated Reading Level 3.4, AR Points 1.0

[Kate Matson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was younger, I loved horses! I read lots of these books and really enjoyed them. Of course, it's been a long time since I've read these, but I can assure you they are worth reading.

[Samantha Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

so sad and touching at the same time

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

that pony's are fun but notwhen it dyeing.