The Pony and the Haunted Barn

Pony Pals #36

by Jeanne Betancourt

Is the Pony Pals new secret hideout haunted by the spirit of a long-ago pony?

Pam and her Pony Pals have found the perfect new hideout...or so they think. The mysterious barn they discover while exploring a new trail in the woods near an old ghost town turns out to be creepier than they thought. Something unseen trips Pam's Pony, Lightning, a chain rattles, the door bangs shut, and a storm blows in out of nowhere.

Not only that, the girls can't seem to find the barn after that day---though they are sure they are in the right spot. The ponies are frightened. Do they sense the presence of something the girls can't see?

Genres: Horses, Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Mystery, Chapter Books

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

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

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Pony Pal series usually stays more in the realistic setting, so it's kind of nice to get something involving the supernatural.

The opening scene, while short, sets the tone of the book well. It was fun to explore the barn and the ghost legend with the Pony Pals. I do wish there had been a little less fighting between Pam and Anna, but I like that they were able to remain friends and still do things together even with their disagreement.

My only real complaint is the ending line. I don't know why, but that ending line just didn't feel like it worked. Everything leading up until that moment was perfect, but it just didn't feel like a final line. I think only a small change is needed, "But so-and-so seems like a nice one" or something like that. Vague because of spoilers, but it would have tied things up a little better.

Overall, though, this is another great Pony Pal book and it's a nice change to delve into the supernatural.

[Kaiden Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was really haunted, kind of, and spooky ish. That’s all I have to say.

[Anna Wendling · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pony Pals, three best friends, find an old abandoned barn when they are on a trail ride. They think there is a ghost in the barn and they are determined to figure this mystery out. This is a good book for 2nd – 5th graders.
A book that will surely grab the attention of young readers and make them want to solve the mystery right along with the Pony Pals.

[Melissa Namba · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love an open ended ghost story. the girls are less bratty because they are focused on a mystery, although, as always, they take their aggression out on Mike, who may or may not have deserved it. I like that pam tried to be logical and level headed throughout the book. one niece will love this story and another will probably have nightmares from this tame ghost story.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

read them all

[Alexandra Lindner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the series!!