Davis’ third book for young readers includes lots of animals, horse riding, mystery, and fine characters.

Dibs Terrill, who is mad about horses, is looking forward to having neighbor children her own age living nearby, Patrick and Rosemary are refugees from England, come to stay with their grandmother, Mrs. Edgerton, who has a number of horses. Her brothers Josh and Tommy are less enthused. When the children meet, things aren’t what Dibs was expecting. Patrick and Rosemary seem standoffish and stuck up, and while Patrick also likes horses and riding, Rosemary does not.

Later, as they all get to know each other better, they become friends. Dibs is given the chance to ride a pony of Mrs. Edgertons, Gray Mouse, that’s too small for her grandchildren, and she and Patrick have fun riding together. They set up a camp by the river, calling it their Pony Jungle, but mysterious strangers trouble them, and some of their things get stolen. More adventures follow, like a horse show for Dibs, and Josh and Rosemary getting stuck in Josh’s canoe in a swamp, as well as a pet show they put on for the neighborhood children. More trouble comes when valuable things are stolen from Mrs. Edgerton’s barn. Can the children solve the mystery and catch the thief?

Excellent book of its type, recommended.

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