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Runaway Radish
Radish is a feisty pony--and the best teacher Judy has ever had. He teaches her how to ride, and how to go fast and far, and even how to fall off. But most of all, he teaches her to be patient. And when Judy outgrows him, he teaches Nina all the same things, and most of all, how to be brave. But girls grow, and ponies stay the same size. What will Radish do with no one to bully--and to teach? It takes his running away for Judy and Nina to find the perfect solution, one that keeps Radish from being outgrown ever again!
56 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
2 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Haas
57 books42 followersJessie Haas has written over 35 books for children and adults, many about horses--a lifelong passion. She currently owns a Morgan mare, Robin, who is being clicker-trained to be a trail and pasture-dressage horse. She lives in a small, off-grid house in the woods with husband Michael J. Daley, two cats and a dog. When not writing or riding or reading she likes to knit, cook, and write, or ride, or read.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 28, 2018
I almost CRIED at the library reading this. Such a sweet tale about Radish the pony & his various owners.
December 20, 2018
A great book for kids transitioning into chapter books. I read it aloud to my 6 year old and we both really enjoyed it.
Want to read
June 6, 2021As suggested in Excellent Books for Early and Eager Readers
August 29, 2025
Ponies face a common problem -- kids just grow too tall. Every couple of years, a pony is considered "too small" for the kid he was bought for and gotten rid of. What a great lesson for kids -- pets are disposable.
I have no idea why people just can't buy older horses for their kids instead of a small pony.
Radish faces this dilemma twice. He finally runs away to the home of his first little girl.
This was an ambitious book, but it reads like an early draft. It was really too complicated to be a successful kid's book. There was just too much left unexplained -- especially if a kid has never gone riding before, which is most of this book's readers, since fewer people are able to afford riding lessons for their kids, let alone buy them a pony.
Haas is best known for her longer young adult books, such as Keeping Barney, which was one of the best horse books I ever read. Haas also wrote some very short picture books which were successful at being complete, satisfying stories. This book was not.
The illustrations were pretty good, but sometimes didn't follow the text. Radish seems to change color throughout. The illustrator did add a few nice touches, such as Judy's family having a dog, and Nina reading Billy and Blaze to Radish.
I have no idea why people just can't buy older horses for their kids instead of a small pony.
Radish faces this dilemma twice. He finally runs away to the home of his first little girl.
This was an ambitious book, but it reads like an early draft. It was really too complicated to be a successful kid's book. There was just too much left unexplained -- especially if a kid has never gone riding before, which is most of this book's readers, since fewer people are able to afford riding lessons for their kids, let alone buy them a pony.
Haas is best known for her longer young adult books, such as Keeping Barney, which was one of the best horse books I ever read. Haas also wrote some very short picture books which were successful at being complete, satisfying stories. This book was not.
The illustrations were pretty good, but sometimes didn't follow the text. Radish seems to change color throughout. The illustrator did add a few nice touches, such as Judy's family having a dog, and Nina reading Billy and Blaze to Radish.
November 10, 2023
Just outgrows Radish the pony. Then she gives the pony to Nina. Nina also outgrows the pony because “little girls always grow.” Judy comes up with the idea after Radish escapes to take her to her work at the riding camp where Radish can always be ridden by little boys and girls ant get all the love and care!
January 19, 2017
Two girls outgrow Radish the pony, and think of a home for him where he will always have small children to teach how to ride.
Interest: horse-back riding
Interest: horse-back riding
October 24, 2019
An absolutely precious heartwarming/breaking pearl! This book will delight any little girl (of any age!) who loves horses. 🐎
November 29, 2016
I remember getting this book from the library many years ago. It was such a cute story!
December 2, 2009
Runaway Radish
4 out of 5 stars
Haas broke the book up into five chapters. Because of the pencil illustrations and white space, this is a true first-chapter book. The illustrations do not have any color, which discourages the reader from straying from reading the text. The size of the font is large, again supporting the young reader. The vocabulary in the book was difficult, in my opinion, for beginning readers. Words such as tantrum, whinnied, and girth could be found in the book. However, Haas used a great amount of repetition in the text, which assured the reader of things to come. The author did a great job of using descriptive text, especially when talking about the sound something made. Words such as crunch, clip-clop, and BEEeeep all encouraged the reader to use voice inflections while reading. There was quite a bit of dialogue, and the sentences were arranged in short paragraphs.
I gave the book four of five stars because of the message it sends to young readers; children grow up, and things change when you grow up. The reading level of this book would be for students between third and fourth grades. Students at this age can relate to having and losing a beloved pet; in addition, they can connect with the circle-of-life concept in which the horse keeps helping young children and does not stay with one child while he/she grows older. Two subject areas into which the book could be integrated could be science and math. For a math lesson, students could calculate how tall their horse would have to be based on their own height. Also, students could count the number of animals in the illustrations of the book.
4 out of 5 stars
Haas broke the book up into five chapters. Because of the pencil illustrations and white space, this is a true first-chapter book. The illustrations do not have any color, which discourages the reader from straying from reading the text. The size of the font is large, again supporting the young reader. The vocabulary in the book was difficult, in my opinion, for beginning readers. Words such as tantrum, whinnied, and girth could be found in the book. However, Haas used a great amount of repetition in the text, which assured the reader of things to come. The author did a great job of using descriptive text, especially when talking about the sound something made. Words such as crunch, clip-clop, and BEEeeep all encouraged the reader to use voice inflections while reading. There was quite a bit of dialogue, and the sentences were arranged in short paragraphs.
I gave the book four of five stars because of the message it sends to young readers; children grow up, and things change when you grow up. The reading level of this book would be for students between third and fourth grades. Students at this age can relate to having and losing a beloved pet; in addition, they can connect with the circle-of-life concept in which the horse keeps helping young children and does not stay with one child while he/she grows older. Two subject areas into which the book could be integrated could be science and math. For a math lesson, students could calculate how tall their horse would have to be based on their own height. Also, students could count the number of animals in the illustrations of the book.
December 2, 2009
2nd to 4th grade
Haas' charming tale of a spunky but undervalued pony, Radish, draws readers in and keeps them hooked until the end. Medium-sized font, pencil illustrations and slightly-longer-than average length encourage the newly fluent reader. The appeal in this tale lies with Radish, and draws on most people's natural affection for animals. The lesson it teaches is also a bonus for children.
Related content areas: Science and Language Arts
Lesson Idea: Students will choose an animal they might like to own, and will then do some research and comprise a short report on what type of care/food/time is involved with owning this type of pet. They will share their findings with the class and discuss the benefits of being informed pet owners.
Haas' charming tale of a spunky but undervalued pony, Radish, draws readers in and keeps them hooked until the end. Medium-sized font, pencil illustrations and slightly-longer-than average length encourage the newly fluent reader. The appeal in this tale lies with Radish, and draws on most people's natural affection for animals. The lesson it teaches is also a bonus for children.
Related content areas: Science and Language Arts
Lesson Idea: Students will choose an animal they might like to own, and will then do some research and comprise a short report on what type of care/food/time is involved with owning this type of pet. They will share their findings with the class and discuss the benefits of being informed pet owners.
November 10, 2015
So, we're reading horse books for Reading Wildly this week and horse books are NOT my forte. I think I am missing that horse-lover gene that some kids have; I never was one for horse books. THAT SAID, I actually enjoyed this title quite a bit, especially after reading an article called "What Makes a Good Horse Book?" in which this title was mentioned. I notice the details about riding and horses that are included and would appeal to a young rider. The horse Radish narrates this story and he's a likably feisty character. I would definitely suggest this and other books by the author to young horse fans.
November 1, 2015
Another cute kids' book I picked up from a recent library sale. Adorable illustrations and the story is from the pony's POV rather than his girl owner(s). Kind of sad to watch Radish moving on to new owners, but unlike household pets such as cats and dogs which stay with a loving family for a lifetime, girls physically outgrow their first pony and it's not unusual to see them go on to new homes. So this was a cute and touching story of a sometimes persnickety pony and his search for a "forever" home.
June 26, 2008
Jessie Haas is a wonderful author for a horsecrazy family. This is another one of Meagan's favorite read aloud chapter books. The main character, Radish the pony,teaches three very different girls how-to ride until each one sadly outgrows him. The ending solution is lovely, Radish becomes a school pony at the local riding academy where he continues to teach children about life and riding, until the daughter of his very first girl is ready to learn to ride.
January 27, 2014
A seriously sweet and touching transitional reader chapter book about the spirited pony Radish who beloved and loving young girl owners keep outgrowing her. After Radish is sold to a new girl, Radish poignantly searches out her old owner. Once she is outgrown again, however, the perfect solution for Radish is finally found.
I don't usually go for animal stories, especially horses. I was never a horse girl. But this book really played on my heartstrings. Quite good.
I don't usually go for animal stories, especially horses. I was never a horse girl. But this book really played on my heartstrings. Quite good.
January 12, 2010
Pretty cute little book. Not sure of the age range, but if your reader likes to read stories of horses this is a book for you. Fun little story that talks about what a new rider can learn from an old pony. Also, a good read about finding a place to fit in.
April 23, 2013
2001: ALA Notable Children's Book; Bulletin Blue Ribbon; HornBook Fanfare
Very simple vocabulary and large print make this book very good for 2nd grade and up. Though simple in the telling, it is a sweet story of an independent-minded pony's life.
Very simple vocabulary and large print make this book very good for 2nd grade and up. Though simple in the telling, it is a sweet story of an independent-minded pony's life.
August 17, 2014
Recommended to us as a first chapter book to read aloud. Natalie and I both really enjoyed it. I loved seeing Raddish teach new little girls important horse related lessons. Right balance of sad and happy.
January 14, 2009
Used for 4/5 SDC
February 11, 2009
A nice early chapter book for horse-loving kids.
February 18, 2009
The life of a pony who befriends many little girls and boys. great illustrations.
November 8, 2009
i loved it!!!!!!!!!! it was the best book ever!!!!!
May 23, 2012
This was a good story n friendship and trust.
October 5, 2010
It was good and fun. I could imagine my self there. She used very good detial.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews