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The Shadow Pony
A gorgeous story of family love through generations – perfect for fans of Hannah Gold and Katya Balen
A GORGEOUS STORY OF FAMILY LOVE THROUGH GENERATIONS
Evan hates change, which is a big problem because the last few years have brought a lot of it. His family is split down the middle, and lately Grandad hasn’t been himself. But it’s not all bad – Evan can always depend on Okie Dokie, his lovable dog.
When a school trip takes Evan to an old mine where Grandad used to work, things go disastrously wrong. Grandad refuses to talk to Evan about the mine, and especially about the poor pit ponies that worked down there in the dark.
But Evan is desperate to know more about Grandad’s past and if he can only find out what Grandad’s hiding, the weird gulf between them will surely disappear. Can Evan uncover Grandad’s secrets before they are lost forever?
A GORGEOUS STORY OF FAMILY LOVE THROUGH GENERATIONS
Evan hates change, which is a big problem because the last few years have brought a lot of it. His family is split down the middle, and lately Grandad hasn’t been himself. But it’s not all bad – Evan can always depend on Okie Dokie, his lovable dog.
When a school trip takes Evan to an old mine where Grandad used to work, things go disastrously wrong. Grandad refuses to talk to Evan about the mine, and especially about the poor pit ponies that worked down there in the dark.
But Evan is desperate to know more about Grandad’s past and if he can only find out what Grandad’s hiding, the weird gulf between them will surely disappear. Can Evan uncover Grandad’s secrets before they are lost forever?
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 9, 2026
Eleven-year-old Evan has a lot to deal with, his mum and dad has split up.
Once Evan and his mum moved to Wales, his mum met another man, who lives with them, along with Evan’s grandad, who has broke his arm.
His grandad used to work in the mines, but won’t never talk about it.
When Evan’s school, has a trip the mine, reluctantly he goes on the school trip. Deep down in the mine, Evan has a strong sense he can smell the ponies in that used to be kept in stables. But he puts it down to the bullying from class mates. After school Evans favourite time is taking his dog, Okie, out for a walk.
This novel is excellent, and extremely well written. The Shadow Pony is a very moving story but very lovely too.
Themes running through this incredible children’s novel is about, family separation, blended families, dementia, parents with bipolar disorder, bullying, and animal rights.
Once Evan and his mum moved to Wales, his mum met another man, who lives with them, along with Evan’s grandad, who has broke his arm.
His grandad used to work in the mines, but won’t never talk about it.
When Evan’s school, has a trip the mine, reluctantly he goes on the school trip. Deep down in the mine, Evan has a strong sense he can smell the ponies in that used to be kept in stables. But he puts it down to the bullying from class mates. After school Evans favourite time is taking his dog, Okie, out for a walk.
This novel is excellent, and extremely well written. The Shadow Pony is a very moving story but very lovely too.
Themes running through this incredible children’s novel is about, family separation, blended families, dementia, parents with bipolar disorder, bullying, and animal rights.
July 14, 2026
A beautifully written compassionate and endearing story which centres on family values and the bond between grandparent and grandchild. Engrossing and unpredictable with vivid characters and a unique storyline. Loved it.
March 9, 2026
I loved My Dog so I was super excited for this.
Evan lives in Wales. Mum moved them there after his parents divorce so she could be closer to her Dad. His brother lives with Dad in London but he talks to them both regularly. Evan also has a dog, Okie, a rescue who is a bit of a terror and chews things he shouldn't!
A boy at his school bullies Evan. The boy, Kai, is the son of one of their teachers. Is there a reason Kai is so mean?
Evan's Grandad is living with them at the moment as he had a fall and broke his arm, But Evan knows he wants to go home. Why isn't Mum keen? Mum's boyfriend, Nick, is also staying because he is having work done on his house.
Evan's school is going on a trip, to a mining museum. A mine that Grandad suddenly says he worked at but wouldn't say much. While down the mine the volunteer tells them about the mine and about the ponies that lived down there apart from two weeks in the summer when the mine shuts down and they go above ground. Even their stables are still there. Evan is scared of the dark but only the bully knows. They all get asked to turn off their torches, Evan is scared but does it because he doesn't want to show that he is. When he turns off the light he feels warm breath and a snorting noise - he assumes it's the bully. When they return to school Evan's teacher wants them to do a project on the mine, After thinking about the ponies Evan tries to get Grandad to tell him about them, especially when he finds a picture of Grandad, his friend Gwilym and the pony, Jesse. But he won't talk. Evan thinks if he can find any of the ponies in rescue homes this will help Grandad.
Then Nick's daughter, Melly, comes to live with them too. But nobody tells Evan why. She has a cat, Blue, Okie thinks he can chase it! This causes problems. Evan doesn't want Melly there, he hides her things to make her think teh house is haunted. He doesn't like it when she helps his Grandad either, When Melly gets upset at something he says, she says has spoken to her Mum and she is going to live with her. Evan finds Melly at the bus stop with her case and Blue in a carrier. Her mum doesn't turn up. Evan takes her home. They start to build a friendship.
Then suddenly Nick and Mum are sending them, Grandad and Okie to live at Grandad's house - again Evan isn't told why.
Then Grandad disappears - he has Okie with him - Evan gets worried when night falls and ignoring teh dark goes to look for them. Telling Melly to stay at the house in case they return.
Okie finds Evan... but where is Grandad? Can Okie guide Evan to him? And can Evan overcome his fear to reach his Grandad? But Evan need help to get Grandad out....
Absolutely loved it, & want a copy!
Thanks to HarperCollins Childrens for the chance to read in advance. Out now.
Evan lives in Wales. Mum moved them there after his parents divorce so she could be closer to her Dad. His brother lives with Dad in London but he talks to them both regularly. Evan also has a dog, Okie, a rescue who is a bit of a terror and chews things he shouldn't!
A boy at his school bullies Evan. The boy, Kai, is the son of one of their teachers. Is there a reason Kai is so mean?
Evan's Grandad is living with them at the moment as he had a fall and broke his arm, But Evan knows he wants to go home. Why isn't Mum keen? Mum's boyfriend, Nick, is also staying because he is having work done on his house.
Evan's school is going on a trip, to a mining museum. A mine that Grandad suddenly says he worked at but wouldn't say much. While down the mine the volunteer tells them about the mine and about the ponies that lived down there apart from two weeks in the summer when the mine shuts down and they go above ground. Even their stables are still there. Evan is scared of the dark but only the bully knows. They all get asked to turn off their torches, Evan is scared but does it because he doesn't want to show that he is. When he turns off the light he feels warm breath and a snorting noise - he assumes it's the bully. When they return to school Evan's teacher wants them to do a project on the mine, After thinking about the ponies Evan tries to get Grandad to tell him about them, especially when he finds a picture of Grandad, his friend Gwilym and the pony, Jesse. But he won't talk. Evan thinks if he can find any of the ponies in rescue homes this will help Grandad.
Then Nick's daughter, Melly, comes to live with them too. But nobody tells Evan why. She has a cat, Blue, Okie thinks he can chase it! This causes problems. Evan doesn't want Melly there, he hides her things to make her think teh house is haunted. He doesn't like it when she helps his Grandad either, When Melly gets upset at something he says, she says has spoken to her Mum and she is going to live with her. Evan finds Melly at the bus stop with her case and Blue in a carrier. Her mum doesn't turn up. Evan takes her home. They start to build a friendship.
Then suddenly Nick and Mum are sending them, Grandad and Okie to live at Grandad's house - again Evan isn't told why.
Then Grandad disappears - he has Okie with him - Evan gets worried when night falls and ignoring teh dark goes to look for them. Telling Melly to stay at the house in case they return.
Okie finds Evan... but where is Grandad? Can Okie guide Evan to him? And can Evan overcome his fear to reach his Grandad? But Evan need help to get Grandad out....
Absolutely loved it, & want a copy!
Thanks to HarperCollins Childrens for the chance to read in advance. Out now.
April 24, 2026
The Shadow Pony by Olivia Wakeford (illustrated by David Litchfield) is the most charming contemporary children’s novel that I adored. It is suitable for the over tens. It is beautifully illustrated too.
The story is set in Wales and has Aberuraun Colliery as its’ focus. Following a school trip, lead character eleven-year-old Evan desires to find out more about the pit ponies that worked the mines.
Evan’s Grandad used to work in the mine and is haunted by a past event.
There is power in a story. It is in sharing stories that memories can be passed down the generations. We all want to know our personal histories.
We see the difficulties that arise when living with someone with a mental illness. Twelve-year-old Melly’s Mum has bi-polar. This is hard for Melly as sometimes her Mum has to be hospitalised.
Evan’s Grandad is becoming forgetful. This, in turn, leads to anger and frustration.
An eleven-year-old feels pushed out after the birth of a baby brother. He takes his frustrations out in bullying those who do not fight back.
Families can be complicated affairs but it is ultimately love that holds them all together.
We see the dedication of a pit pony to those who show kindness. When in need of a rescue, a pit pony appears, leading those in distress to safety.
The Shadow Pony is a very beautiful tale about families. They come in all different forms. Sometimes family members rub each other up the wrong way but ultimately family members show love and are loved.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The story is set in Wales and has Aberuraun Colliery as its’ focus. Following a school trip, lead character eleven-year-old Evan desires to find out more about the pit ponies that worked the mines.
Evan’s Grandad used to work in the mine and is haunted by a past event.
There is power in a story. It is in sharing stories that memories can be passed down the generations. We all want to know our personal histories.
We see the difficulties that arise when living with someone with a mental illness. Twelve-year-old Melly’s Mum has bi-polar. This is hard for Melly as sometimes her Mum has to be hospitalised.
Evan’s Grandad is becoming forgetful. This, in turn, leads to anger and frustration.
An eleven-year-old feels pushed out after the birth of a baby brother. He takes his frustrations out in bullying those who do not fight back.
Families can be complicated affairs but it is ultimately love that holds them all together.
We see the dedication of a pit pony to those who show kindness. When in need of a rescue, a pit pony appears, leading those in distress to safety.
The Shadow Pony is a very beautiful tale about families. They come in all different forms. Sometimes family members rub each other up the wrong way but ultimately family members show love and are loved.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was a huge fan of Olivia Wakeford’s Middle Grade debut MY DOG, so was interesting to see whether she was able to pull at the heart strings and the tear ducts with her second novel THE SHADOW PONY. Never fear, Wakeford hits all the right notes in this second outing in a beautifully realised family drama which has a number of plot threads which pitch together beautifully as the story moves on. And for the pet lovers out there who are hankering for ‘Worthington’ (the dog from her debut) keep reading, as THE SHADOW PONY also features a dog one with a very different temperament from Worthington!
Even’s life has a lot change, relocating to Wales to live with his mum and her boyfriend, not realising their family will soon be expanding for other reasons. Elsewhere his grandfather comes to stay, with Even sensing things are not right with him. Throw in pet chaos, school bullies, huge jigsaws, a sort of stepsister with her own issues, big rugby matches and a (maybe) ghostly pony there is a lot going on. This beautiful story is framed around Even’s family and a school project on the local mine, where his grandfather once worked, with Even focussing on the poor pit ponies who rarely saw daylight.
Second novels are never easy to nail successfully, but THE SHADOW PONY is a winner all the way with facing your fears trumping all. Wakeford is a fresh new voice on the Middle Grade scene and this novel should be a hot tip in every school library.
Even’s life has a lot change, relocating to Wales to live with his mum and her boyfriend, not realising their family will soon be expanding for other reasons. Elsewhere his grandfather comes to stay, with Even sensing things are not right with him. Throw in pet chaos, school bullies, huge jigsaws, a sort of stepsister with her own issues, big rugby matches and a (maybe) ghostly pony there is a lot going on. This beautiful story is framed around Even’s family and a school project on the local mine, where his grandfather once worked, with Even focussing on the poor pit ponies who rarely saw daylight.
Second novels are never easy to nail successfully, but THE SHADOW PONY is a winner all the way with facing your fears trumping all. Wakeford is a fresh new voice on the Middle Grade scene and this novel should be a hot tip in every school library.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have some mixed feelings about this book. I was expecting a kind of spooky story about a ghost pit pony, but there was really very little of that. Although it was kind of important to the overall story, it actually wasn't mentioned all that much.
More than anything, this book is really about a kid who is upset/mad at everything around him always changing. Now don't get me wrong, Evan has every right to be annoyed because so many things change for him (his grandpa seems to be losing is mine, his mum's boyfriends daughter and cat move in, causing mayhem with Evan's hyper dog Okie. He's being bullied by his teacher's son. His mum keep changing her mind about what job she wants... Things are just going all wrong for him.
But it began to feel like all he was doing was moaning, being all 'woe is me' and by the time the end was coming around I was fed up reading his constant complaining.
But I do think, despite this, that it could be important for kids to read, if they are going through a lot, especially having a grandparent who is succumbing to dementia/Alzheimer's, who is struggling to cope with everything life throws at them all at once. It could help them understand they're not alone.
Overall, not for me. It wasn't the story I was expecting and when I got wasn't for me. But I do think it could benefit a lot of kids.
More than anything, this book is really about a kid who is upset/mad at everything around him always changing. Now don't get me wrong, Evan has every right to be annoyed because so many things change for him (his grandpa seems to be losing is mine, his mum's boyfriends daughter and cat move in, causing mayhem with Evan's hyper dog Okie. He's being bullied by his teacher's son. His mum keep changing her mind about what job she wants... Things are just going all wrong for him.
But it began to feel like all he was doing was moaning, being all 'woe is me' and by the time the end was coming around I was fed up reading his constant complaining.
But I do think, despite this, that it could be important for kids to read, if they are going through a lot, especially having a grandparent who is succumbing to dementia/Alzheimer's, who is struggling to cope with everything life throws at them all at once. It could help them understand they're not alone.
Overall, not for me. It wasn't the story I was expecting and when I got wasn't for me. But I do think it could benefit a lot of kids.
March 21, 2026
What an absolutely special story!
I read this really quickly but didn't want it to finish!
Evan is in a new place, separated by his dad and brother, living with his mum and her boyfriend, and his wonderful dog, Okie!
The book opens as we find out he is being bullied at school, and he has an embarrassing incident on a school trip to a Welsh mine. This is where we are introduced to his Grandpa, and his past involving the mine. We find out that there is a project to write about the trip and we learn about the pit ponies, and his grandfather's response when they are mentioned..
Evan's has another issue is that Nick's daughter, Melly, and Okie's new arch-enemy, her cat Blue, have moved into the house with no notice whatsoever..
This is an amazing tale of a blended family, and their animals, learning and growing together, and processing their issues in a way that none of them expecting, especially when dealing with Grandpa's issues.
The end of the book has a wonderful twist to it, and loved every bit of the description as you were cheering Evan and his family on the whole way.
I would recommend anyone, adult or child, to read this book.
I read this really quickly but didn't want it to finish!
Evan is in a new place, separated by his dad and brother, living with his mum and her boyfriend, and his wonderful dog, Okie!
The book opens as we find out he is being bullied at school, and he has an embarrassing incident on a school trip to a Welsh mine. This is where we are introduced to his Grandpa, and his past involving the mine. We find out that there is a project to write about the trip and we learn about the pit ponies, and his grandfather's response when they are mentioned..
Evan's has another issue is that Nick's daughter, Melly, and Okie's new arch-enemy, her cat Blue, have moved into the house with no notice whatsoever..
This is an amazing tale of a blended family, and their animals, learning and growing together, and processing their issues in a way that none of them expecting, especially when dealing with Grandpa's issues.
The end of the book has a wonderful twist to it, and loved every bit of the description as you were cheering Evan and his family on the whole way.
I would recommend anyone, adult or child, to read this book.
April 3, 2026
🐎 ⛏️ The Shadow Pony ⛏️ 🐎
🥹 Such a complex story with an abundance of themes: separation of parents and siblings, blended families, mental health, dementia, loss, bullying, transition, phobias, sibling rivalry, PTSD, friendship and self-growth. Olivia, I don’t know how you crammed so much into a few hundred pages! 🙌🏽
💭 This book really resonated with me, particularly at the start. My mum separated from my dad early in life and moved us over 20 times growing up. It grew into such resentment, but as an adult I know it shaped my resilience and character.
Evan’s mum, like mine, changed jobs often and didn’t really think about the impact on the kids. It left him feeling upset, closed off and confused.
💔 🩹 There is a lot of healing in this book, for so many of the wonderful characters that Olivia has created. The bond between Evan and his grandad also resonates and I really felt a strong connection with their relationship and how Evan doesn’t give up on him.
💙 I enjoyed the ending of the book and know that my class will really enjoy it, especially as so many have gone through separation and loss.
A fantastic read and took me less than 24 hours. 🙌🏽
🥹 Such a complex story with an abundance of themes: separation of parents and siblings, blended families, mental health, dementia, loss, bullying, transition, phobias, sibling rivalry, PTSD, friendship and self-growth. Olivia, I don’t know how you crammed so much into a few hundred pages! 🙌🏽
💭 This book really resonated with me, particularly at the start. My mum separated from my dad early in life and moved us over 20 times growing up. It grew into such resentment, but as an adult I know it shaped my resilience and character.
Evan’s mum, like mine, changed jobs often and didn’t really think about the impact on the kids. It left him feeling upset, closed off and confused.
💔 🩹 There is a lot of healing in this book, for so many of the wonderful characters that Olivia has created. The bond between Evan and his grandad also resonates and I really felt a strong connection with their relationship and how Evan doesn’t give up on him.
💙 I enjoyed the ending of the book and know that my class will really enjoy it, especially as so many have gone through separation and loss.
A fantastic read and took me less than 24 hours. 🙌🏽
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Evan's parents get divorced, his older brother Charlie decides to live with their dad and he moves with his mother to Wales - the best part of which is being near his grandfather, whom Evan adores.
But something strange is going on with his grandad - something related to a past that is murky and that he refuses to discuss with Evan. Yet Evan know that he must get to the bottom of this if he is to restore his relationship with his grandfather.
And none of this is helped by the unexpected arrival of Melly, who is the daughter of his mother's boyfriend Nick....
A beautiful story of family, both blended and biological, and a piece of storytelling that gives a well-deserved hat tip to the lives of miners in Wales, and the pit ponies who had to work alongside them under grim conditions. This one is well worth a read.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
But something strange is going on with his grandad - something related to a past that is murky and that he refuses to discuss with Evan. Yet Evan know that he must get to the bottom of this if he is to restore his relationship with his grandfather.
And none of this is helped by the unexpected arrival of Melly, who is the daughter of his mother's boyfriend Nick....
A beautiful story of family, both blended and biological, and a piece of storytelling that gives a well-deserved hat tip to the lives of miners in Wales, and the pit ponies who had to work alongside them under grim conditions. This one is well worth a read.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This children's book is due to be published Thursday 26th February 2026.
I recieved this as an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, this a lovely read of modern day family life, bullying, children trying to understand a grown up world, with change that not everyone wants or likes, relationships between humans and animals and history of a time where pit workers relied on animals and the pits were a dangerous place for both workers and the pit ponies.
The history element was really interesting along with a grandfather and grandson relationship.
Beautifully illustrated by David Litchfield.
I found the way bi polar and dementia was tackled really well.
A really well written and good read for 9-12 year old.
I recieved this as an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, this a lovely read of modern day family life, bullying, children trying to understand a grown up world, with change that not everyone wants or likes, relationships between humans and animals and history of a time where pit workers relied on animals and the pits were a dangerous place for both workers and the pit ponies.
The history element was really interesting along with a grandfather and grandson relationship.
Beautifully illustrated by David Litchfield.
I found the way bi polar and dementia was tackled really well.
A really well written and good read for 9-12 year old.
July 12, 2026
Olivia Wakeford’s novel for readers aged 9+ is a sensitive look at memory, loneliness and adapting to change that comes with a sprinkling of the supernatural and atmospheric illustrations by David Litchfield. Evan is well rounded and easy to empathise with, particularly his love of his Grandad and his jealousy of Melly and I think young readers will understand what it’s like to know that things are changing but not being given a say in them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A wonderful read that elegantly walks the line between the magic of life and the fragility of living. Another important read from Olivia Wakeford that children and adults alike will relate to. Okie Dokie runs off the page and around the room while you read. A definite for dog lovers and those with connections to Wales.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this book. I found the characters enjoyable and I especially loved the relationship between Evan and his Grandad. I wish there was more about Jesse and the pit ponies though but other than that this was a great read. Okie Dokie is such a super cute name for a dog. First time i’ve heard of the author Olivia Wakeford and I definitely want to read her book ‘My Dog’ one day.
April 16, 2026
Go to Readingtime.com.au for my review of this fabulous junior fiction book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
" I'm not always a fan of change either, but sometimes it's unavoidable. No matter how much we want things to stay the same."
My Dog by Olivia Wakeford was without a doubt one of the best children's books of 2025.
The Shadow Pony deserves to be equally applauded and enjoyed. This is the story of Evan who finds himself jolted into a life of continual changes and disruptions -Grandad is doing strange things; mum's boyfriend's daughter Melly has come to stay with her cat Blue and his dog Okie is proving more and more problematic whilst school life is continually unsettled by Kai who aims to make his life a misery.
Following a trip to a local disused mine where Evan learns about the use of pit ponies and the horrendous way they were treated, he decides to use this as a base for a school project and hopefully cheer up his grandad who used to work in the mine- but things backfire with shocking results.
Olivia Wakeford one again tugs at our heart strings and has written a story that not only entertains and grips but touches emotions and explores issues that many children have to deal with in their families - dementia and bi-polar disorder. The story is touchingly told without being too emotive to deflect from the importance of the content for readers young and old.
David Litchfield's illustrations add a further beauty to the book .
A perfect read for 9-12 year olds and great upper KS2 class read.
A top 2026 children's book! No question .
Thank you to HarperCollins Children's books for the advance copy
My Dog by Olivia Wakeford was without a doubt one of the best children's books of 2025.
The Shadow Pony deserves to be equally applauded and enjoyed. This is the story of Evan who finds himself jolted into a life of continual changes and disruptions -Grandad is doing strange things; mum's boyfriend's daughter Melly has come to stay with her cat Blue and his dog Okie is proving more and more problematic whilst school life is continually unsettled by Kai who aims to make his life a misery.
Following a trip to a local disused mine where Evan learns about the use of pit ponies and the horrendous way they were treated, he decides to use this as a base for a school project and hopefully cheer up his grandad who used to work in the mine- but things backfire with shocking results.
Olivia Wakeford one again tugs at our heart strings and has written a story that not only entertains and grips but touches emotions and explores issues that many children have to deal with in their families - dementia and bi-polar disorder. The story is touchingly told without being too emotive to deflect from the importance of the content for readers young and old.
David Litchfield's illustrations add a further beauty to the book .
A perfect read for 9-12 year olds and great upper KS2 class read.
A top 2026 children's book! No question .
Thank you to HarperCollins Children's books for the advance copy
August 23, 2026
I loved Olivia Wakeford’s My Dog (if you haven’t read it, you absolutely should!), so I knew Shadow Pony was a must-read. The cover artwork is also just gorgeous, so it was a complete no-brainer!
Shadow Pony is a lovely story, packed with fascinating information about the history of Welsh mining. It would make a great class read with links to history, but is also a wonderful story for any reader to enjoy.
Although the Shadow Pony is a key part of the storyline, it takes more of a backseat for much of the book. Instead, the main story focuses on a rich exploration of blended families, absent parents, fears, bullying and dementia. Each of these subjects is approached in Olivia Wakeford’s gentle and honest style, making this a thoughtful and accessible read for LKS2 readers too.
🌟I’d recommend this to lovers of animal stories and realistic fiction, particularly fans of Adam Baron.🌟
Shadow Pony is a lovely story, packed with fascinating information about the history of Welsh mining. It would make a great class read with links to history, but is also a wonderful story for any reader to enjoy.
Although the Shadow Pony is a key part of the storyline, it takes more of a backseat for much of the book. Instead, the main story focuses on a rich exploration of blended families, absent parents, fears, bullying and dementia. Each of these subjects is approached in Olivia Wakeford’s gentle and honest style, making this a thoughtful and accessible read for LKS2 readers too.
🌟I’d recommend this to lovers of animal stories and realistic fiction, particularly fans of Adam Baron.🌟
March 12, 2026
Boy sulks far too much, acts unreasonably, fails to spot that his grandfather is starting to get dementia. The family lives in Wales and we learn about the past of coal mines, pit ponies, and work in general.
There aren't any actual real live ponies, which will disappoint horse lovers unless they know this in advance.
I like the adventure, but I had no patience with the lad. He does grow up a bit. I hope young readers can learn from this story.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
There aren't any actual real live ponies, which will disappoint horse lovers unless they know this in advance.
I like the adventure, but I had no patience with the lad. He does grow up a bit. I hope young readers can learn from this story.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews