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The Riverdale Pony Stories #1
The Lost Pony of Riverdale
When pony-mad Poppy McKeever is told her family is moving from their beloved home in Twickenham to an old cottage on Dartmoor, it feels like everything she has ever known has been thrown into turmoil.
The eleven-year-old is reluctant to leave the city until she discovers that their new home comes complete with its own pony.
But life at Riverdale is not as straightforward as it seems, especially when Poppy spies a flash of white in the woods next to the cottage.
Her stepmother Caroline is acting strangely and her adrenalin-junkie brother Charlie is on the hunt for big cats.
But will Charlie's obsession drive the two children into dangerous territory?
And when Poppy is faced with a terrible dilemma - to save her brother or the pony of her dreams - who will she chose?
The eleven-year-old is reluctant to leave the city until she discovers that their new home comes complete with its own pony.
But life at Riverdale is not as straightforward as it seems, especially when Poppy spies a flash of white in the woods next to the cottage.
Her stepmother Caroline is acting strangely and her adrenalin-junkie brother Charlie is on the hunt for big cats.
But will Charlie's obsession drive the two children into dangerous territory?
And when Poppy is faced with a terrible dilemma - to save her brother or the pony of her dreams - who will she chose?
234 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2013
982 people are currently reading
962 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
March 3, 2014
A romp of a read! Excitement & adventure abound. Imaginative writing will have any pony mad girl hooked (& quite a few grown up girls as well). I look forward to the sequel.
September 2, 2017
Poppy and her dad, stepmother and half-brother aged six, move to Devon. Poppy is sure she'll be unhappy until she is promised the old pony that comes with the house, which brightens her outlook, only to discover that Chester is a donkey. I found this so funny and I could see a lot more humour in the tale, like young Charlie's dedication to tracking a big cat loose on the tors. Poppy initially comes across as ungrateful and spiteful, accusing her stepmother of lying. I thought she should have been delighted to learn to care for the donkey and save up for a pony since there is a field and stable.
By involving more of the local community we learn about a tall grey pony which used to live at Riverdale with the donkey, but has not been seen in years. Could he be running wild, and how would he escape the annual roundups?
This is a great read about growing up, taking responsibility and putting an end to the stunting, harmful cycle of grief and blame. Poppy's aching need to rescue the pony could be seen as an expression of her need to save her mother, who died in a road accident. Her father has an exciting job as a war correspondent, but this takes him away from the family for weeks, so in the absence of an authority figure and her dad's love, Poppy gets away with rather more than some young ladies would be allowed. The countryside and community are well depicted for us and vocabulary is excellent. Young readers can learn a lot about pony care too in the exciting story.
This is an unbiased review.
By involving more of the local community we learn about a tall grey pony which used to live at Riverdale with the donkey, but has not been seen in years. Could he be running wild, and how would he escape the annual roundups?
This is a great read about growing up, taking responsibility and putting an end to the stunting, harmful cycle of grief and blame. Poppy's aching need to rescue the pony could be seen as an expression of her need to save her mother, who died in a road accident. Her father has an exciting job as a war correspondent, but this takes him away from the family for weeks, so in the absence of an authority figure and her dad's love, Poppy gets away with rather more than some young ladies would be allowed. The countryside and community are well depicted for us and vocabulary is excellent. Young readers can learn a lot about pony care too in the exciting story.
This is an unbiased review.
May 16, 2016
I thought this book was slightly cheesy and not exactly based in real life. Here are some of the reasons why:
1. A little boy would NOT go out into pouring rain and extremely bad weather to find a big cat. Some boys like big cats. Some are in love with them, I'm sure. But I'm pretty certain no person in their right mind would walk out into that type of weather.
2. The whole thing about Cloud is kinda...I don't know. Hard to believe. I guess the author could have made it a little more understandable. After all, Cloud IS a domestic horse. Stealing him from the mean old man who had purchased him and throwing him out into the wild...what if he couldn't figure out how to survive? I know some horses' instincts immediately take over, but really, the woman went to all that trouble to hide him in the woods and take him when it was time for the round up...and he was continuously getting injured, as you probably read in the book...would it have been better to report abuse? Or maybe even leave him there at the man's farm. The woman shouldn't have kept him a secret--it would have been a lot easier for her AND Cloud (maybe the police would have gotten involved and taken him to a nice place where he wasn't being injured all the time?) and also a lot easier for Poppy when she moved in--she wouldn't have had to go through all of that trouble.
We never even figure out what attacked or injured Cloud in the woods. A branch? Maybe the big cat?
And I can't see a wild horse (who's been living in the woods for, like, ever) being a perfect pony to ride, and I bet in the next book he probably is.
Overall, this book definitely could have used some extra attention to details. I found short sentences (they drive me crazy) and some misspelled words (maybe it's just my Kindle?) but it was a nice idea for a book. A little more time spent on it, perfecting it, wouldn't have hurt.
1. A little boy would NOT go out into pouring rain and extremely bad weather to find a big cat. Some boys like big cats. Some are in love with them, I'm sure. But I'm pretty certain no person in their right mind would walk out into that type of weather.
2. The whole thing about Cloud is kinda...I don't know. Hard to believe. I guess the author could have made it a little more understandable. After all, Cloud IS a domestic horse. Stealing him from the mean old man who had purchased him and throwing him out into the wild...what if he couldn't figure out how to survive? I know some horses' instincts immediately take over, but really, the woman went to all that trouble to hide him in the woods and take him when it was time for the round up...and he was continuously getting injured, as you probably read in the book...would it have been better to report abuse? Or maybe even leave him there at the man's farm. The woman shouldn't have kept him a secret--it would have been a lot easier for her AND Cloud (maybe the police would have gotten involved and taken him to a nice place where he wasn't being injured all the time?) and also a lot easier for Poppy when she moved in--she wouldn't have had to go through all of that trouble.
We never even figure out what attacked or injured Cloud in the woods. A branch? Maybe the big cat?
And I can't see a wild horse (who's been living in the woods for, like, ever) being a perfect pony to ride, and I bet in the next book he probably is.
Overall, this book definitely could have used some extra attention to details. I found short sentences (they drive me crazy) and some misspelled words (maybe it's just my Kindle?) but it was a nice idea for a book. A little more time spent on it, perfecting it, wouldn't have hurt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2017
This cute little story brought me back to my childhood when all I wanted to read were stories about horses. This one had it all: a pony in danger, a child who is unsure of the love of her stepmother, a beautiful English countryside and of course like all middle grade book should have, a wonderful ending.
Highly recommend for MG and horse lovers.
Highly recommend for MG and horse lovers.
January 13, 2018
4,25 stars - Amazon Kindle ebook - I have dyslexia-
But eleven year old Poppy knew from bitter experience how someone life could turned upside down in a heartbeat. -
Lovely childrensbook for Ponylovers. Poppy had a hard start in life. Her mum died in an accident and she Blames herself. And then her father remarried and had a son, and on top of that the move cross country out of London to the Dartmoor countryside! The last thing of her mother, the house in London is taken from Poppy. But in the new house, and with her new friends, Poppy has adventures and finds a new balance in life. 🌹
But eleven year old Poppy knew from bitter experience how someone life could turned upside down in a heartbeat. -
Lovely childrensbook for Ponylovers. Poppy had a hard start in life. Her mum died in an accident and she Blames herself. And then her father remarried and had a son, and on top of that the move cross country out of London to the Dartmoor countryside! The last thing of her mother, the house in London is taken from Poppy. But in the new house, and with her new friends, Poppy has adventures and finds a new balance in life. 🌹
June 1, 2016
The first in this series, the cover of The Lost Pony of Riverdale really caught my attention! It is well designed and features a gorgeous grey horse on the front, depicting Cloud in the story.
Eleven year old Poppy is distraught to learn that her father and stepmother have decided to move the family onto an old farm, far from her current home. Poppy is insistent they cannot move... read more at http://equus-blog.com/lost-pony-river...
Eleven year old Poppy is distraught to learn that her father and stepmother have decided to move the family onto an old farm, far from her current home. Poppy is insistent they cannot move... read more at http://equus-blog.com/lost-pony-river...
July 1, 2015
3.5 - very sweet!
August 12, 2016
Brilliant
The story stricksyou in and it's like you are in the middle of it all . I recamend it to all animal lovers
The story stricksyou in and it's like you are in the middle of it all . I recamend it to all animal lovers
June 2, 2020
This book is pretty close to my heart though it has some flaws.. I would not like to give spoilers. The book has the right amount of drama and morality.
It is more on a realistic side. Overall this is a short review and it is amazing .
It is more on a realistic side. Overall this is a short review and it is amazing .
June 21, 2021
The Lost Pony of Riverdale is a wonderful story appropriate for anyone that loves horses. It's a heartwarming story that also deals with loss and family dynamics. I listened to the audiobook and it was very good.
May 3, 2017
According to Amazon this book is aimed at 9-12 year olds so at 22 I'm well outside the target age range but I loved the story and although it was a quick read it didn't feel childish. It reminded me of the pony stories I loved as a child, but the unlike many of them there are plenty of events that aren't connected to ponies at all and I found them just as engaging as the pony parts.
Poppy's little brother Charlie sometimes sounds a little older than six, but the characters are all well drawn and realistic. The author isn't scared to tackle tough issues such as bereavement and step families but she does so sensitively and I loved the way Poppy's relationship with her stepmother developed.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and was eager enough to read the sequel that I read both it and the third book in the series before taking the time to write this review. All three are quick reads with plenty of heart and a plot that should interest readers of any age.
Poppy's little brother Charlie sometimes sounds a little older than six, but the characters are all well drawn and realistic. The author isn't scared to tackle tough issues such as bereavement and step families but she does so sensitively and I loved the way Poppy's relationship with her stepmother developed.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and was eager enough to read the sequel that I read both it and the third book in the series before taking the time to write this review. All three are quick reads with plenty of heart and a plot that should interest readers of any age.
August 26, 2015
Hard to rate this one. It is an excellent story, and Poppy's shyness and issues with her stepmum ring true. As does her pony crazy nature and sweet love for her younger brother.
But at the same time, this book is not written as if intended for kids. It's too descriptive, with more complex words then you'd expect with an 11 year old as the main character. Both Poppy and her younger brother Charlie, 6, regularly come across as too old for their ages to me. And yet with plenty of perfectly accurate behaviour too, tantrums and alike.
So overall, it's an odd mixture. But the underlying story is a sweet one, and a thoroughly enjoyable one. Just don't expect a quick and easy kids read!
But at the same time, this book is not written as if intended for kids. It's too descriptive, with more complex words then you'd expect with an 11 year old as the main character. Both Poppy and her younger brother Charlie, 6, regularly come across as too old for their ages to me. And yet with plenty of perfectly accurate behaviour too, tantrums and alike.
So overall, it's an odd mixture. But the underlying story is a sweet one, and a thoroughly enjoyable one. Just don't expect a quick and easy kids read!
August 19, 2016
Very Good Horse Story
For a young girl who loves horses, this is a very nice story. The references to death and serious portions would have disturbed me as a little girl of ten or eleven, but maybe that's not the case for younger readers nowadays...just warning you. The horse and horse show details were very specific. The plot and characters were very well done. I predicted what would happen but it was still enjoyable reading, and the end was very satisfying. There was no cliffhanger, which I appreciate, but there was still plenty to be developed in regard to the horse and the girl.
For a young girl who loves horses, this is a very nice story. The references to death and serious portions would have disturbed me as a little girl of ten or eleven, but maybe that's not the case for younger readers nowadays...just warning you. The horse and horse show details were very specific. The plot and characters were very well done. I predicted what would happen but it was still enjoyable reading, and the end was very satisfying. There was no cliffhanger, which I appreciate, but there was still plenty to be developed in regard to the horse and the girl.
September 11, 2015
The Lost Pony of Riverdale was a fantastic book--it had complex and interesting characters, suspense, real life problems many readers could relate to and the author knows her ponies. It was a quick read and though it is aimed at a younger audience, I thoroughly enjoyed the plot. Looking forward to reading what adventures Poppy and Cloud have next! Would highly recommend this book and this author for all horse lovers.
January 4, 2026
A delightful tweenage novel for horse-crazy girls, starring a cast of complex and fully-developed characters, and the author nails a perfect 10 ending. Without dropping any spoilers, let's say that if things had worked out the way Poppy and I hoped, it wouldn't have been as good a book. But a splendid twist at the climax takes care of everything. Well done and a fun, relaxing read. Five strong stars.
February 7, 2017
Good book
This book is sure to be a pleasure to any young girl who loves ponies and mysteries. It has lots of adventure and the writing is wonderful. You feel as if you are right there with poppy.
This book is sure to be a pleasure to any young girl who loves ponies and mysteries. It has lots of adventure and the writing is wonderful. You feel as if you are right there with poppy.
March 11, 2016
Excellent!
I highly recommend this book for youngsters. It is engaging with interesting, engaging, and realistic children. The plot is engrossing, with emotion, events, and people interaction. A good read!
I highly recommend this book for youngsters. It is engaging with interesting, engaging, and realistic children. The plot is engrossing, with emotion, events, and people interaction. A good read!
May 24, 2018
Really sweet with shades of Jinny. A horse crazy girl finds a pony on the Dartmoor moors. Charlie (her brother) is a great little character
October 27, 2015
Echt schönes Buch, aber mehr für jüngere Kids. Als Geschenk für 9-12 Jahre zum Englisch verbessern perfekt.
January 30, 2016
Great book!
Currently reading
January 15, 2016so far book is good
but what is going in this story
but what is going in this story
April 2, 2016
Good book. Maybe a bit kiddy but still kept me wanting to read!
May 21, 2016
I love this book
Amanda's writing has really inspired me to start riding horses. So now I have my own pony named Snowflake. And we go riding on a trail every Monday and Thursday.
Amanda's writing has really inspired me to start riding horses. So now I have my own pony named Snowflake. And we go riding on a trail every Monday and Thursday.
Currently reading
July 6, 2017Good
Good book that keeps you hooked from changing the point of view of different character.
Would recommended it for young children
Good book that keeps you hooked from changing the point of view of different character.
Would recommended it for young children
October 17, 2017
Synopsis: "Poppy McKeever is reluctant to move to an old cottage on Dartmoor - until she discovers that her new home comes complete with its own pony.
But life at Riverdale is not as straight-forward as it seems, especially when Poppy spies a flash of white in the woods next to the cottage.
Her stepmother Caroline is acting strangely and her adrenalin-junkie brother Charlie is on the hunt for big cats. But will Charlie's obsession drive the two children into dangerous territory?
And when Poppy is faced with a terrible dilemma - to save her brother or the pony she has always longed for - who will she choose?
The Lost Pony of Riverdale is an equestrian adventure book about friendship, ponies and horse riding. "
My Review: Of course I want to read it, there is a horse on the cover! This turned out to be a very good book, and enjoyable for adults to read even though it is geared towards a middle grade audience. I was able to really connect with the characters and quickly became involved with the story. I absolutely adore Charlie, he is so fun and energetic. I also found myself more curious about the Dartmoor ponies and the way the herds are managed. A fun book for horse lovers but it has so much more to offer than horses.
But life at Riverdale is not as straight-forward as it seems, especially when Poppy spies a flash of white in the woods next to the cottage.
Her stepmother Caroline is acting strangely and her adrenalin-junkie brother Charlie is on the hunt for big cats. But will Charlie's obsession drive the two children into dangerous territory?
And when Poppy is faced with a terrible dilemma - to save her brother or the pony she has always longed for - who will she choose?
The Lost Pony of Riverdale is an equestrian adventure book about friendship, ponies and horse riding. "
My Review: Of course I want to read it, there is a horse on the cover! This turned out to be a very good book, and enjoyable for adults to read even though it is geared towards a middle grade audience. I was able to really connect with the characters and quickly became involved with the story. I absolutely adore Charlie, he is so fun and energetic. I also found myself more curious about the Dartmoor ponies and the way the herds are managed. A fun book for horse lovers but it has so much more to offer than horses.
January 9, 2018
A girl and their equine BBF, match made in heaven.
Such a sweet "tail" about the hard stages of youth when girls are "horse crazy". As the heroine deals with the death of her mother and her father's absence for work she befriends a horse with a rough past who may just be the perfect healing they both need. Good story line, likeable characters, perfect reading for anyone who believes in the power of love.
Such a sweet "tail" about the hard stages of youth when girls are "horse crazy". As the heroine deals with the death of her mother and her father's absence for work she befriends a horse with a rough past who may just be the perfect healing they both need. Good story line, likeable characters, perfect reading for anyone who believes in the power of love.
October 9, 2018
Just finished reading this to my daughter. She's almost 7 and she enjoyed it quite a bit. It's a well-told story with plenty of interesting characters. The kids acted realistically for their ages. It has highs and lows and there's something for everybody. I'm not sure if we'll be reading more in the series or not (that's up to the kiddo!) but the story has plenty of room to continue from the end of this book.
May 5, 2019
The Lost Pony of Riverdale is a wonderful horse story that is sure to become a favorite of horse loving children everywhere. The book is entertaining enough for adults to enjoy as well, and I personally was spellbound by it.
The narrator of the audiobook does a lovely job bringing the book to life.
The narrator of the audiobook does a lovely job bringing the book to life.
September 14, 2019
This was a wonderful current day story about a family who has had their share of trials. A horse-crazy young girl desperately needs a friend and she finds it in a wild horse. My daughter loved it and we can't wait till we can listen to more in the series. I was given this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 6, 2020
Memories from the past
A book I would have loved reading as a horse crazy reader fifty years ago and enjoyed it today. Suspense and love of horses in the same book. Once in your blood horses are there forever, My barn will never be without one and this story brings back good memories. Took me back to the days before my first mare.
A book I would have loved reading as a horse crazy reader fifty years ago and enjoyed it today. Suspense and love of horses in the same book. Once in your blood horses are there forever, My barn will never be without one and this story brings back good memories. Took me back to the days before my first mare.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews