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Little Alf: The true story of a pint-sized pony who found his forever home
There was once born a very little pony. Being quite so little, he was rejected by his herd, and the future looked bleak. A few fields over, a young girl was coming to terms with the fact that she would never be able to ride again. Unknowingly, they were about to change each other's lives . . . The pony was Little Alf, a Shetland pony with dwarfism, and the girl, Hannah, who rescued him aged sixteen. From charity work and building a business together, they became constant companions, though there have been a few casualties along the way - mainly garden ornaments and the neighbours' vegetables. Little Alf is the story of their life together - the adventures and the mischievous behaviour of the most adorable little pony.
- GenresNonfictionAnimals
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2017
29 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 23, 2022
I am amazed at how much I loved this book! And why did I love it so much? Because Little Alf made me laugh! I very rarely laugh because most things other people think are funny I don't think is funny. I believe that is because of my autism. I guess I have an odd sense of humor? But I like slapstick (or I believe that is what it us called) where people slip on ice and the sort of thing you see in the original Home Alone movie. Well Alf is funny! He gets up to so much mischief! It almost seems he makes huge disasters everywhere he goes just by being himself. He eats people's pretty flowers, he knocks over carefully arranged displays, he bit a security guard on his rear after breaking his special equipment, he gobbles up sweets off of tables... All sorts of naughty behavior! I just found these stories in here hilarious and I was actually laughing out loud at them! I do realize while he is actually doing these things its so embarrassing but then taking a pony to a bookstore isn't the best place. In fact I am amazed the pony didn't have a "call of nature" while there in the store! And if you've ever seen a horse go... Alf seems to be a perpetual two year old who has to get into everything and explore it with his mouth and his hooves. And yes, he uses his teeth too! Ouch!
One thing that comes through so clearly in this book is how much Hannah loves all of her horses and animals! It's clear she will do anything for them. And she worries a lot about them too. Especially if they need any sort of treatment. And the anxiety it causes is very clear. She is very open and candid in the book. Reading this is like chatting with her over a cup of tea while Alf plots how he can chew your shirt or shoes while you listen to her talk.
I am surprised that before I got this book I had never heard of Alf before. I do follow many horse channels on Youtube so I am surprised this one didn't pop up. The book says the author is on social media including youtube so...? Alf looks so cute but clearly he is a real handful! He is also very intelligent and can be devious at times too. But I do think many of the incidents listed in the book are not always Alf's fault. Like the stuffed alligator at that school: she had told the teacher not to put the loved toy on the floor before Alf but the teacher didn't listen. I guess people don't realize horses can chew stuff like a dog. Most people know very little about horses. And that can be a problem.
Even I learned something new in here! I never knew that horses lose their baby teeth!
Another aspect of this book is how the author turned her love of animals into a business. At first she had no idea how to do that and she was just going along day by day but Alf became famous online. And people loved seeing him. And since she had a back injury she couldn't ride (and I learned something new about riding in here too!) she had to find something else to do. And it just sort of happened... But I believe this story can inspire others. In fact I know of several other people who have animals who turned those animals into a full time career thanks to youtube.
The book also has an insert of photos too. Color photos. I certainly appreciated the chance to see all of her lovely pets and horses. The background in some of the pictures are beautiful too: rolling open fields.
Definitely one of my favorite nonfiction horse books!
One thing that comes through so clearly in this book is how much Hannah loves all of her horses and animals! It's clear she will do anything for them. And she worries a lot about them too. Especially if they need any sort of treatment. And the anxiety it causes is very clear. She is very open and candid in the book. Reading this is like chatting with her over a cup of tea while Alf plots how he can chew your shirt or shoes while you listen to her talk.
I am surprised that before I got this book I had never heard of Alf before. I do follow many horse channels on Youtube so I am surprised this one didn't pop up. The book says the author is on social media including youtube so...? Alf looks so cute but clearly he is a real handful! He is also very intelligent and can be devious at times too. But I do think many of the incidents listed in the book are not always Alf's fault. Like the stuffed alligator at that school: she had told the teacher not to put the loved toy on the floor before Alf but the teacher didn't listen. I guess people don't realize horses can chew stuff like a dog. Most people know very little about horses. And that can be a problem.
Even I learned something new in here! I never knew that horses lose their baby teeth!
Another aspect of this book is how the author turned her love of animals into a business. At first she had no idea how to do that and she was just going along day by day but Alf became famous online. And people loved seeing him. And since she had a back injury she couldn't ride (and I learned something new about riding in here too!) she had to find something else to do. And it just sort of happened... But I believe this story can inspire others. In fact I know of several other people who have animals who turned those animals into a full time career thanks to youtube.
The book also has an insert of photos too. Color photos. I certainly appreciated the chance to see all of her lovely pets and horses. The background in some of the pictures are beautiful too: rolling open fields.
Definitely one of my favorite nonfiction horse books!
February 24, 2018
Such a gorgeous book and story! I loved reading about little Alf’s life , his mischievous nature and his adventures. If you are an animal lover you will love this one.
October 19, 2023
What a wonderful story about this tiny rescued Shetland pony. Hannah is a truly kind and compassionate person to have rescued this tiny pony and taken him into her care. He is certainly a character and despite his naughty antics he is loved by everyone! I laughed and cried over this true story. Can't wait to meet him one day!
July 20, 2020
Reading Rush 2020: Book one
Challenge: Read a book with your birthstone colour on the cover (turquoise)
So, this was a really sweet book. It was nice for me to read at four o'clock this morning when I was feeling anxious because all the horses really calmed me down.
It was weird that the setting was so close to where part of my family lives but I liked that because it allowed me to better visualise the area.
I was also grateful that Russell was an elitist horse-person like I thought she might be. I liked how she actually used the book to speak out about that elitism.
However, the writing could be clumsy at times and there were quite a few typos. I think Russell did have an air of superiority because she's "not like other girls" but that could have just been me speculating.
Overall a super easy read and a nice way to kick off the Reading Rush!
Challenge: Read a book with your birthstone colour on the cover (turquoise)
So, this was a really sweet book. It was nice for me to read at four o'clock this morning when I was feeling anxious because all the horses really calmed me down.
It was weird that the setting was so close to where part of my family lives but I liked that because it allowed me to better visualise the area.
I was also grateful that Russell was an elitist horse-person like I thought she might be. I liked how she actually used the book to speak out about that elitism.
However, the writing could be clumsy at times and there were quite a few typos. I think Russell did have an air of superiority because she's "not like other girls" but that could have just been me speculating.
Overall a super easy read and a nice way to kick off the Reading Rush!
November 5, 2024
I've read tons of animal autobiographies but this tops them all! You have to love the light, easy style of writing. The stories are engaging and super funny! Hannah is very relatable as she talks about her struggles with school and figuring out what she wants to do in life. I almost felt like I was reading about myself! Because I face those same struggles and wanting to stay at home and hang out with animals all day instead of facing a 9-5 job in an office etc.
Anyway, enough said, go and read about little Alf! You will love him as much as I did!!!
Anyway, enough said, go and read about little Alf! You will love him as much as I did!!!
September 26, 2023
Really loved hearing about Little Alfs story any his owner Hannah. It was such a cute and inspiring book it just shows if you put your mind to something you can do it. I really enjoyed about Alfs life and how he got the life he so desperately deserved and I loved reading about all Hannah’s other animals. Her parents and brother are really so amazing for helping so much and for always supporting Hannah and her dreams. This story is so inspiring as well. I loved hearing how naughty little Alf could be and how good he could be too. It’s such a cute story for any horse lovers out there. Xxx
May 2, 2019
I really enjoyed this memoir of how author, Hannah, and her "pint-sized pony" came to be together. The book covers their adventures together as well as their charity work and business ventures. As a writer with horses of my own, it was a wonderful insight and inspiration to hear their story. This book has lots of laughing moments with the antics that little Alf has got up to over the years. I'd recommend!
June 27, 2020
A dwarf Shetland pony with a big heart is the star of this simply written story about a teenager facing her own medical challenges while she decides what her life would and should look like. This is a light, thought-provoking read for anyone. It should resonate with teenagers who are thinking about the non-traditional, non-college routes for their future. Quaint and touching, Little Alf raises many questions about what makes a happy life.
July 22, 2022
Truly a sweet story.
What an enjoyable read. Not only Alf's adoption, his adorable personality and impishness, but the beautiful story shared from the heart of a loving young lady. May I add, also thoughtful and sincere advice to never quit, keep trying and be true to one's self and the ideals they hold dear.
What an enjoyable read. Not only Alf's adoption, his adorable personality and impishness, but the beautiful story shared from the heart of a loving young lady. May I add, also thoughtful and sincere advice to never quit, keep trying and be true to one's self and the ideals they hold dear.
December 14, 2017
It is the author's first book of a dwarf Shetland pony, they both found each other. Little Alf is mischevious and a happy little pony, also about her other pets and how she now has own business called Little Alf. A good read and funny in parts.
September 1, 2023
This was the cutest little read. I loved how simple it was, and it felt like I was having a regular conversation with the author. The pics of Alf in the middle were also adorable!!! A must-read whether or not you were/are a horse lover 🩷
October 30, 2018
Sweet memoir
November 30, 2018
A very sweet read - that turns out to be quite inspirational!
January 1, 2019
Hilarious! Little Alf is SUCH a character! And the day he met Princess Anne, had me laughing out loud!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2019
This was a heart warming book about a pint sized Shetland pony. I think horse lovers would enjoy this book.
December 19, 2023
The whole thing felt like "Story Time with Hannah," which is really nice at Christmastime -- especially since that's when Alf came to her!
May 6, 2024
Lovely feel good book
September 26, 2024
After meeting Hannah and Little Alf earlier this year I couldn't wait to read this book. What a beautiful heartwarming and funny story.
November 6, 2022
My mam spotted Little Alf and when I read the synopsis of a Shetland Pony with dwarfism, I couldn’t resist reading Hannah and Alfie’s journey. The bond they share is unique and unbreakable. Both finding each other at the right time to help each other through difficulties. You can’t help but fall in love with little Alf even if he can be mischievous!
Whilst I enjoyed reading the book, the errors can detract from the story. I would have thought a proof reader would’ve picked these up and corrected them. A few mistakes - okay. Throughout the book there are many. Whether it’s incorrect words or words in the wrong order. Starting a sentence with And - we used to get wrong for that in our English lessons (and they weren’t that long ago). I might be nit picking but you lose the rhythm of the story in my opinion.
Overall the story of Little Alf is one of determination and strength!
Whilst I enjoyed reading the book, the errors can detract from the story. I would have thought a proof reader would’ve picked these up and corrected them. A few mistakes - okay. Throughout the book there are many. Whether it’s incorrect words or words in the wrong order. Starting a sentence with And - we used to get wrong for that in our English lessons (and they weren’t that long ago). I might be nit picking but you lose the rhythm of the story in my opinion.
Overall the story of Little Alf is one of determination and strength!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews