Stuffer

by Peter Parnall

When a little girl outgrows her pony, Stocking Stuffer, he is sold as a work horse to a run-down stable where he leads a depressing life, until he is saved in the nick of time by his favorite person.

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Library Binding

First published April 1, 1992

Reviews

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little book is dedicated to the memory of Stuffer. I have to wonder what the real Stuffer is like. I wonder if he, like the fictional Stuffer, was just one letter away from Suffer.

This is a sad book about an obedient grey pony. He has a good life with his first owner, bringing her many ribbons and trophies. His full name is Stocking Stuffer. His favorite treat are grapes.

But then she goes away to boarding school and he's sold to abusive owners.

Yes. It's a predictable story, but very sad. People all the time buy pets and then get rid of them when they aren't fashionable enough, or they become "inconvenient." It's hard for small ponies, since they get outgrown quickly.

The illustrations are sensitive, flowing and ethereal.

You can currently check this book out at the Internet Archive.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Parnall's best... those are the ones he does with Byrd Baylor like Everybody Needs a Rock. But well worth reading, especially if you enjoyed Black Beauty.

Thank you OpenLibrary for archiving these old treasures. I see more of Parnall's work there and will be reading further.

[Jenn Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For years I had almost convinced myself I had imagined this book. I met the author in 1992 when I was in 1st grade. He read this book to my class, and for some reason he decided to give me a signed copy.
At some point in the early 2000s I lost the book in a move and could never find it online.
It's a beautiful story with beautiful illustrations, about a pony that's sold after his owner gets bored with him. He spends years in misery and is finally adopted by someone who truly loves
I recommend it to anyone with a child that loves horses

[Audrey Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grade Level: 1st to 3rd | Genre: Contemporary Realistic
This is such a beautiful book. The pencil drawn illustrations with subtle hints of color are beautiful and the story, although sad at times, comes together really well. Although I think the subject has the potential to be a bit much for younger audiences, generally I think the story was wonderfully written.

[King Desmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sounds really good