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Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew #3
Pony Problems
This pony knows quite a few tricks!
A new petting zoo has opened in River Heights. Nancy, George, and Bess can't wait to check it out -- the zoo has the cutest shetland pony named Buttons. And it looks like the Clue Crew won't have to wait very long to get a glimpse of Buttons -- he keeps escaping from his pen and showing up all over town! He's getting pretty famous for eating the flowers in everyone's front lawns. As much as Nancy secretly wishes Buttons would turn up on her lawn, she knows it's important to make sure he stays put. The only trouble is, no one knows how he's getting out. Sounds like it's time for the Clue Crew to saddle up and settle this pony problem!
A new petting zoo has opened in River Heights. Nancy, George, and Bess can't wait to check it out -- the zoo has the cutest shetland pony named Buttons. And it looks like the Clue Crew won't have to wait very long to get a glimpse of Buttons -- he keeps escaping from his pen and showing up all over town! He's getting pretty famous for eating the flowers in everyone's front lawns. As much as Nancy secretly wishes Buttons would turn up on her lawn, she knows it's important to make sure he stays put. The only trouble is, no one knows how he's getting out. Sounds like it's time for the Clue Crew to saddle up and settle this pony problem!
96 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2006
116 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Keene
947 books3,835 followersCarolyn Keene is a writer pen name that was used by many different people- both men and women- over the years. The company that was the creator of the Nancy Drew series, the Stratemeyer Syndicate, hired a variety of writers. For Nancy Drew, the writers used the pseudonym Carolyn Keene to assure anonymity of the creator.
Edna and Harriet Stratemeyer inherited the company from their father Edward Stratemeyer. Edna contributed 10 plot outlines before passing the reins to her sister Harriet. It was Mildred Benson (aka: Mildred A. Wirt), who breathed such a feisty spirit into Nancy's character. Mildred wrote 23 of the original 30 Nancy Drew Mystery Stories®, including the first three. It was her characterization that helped make Nancy an instant hit. The Stratemeyer Syndicate's devotion to the series over the years under the reins of Harriet Stratemeyer Adams helped to keep the series alive and on store shelves for each succeeding generation of girls and boys. In 1959, Harriet, along with several writers, began a 25-year project to revise the earlier Carolyn Keene novels. The Nancy Drew books were condensed, racial stereotypes were removed, and the language was updated. In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.
Other writers of Nancy Drew volumes include Harriet herself, she wrote most of the series after Mildred quit writing for the Syndicate and in 1959 began a revision of the first 34 texts. The role of the writer of "Carolyn Keene" passed temporarily to Walter Karig who wrote three novels during the Great Depression. Also contributing to Nancy Drew's prolific existence were Leslie McFarlane, James Duncan Lawrence, Nancy Axelrod, Priscilla Doll, Charles Strong, Alma Sasse, Wilhelmina Rankin, George Waller Jr., and Margaret Scherf.
Edna and Harriet Stratemeyer inherited the company from their father Edward Stratemeyer. Edna contributed 10 plot outlines before passing the reins to her sister Harriet. It was Mildred Benson (aka: Mildred A. Wirt), who breathed such a feisty spirit into Nancy's character. Mildred wrote 23 of the original 30 Nancy Drew Mystery Stories®, including the first three. It was her characterization that helped make Nancy an instant hit. The Stratemeyer Syndicate's devotion to the series over the years under the reins of Harriet Stratemeyer Adams helped to keep the series alive and on store shelves for each succeeding generation of girls and boys. In 1959, Harriet, along with several writers, began a 25-year project to revise the earlier Carolyn Keene novels. The Nancy Drew books were condensed, racial stereotypes were removed, and the language was updated. In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.
Other writers of Nancy Drew volumes include Harriet herself, she wrote most of the series after Mildred quit writing for the Syndicate and in 1959 began a revision of the first 34 texts. The role of the writer of "Carolyn Keene" passed temporarily to Walter Karig who wrote three novels during the Great Depression. Also contributing to Nancy Drew's prolific existence were Leslie McFarlane, James Duncan Lawrence, Nancy Axelrod, Priscilla Doll, Charles Strong, Alma Sasse, Wilhelmina Rankin, George Waller Jr., and Margaret Scherf.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 3, 2020
3.5 STARS
My children and I both liked this one better than #2 (though I really disliked the part where a little boy was chasing the animals at the petting zoo and no one did anything about it for awhile). This is another good mystery for children to solve, nothing scary, Nancy and her friends act in age-appropriate ways (8-years-old) and don't take unnecessary risks or put themselves in danger. Nice subplot with trying to befriend a new girl in town who is struggling to adjust to the move.
My children and I both liked this one better than #2 (though I really disliked the part where a little boy was chasing the animals at the petting zoo and no one did anything about it for awhile). This is another good mystery for children to solve, nothing scary, Nancy and her friends act in age-appropriate ways (8-years-old) and don't take unnecessary risks or put themselves in danger. Nice subplot with trying to befriend a new girl in town who is struggling to adjust to the move.
July 1, 2016
A moderately enjoyable junior version of the famed teen sleuth.
May 1, 2022
2.5
I know she's an 8 year old but why does Nancy have to be such a square in this series
I know she's an 8 year old but why does Nancy have to be such a square in this series
December 13, 2021
My mom a lot of years ago used to speak of Nancy Drew and how much she enjoyed reading her books when she was young. Don't blame her. This is most entertaining.
I think this is my first Nancy Drew book. This is #3 series for girls. I've been wanting to know where to find them. Cute cute cute. A new petting Zoo has just opened where they live. Nancy Drew, her friends and cousins George and Bess can't wait to see it-for themselves. The zoo has the cutest Shetland pony named Buttons.
He, the pony, is also getting famous for eating the flowers all over town in everyone's front yard. As much as Nancy wishes that Button's would turn up in her yard, she knows it's important to make sure he stays put. The only trouble is, no one knows how is he getting out. Sounds like a perfect Clue Crew mystery, and they need to settle the pony problem.
Clues: 1. Buttons doesn't like hay Hmm. If a horse doesn't eat hay what do they eat. FLOWERS of course.
2. Buttons is a high jumper. If they put the hay along the edges he can climb up on the bale and jump over the fence.
Nancy and crew start looking for solutions to these problems and get things solved. Buttons can't
jump over a fence if a bale of hay is put in the middle of the stall, and by finding him feed that he likes to eat, he will stay put much better. And this solution works. Cute story. No wonder my Mom enjoyed them so. Will try to find more. Recommend, no matter what age you are.
I think this is my first Nancy Drew book. This is #3 series for girls. I've been wanting to know where to find them. Cute cute cute. A new petting Zoo has just opened where they live. Nancy Drew, her friends and cousins George and Bess can't wait to see it-for themselves. The zoo has the cutest Shetland pony named Buttons.
He, the pony, is also getting famous for eating the flowers all over town in everyone's front yard. As much as Nancy wishes that Button's would turn up in her yard, she knows it's important to make sure he stays put. The only trouble is, no one knows how is he getting out. Sounds like a perfect Clue Crew mystery, and they need to settle the pony problem.
Clues: 1. Buttons doesn't like hay Hmm. If a horse doesn't eat hay what do they eat. FLOWERS of course.
2. Buttons is a high jumper. If they put the hay along the edges he can climb up on the bale and jump over the fence.
Nancy and crew start looking for solutions to these problems and get things solved. Buttons can't
jump over a fence if a bale of hay is put in the middle of the stall, and by finding him feed that he likes to eat, he will stay put much better. And this solution works. Cute story. No wonder my Mom enjoyed them so. Will try to find more. Recommend, no matter what age you are.
October 25, 2025
A fun new version of an old childhood favourite mystery series! Third generation!
July 27, 2020
I know I keep repeating myself, but these books are just SO CUTE!
May 28, 2024
I liked this one a lot! The mystery was fun and we learned something new about Shetland ponies.
This book also made it more clear that Bess and George are cousins. I thought all three of them were cousins because of the writing in the other two books haha It was a little thing that had me confused.
This book also made it more clear that Bess and George are cousins. I thought all three of them were cousins because of the writing in the other two books haha It was a little thing that had me confused.
February 2, 2019
These are sweet books with very gentle mysteries (in this one: "how does this pony keep escaping the petting zoo?"). They're predictable, but in a way that my 3rd grader finds reassuring and fun. He and I have read about 6 of them.
Other things I like about these books in general: active female protagonists and decent gender parity in side characters, topics that appeal to wide variety of kids (animal lovers, sporty kids, artists, horse lovers, dancers, etc, etc all have a book for them) good picture-to-text ratio for kids who are just starting on chapter books and find picture-free pages intimidating.
Negatives: I found a weirdly high number of typos and other minor errors in this particular copy. Kiddo and I were reading this book aloud to each other and something about the writing kept tripping me up, something about the flow was not great for a read-aloud.
Other things I like about these books in general: active female protagonists and decent gender parity in side characters, topics that appeal to wide variety of kids (animal lovers, sporty kids, artists, horse lovers, dancers, etc, etc all have a book for them) good picture-to-text ratio for kids who are just starting on chapter books and find picture-free pages intimidating.
Negatives: I found a weirdly high number of typos and other minor errors in this particular copy. Kiddo and I were reading this book aloud to each other and something about the writing kept tripping me up, something about the flow was not great for a read-aloud.
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October 18, 2009I just finished this one.
Again it was a great mystery,but too easy!
I love mysteries! And this one is nancy drew, but a easier version.
Again it was a great mystery,but too easy!
I love mysteries! And this one is nancy drew, but a easier version.
January 3, 2017
C picked this from the library. It was pretty fun to read together. She picked a couple more From this series at the bookstore.
May 12, 2025
There is a slur word in here for people with disabilities, but I am not sure the author knew that word is offensive. (At least the old printing that I read, but might have been remedied in newer prints)
If that word wasn't used I'd say it's a good read for younger readers, but if it was my kid I wouldn't want them using that word to describe another person.
The grammar, and punctuation seems correct though.
I have not read any of the original Nancy Drew books- so I cannot compare at this time. Also the kid being a brat chasing the petting zoo animals, and not being stopped is ridiculous. The mother should've been teaching the kid not to terrorize animals for fun instead of just watching.
If that word wasn't used I'd say it's a good read for younger readers, but if it was my kid I wouldn't want them using that word to describe another person.
The grammar, and punctuation seems correct though.
I have not read any of the original Nancy Drew books- so I cannot compare at this time. Also the kid being a brat chasing the petting zoo animals, and not being stopped is ridiculous. The mother should've been teaching the kid not to terrorize animals for fun instead of just watching.
July 3, 2024
A cute pony keeps escaping from Johnson's Petting Zoo. Mr Johnson has asked Nancy and the Clue Crew to work out how Buttons is getting out.
First Ms Waters found the pony in her garden eating her flowers. The old lady had chased the pony down the street wearing only her nightgown. The girls thought this was so funny.
Stacy Quinn tells the Clue Crew about Buttons being in her garden. The next day Buttons was munching on the Petunia's in Nancy's garden.
Mr Drew drove the girls to The Petting Zoo to get clues and ask questions. They found out that Buttons doesn't like hay. Mr Johnson locks the gate each night and he takes the key inside the house. How does the Shetland pony get out?
Mr Johnson's daughter Amanda doesn't like it in their town and won't make friends. She's painting fences and working around the farm. She wants to go back to where they used to live. So the girls add her to their suspects list.
When they solve the case, Nancy and the Clue Crew learn about Shetland Ponies and make a new friend.
First Ms Waters found the pony in her garden eating her flowers. The old lady had chased the pony down the street wearing only her nightgown. The girls thought this was so funny.
Stacy Quinn tells the Clue Crew about Buttons being in her garden. The next day Buttons was munching on the Petunia's in Nancy's garden.
Mr Drew drove the girls to The Petting Zoo to get clues and ask questions. They found out that Buttons doesn't like hay. Mr Johnson locks the gate each night and he takes the key inside the house. How does the Shetland pony get out?
Mr Johnson's daughter Amanda doesn't like it in their town and won't make friends. She's painting fences and working around the farm. She wants to go back to where they used to live. So the girls add her to their suspects list.
When they solve the case, Nancy and the Clue Crew learn about Shetland Ponies and make a new friend.
July 9, 2024
Great story, especially for horse lovers! ♥️
The main characters (Nancy, Bess and George) are super sweet and good role models. They are very welcoming to the new girl in town even though she is rude.
Things to be aware of in “Pony Problems”
Additional Notes:
- A girl claims that if a certain pony comes in her yard, she won’t call the owner because she wants to keep him. She says, “He’s a great pony. I wish he was mine!”
The main characters (Nancy, Bess and George) are super sweet and good role models. They are very welcoming to the new girl in town even though she is rude.
Things to be aware of in “Pony Problems”
Additional Notes:
- A girl claims that if a certain pony comes in her yard, she won’t call the owner because she wants to keep him. She says, “He’s a great pony. I wish he was mine!”
September 26, 2024
“‘We aren’t sad…we just like all our suspects.’”
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This was okay. I'm not 100% sure I've read this before, but I'm a little old to be reading this now and would have rated higher if I were in the target audience. I did really like this series when I was younger - the stories are engaging enough. Nancy and her friends try to solve the mystery of the pony who keeps escaping.
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misuse of the word "cement" :(
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This was okay. I'm not 100% sure I've read this before, but I'm a little old to be reading this now and would have rated higher if I were in the target audience. I did really like this series when I was younger - the stories are engaging enough. Nancy and her friends try to solve the mystery of the pony who keeps escaping.
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misuse of the word "cement" :(
January 10, 2025
3.5 stars. This is a fun series that we read in a day or 2 and overall enjoy. In this one there is a Shetland pony that is escaping from the local petting zoo every day and nobody knows how. There are suspects and then the clue crew figure it out. I like how in all 3 so far, there haven't really been people with malicious intent. Its a lot of misunderstanding which helps teach that we shouldn't immediately jump to believing the worst of people.
September 6, 2025
I love reading these books. Even better to know that my mom also read Nancy Drew growing up as well. I own some books from this series, and the original as well. They’re short, easy reads thar keeps you hooked.
It also takes me back to an easier time in life, and it’s nice to visit that sometimes, you know?
It also takes me back to an easier time in life, and it’s nice to visit that sometimes, you know?
March 10, 2023
I liked when the horse went to Nancy's horse and ate the flowers and when they went to the petting zoo to look around for clues. They talked to a girl who didn't have any friends because she wouldn't talk to anyone and I liked that.
April 24, 2023
My 5 year old son really liked this one as well. As we were reading, he was coming up with all different ways that the pony got out of the pen. It was super cute! The story was enjoyable, and got him doing some creative thinking.
February 10, 2020
I love this book because i love mysteries!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 28, 2020
It's really nice
September 24, 2021
This was a fun little story with good lessons about friendship. My 7 and 5-year-olds both loved the story.
January 6, 2022
Review coming soon
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January 15, 2022
Already figured out what the issue was halfway through the book and it was frustrating to watch them struggle lol
July 13, 2022
The kids liked this mystery.
May 9, 2023
I absolutely LOVED that book! So far, I've read six of them, and I want more! All the books I've read are amazing! Nancy Drew is someone you can count on!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2023
How does the Shetland pony escape from his pen every night?
January 3, 2024
For a readalong with my son; brings back memories of me decades ago, curled up in bed with Nancy, Bess and George, solving clues or mysteries in my head.
February 4, 2024
SO GOOD, LOVED THE HIRSE DRAMA AND HOW GOOD THEY WERE AT SOLVING THE MYSTERY
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2024
This was such a cute book. Recommend for the intended age group. Nice, simple mystery.
August 4, 2024
My daughter really likes listening to me read " Nancy Drew and the clue crew" books. She loved that this one had Buttons the Shetland pony in it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews