A Pony Called Lightning

by Miriam E. Mason, C.W. Anderson (Illustrator)

Story of a western pony whose ambition was to race with the lightning in the sky, and win. He could easily outrun most things on two feet or four. And then one day he realized his ambition and outran the lightning for which he had been named

Genres: Horses, Animals, Childrens, Fiction

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1948

Reviews

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

CW Anderson's illustrations are much better than this goofy and predictable story of an Indian pony who yearns to be faster than the lightning he has been named after. The big problem for me is a rare mistake on Anderson's part. The text seems to indicate that Lightning is a pinto while Anderson (who usually pays close attention to text) draws a chestnut with a blaze and four white stockings instead of a pinto.

I cannot remember how Native Americans were portrayed in this book.

There is a color cover edition out there, but my old (and now lost) copy looked like this:

[Amy D.]

I'll join the ranks of those stating this is the first "chapter" book they ever read. I found it in the school library in 1st or 2nd grade and returned to it often. It's interesting that this was my first booklove because I didn't grow up as a huge horse fan.

[Tanna Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my absolute favorites. Each of my kids that have read it say it is one of their favorites.

[Patricia Kettell cordell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books to read. When I had my own child I read it with him. To this day, I remember it fondly. Would love to find a copy!

[~Annaki~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book about a thousand times as a child and teenager and loved it every time. And the illustrations are gorgeous!

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I been looking for this book, I think about it often it was a book I read in the 4th grade. I want to get it for my daughter to read

[Ruth E. R.]

My favorite book when I was about 7-years-old. Originally found after digging through an appliance-sized cardboard box stuffed chaotically with piles of books, possibly unorganized donations to the little private church school I attended from grade K through 3rd. I gathered a group of girls together every recess and we acted out the story. I, of course, was always Lightning. I loved to run and probably truly ran faster than any other girl. I would click my heels in a way that sounded like a horse to me. I was the art director for several other little stories and TV shows we "performed" at recess, sometimes with construction paper costumes. I found a copy of this book at a used book store in Monroe, North Carolina, last August.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a great book! I read this book allot of times!! I actually have 4 horses, 4 dogs, a Guinea pig, and allot of cats. I have always'ed love nature and animals. So I think this book was a really good choice for me, because I love horses.

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lightning, the young Indian pony, wants only to run. And run, and run. This was one of the many favorite horse books I read as a youngster, and it is falling to pieces on my shelf.

[Katie Ostrander]

As a child this was the first book I read.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book I ever read.

[Teresa]

Read as a kid in the 1970's in my school NRA.
Loved it

[Mhagenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

First novel I read as a child. Very inspiring for a young boy. Just ordered to read to my own children.

[Shea Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as a child. I just came across the book, and the pages and spine have become to brittle to read. I remember it being a fantastic read that captivated my imagination.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book when I was little. I learned to read through reading this, hop on pop, Pippi longstockings, and my parents' lessons

[Sherri Aleshire Dennison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I ever read all the way through.

[Lila · Rating 5 out of 5]

my daughter's book.