Circus Pony

Pony Pals #11

by Jeanne Betancourt

When the circus comes to town, Anna gets the once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform with her pony Acorn. Will Anna join the circus, or stay with the Pony Pals?

Genres: Horses, Animals, Childrens, Fiction, Contemporary, Chapter Books, Young Readers

81 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

When I was growing up I never thought of being an author. I was a terrible speller and didn't want to write any more than I had to. I wanted to be a tap dancer when I grew up. After a few years of teaching junior high and high school, I wrote my first novel. It was a surprise to discover that I liked making up stories and writing them down. I liked it so much that eventually I stopped teaching and became a fulltime writer.

Besides novels for children and young adults, I've also told stories by writing scripts for television and the movies.

I live on the top floor of a sixteen-story building near the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. From my apartment I have a view of Manhattan that includes the Empire State Building and the Plaza Hotel. In my free time I draw, paint, and read. I still love to dance.

Some people think that a writer's life is lonely. But when I'm writing a story I don't feel lonely because I am actively involved with lots of interesting people – the characters in my books. I love knowing that some day readers will get to know these characters, too. If you are one of my readers I hope you have as much enjoyment in reading my stories as I have writing them.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting twist on the series, bringing the circus into town, when usually whatever problem that crops up comes from the town and those in it.

It does seem a little odd how well Acorn does at everything, considering how hard Anna had to work with him to pull a cart, but it didn't break the story too much for me, as I just figured she's probably been working with him some off-screen.

Also, I know Anna was enamored by the circus life, but it's a little odd she never stopped and thought about how her friends would feel. It is common at her age to get obsessed with something new and forget about real life for a bit, but I know I would have still worried about losing my friends at her age.

So, this is a book that shakes things up a little, but it also had some small issues in the process. Still, it was enjoyable.

[Melissa Namba · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of this series it won't disappoint. What I particularly liked about this one is that the loyalty th friends showed each other even when they didn't agree was very refreshing. I hate that the issue was "resolved" by the ponies though.

[Kylie Abecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one, although I did feel that Anna was acting very unlike herself and was rather inconsiderate of the feelings of her friends and family.

[Leila Gookins]

This book was good.

[JoReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Childhood favourite series (haven't read in a long time) giving all four stars unless it was a favourite as a child.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a nice storybook of friendship for three girls (all 5th graders) and the bond they form with each other and each of their ponies. This story was a nice 'change' in the storyline versus what the last few books have been, In this story the girls have a circus come to town and because the circus people come in a few days early and are a neighboring farm land the girls get to meet the people. One of the girls get to be really good friends with another circus child; the new friend is lonely and thinks circus life is boring because it's the same over and over and she does't get to go to school normally like regular kids and live in one place etc. That all seems exciting to Anna and she wants to join the circus with her pony. Especially after they fill in for an ill circus pony. BUT she quickly realizes that her life isn't all that bad and she'd miss her Pony Pals and their ponies terribly.

It is a chapter book and book 11 of the "Pony Pals" series. My now grown daughter LOVED these books as a child (she begin to read them when she was about 8) and read all of the ones in the series. I found her copy of many of them and decided to try and read them to see what they were like. You can read these as stand alone books; but the reader would understand and relate to the girls better if you read them in order. If you have to miss one 'here and there' it's not big deal; you won't be lost but just get the full effect better in order.

As a mother reading these books I really appreciate the way Ms Betancourt has written about the girls putting their heads together and trying to work out problems together and coming up with solutions themselves. As the young adults they are becoming it gives the girls in the story the opportunity to think things through. Which helps readers know they could do the same thing to try and find solutions as the young adults they will be in a few years. Thus far in each of the books I've read of this series the girls have tried to come up with solutions to problems and that is such a good thing to teach children

[Alisha Brook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pony Pals was one of my favourite "horsey" series growing up. Jeanne Betancourt has a writing skill that makes the books easy to read and interesting. I read many of the series and I was enthralled with each new story.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accelerated Reading Level 3.7, AR Points 1.0

Have read Pony Pals 1 thru 13 the last few days. Have not found one I did not like. They all show problem solving skills, working together and teach good character values.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I like it. It shows friendship.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

read them all

[Twyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna and Acorn were in the circus just while it was in there town Anna was a clown driving a pony cart and it was a really good book

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story.

[Alexandra Lindner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the series!!

[Kate Matson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was younger, I loved horses! I read lots of these books and really enjoyed them. Of course, it's been a long time since I've read these, but I can assure you they are worth reading.