Keep Out, Pony!

Pony Pals #12

by Jeanne Betancourt, Paul Bachem (Illustrator)

When a shortcut trail between Pam's backyard to Anna and Lulu's pony paddock is blocked by a neighbor's new sheep pen, the girls fear that Pam will be left out of future Pony Pal excursions

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

77 pages, Paperback

First published November 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

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accelerated Reading Level 3.4, AR Points 1.0

I have read the first 13 Pony Pals books and they are very good. They teach good problem solving skills, honesty, and more good character values.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pony pals, Pam, Anna, and Lulu, like to ride on a trial that connects their houses. Whenever they have an opportunity, they like to ride on it with their ponies. Next, a married couple, the Stewarts, buy a house on a section of that property and don’t allow them to ride on the trail. Then, the pony pals have to find a way to be able to ride on the trail again.

In my opinion, this story shows how big changes can interfere with people’s lives. Since the Stewarts don’t allow them on the section of the trail that’s their property they wouldn’t be able to see each as often. I think they should be helpful and figure out some way to still ride the trail. My favorite part is when they make a tea party for the Stewarts. I learned it’s good to help and make a plan that benefits everyone.


Jojo (age 8)

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think I read this book as a kid, and so I wasn't sure how the Pony Pals were going to solve this new problem. However, the resolution seemed a little too easy. It didn't break the story for me, but the one character did a complete 180 without much of an explanation.

Still, it was a good book.

[Brittany Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very nice youth chapter book. I really enjoyed it. The girls had a problem regarding the trail they used. They came together and tried to plan to solve it. In the end everything worked out for everyone.

[Shelly Stone]

cool book

[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.

[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.

[Melissa Namba · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's not really a 4 star but I gave it 4 starts because it's the first book in the series where I actually liked the girls. they got over themselves and helped a difficult neighbor. kids will like this.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

read them all

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story

[Alexandra Lindner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the series!!

[sarah]

I think the pony was trying to go into the neighbor's yard.