Too Many Ponies

Pony Pals #6

by Jeanne Betancourt

Pam Crandal is helping her mother train two new ponies. She loves the work, but time away from the Pony Pals is jeopardizing her friendship with her friends.

Genres: Horses, Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Contemporary, Kids, Young Readers

86 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1995

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

[Shoshanna Stamm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that this book was amazing... but there was one part that I did not like about the book was the part where they had a fight and also when pam crandels pony turned into a mean face and I did'ent like that they named the chapter I qoute "crazy pony" I dont know why they named the chapter that?

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a likeable story about a girl whose mother is asking her to work at training a couple of ponies for riding lessons. While this is a great idea, her own pony feels left out, and her pals feel neglected. But growing up means taking on responsibilities. I like that even though the girls had a disagreement, they decided to still be friends and help to resolve the issues. No big drama, but we also meet a stray cat in need of help.
Sometimes social problems are the worst, as kids need to grow in confidence and develop new strengths. We can learn some good lessons about ponies and friendships. Suitable for under 12 years.
This is an unbiased review.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say this is my least favorite out of the series thus far. Not that it's a bad book at all, but the problem was one that had a fairly obvious solution, and Pam comes off as kind of a jerk, even though this is supposed to be her story. I mean, I get Pam's side of things, but I would be irritated with her too, if I was a friend she was suddenly blowing off.

Still, I enjoyed the book.

[Hannah Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too Many Ponies continues my Pony Pals reread with book six. This is a Pam focused book. The main conflict is Pam trying to balance working with her own pony Lightning and training her mother’s two new lesson ponies Splash and Daisy.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute. wish I had read these more when I was younger.

[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.

[Melissa Namba · Rating 3 out of 5]

a cute story about balancing friend time with work time. I think it handled the topic well. pam did not blow off her job so that she could spend time with her friends. let's face it, we all face this dilemma as adults. you have to have fun, but you can't just blow off your responsibilities. my nieces will enjoy this. there is a bit about a pregnant stray cat.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a chapter book and book 6 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.

It's a nice storybook of a beginning of friendship for three girls (all 5th graders) and the bond they form with each other and each of their ponies. In this story one of the Pony Pals is responsible enough that her Mom hires her to help train two other ponies. It's a lot of work taking up all her time after school and during the week-end. She wants to earn money to get a new saddle, but she also misses riding her pony and having fun with the other two Pony Pals. At one time she gets discouraged and mad and her friends do too. But they all come back together and work it out where they all can be together and still get the job done. This book helps younger pre teens that when you say you will do a job then it's your responsibility to stay with it until the end. There will be time to play in the end, but you need to follow your 'word' and finish it out.

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.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter read this and really liked it, so I gave it a try. It was a very quick, enjoyable read..the horse information was correct and totally appropriate for the age group. If you have a horse crazy daughter, the Pony Pals series is great. Granted, I've only read one, but if the rest of the books are like the one I read...go for it. It teaches responsibility, teamwork, respect, and most of all....friends stick together and help each other out. The 3 girls had a disagreement, had a little spat, then talked it out and worked it out. They handled it without adult intervention and in an age appropriate manner.

[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.

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

funny book

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

horsey, like always

[Twyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

pam has three poniestwo of them arent good at trail rding one is.she can only takeit trail riding .

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very touching story.

[Juliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeanne Betancourt was my favorite author when I was in elementary school. I loved the Pony pal series! :)

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved these when i was little! Definitly recommend!

[Alexandra Lindner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the series!!

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Level 3.8 AR Points 1.0

This book is a challenge. What do you do when one of your friends gets a job and seems to not care about being your friend anymore?

[Zara Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is in my level 2 reading group and I find it really interesting. Horse stories are always great !

[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.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

read them all