If Dauphin, a pampered Shetland pony, seems to lead the perfect life in the penthouse suite of the city’s posh riding stables, it’s because he does. And if he seems a bit too self-satisfied—after all, he’s won several trophies for his young owner, Isabella, and is widely acknowledged to be the prettiest pony in the city—it’s because he is. Dauphin leads a rich, comfortable life. But all that changes when his relationship with his owner takes a decided turn for the worse. He’s suddenly sent away to a farm in the middle of nowhere, which is filled with the most unusual animals. And where, against all odds, he discovers the true meaning of home and family.
Annie Wedekind grew up riding horses in Louisville, Kentucky. Since then, she’s been in the saddle in every place she’s lived, from Rhode Island to New Orleans, South Africa to New York. Her first novel, A Horse of Her Own, was praised by Kirkus as “possibly the most honest horse book since National Velvet . . . A champion.” She is also the author of The Breyer Horse Collection books, including Wild Blue, Little Prince, Samirah’s Ride, and Mercury’s Flight. She lives with her family in Brooklyn, New York.
This is a cute story about Phin finding his place and family in the world and he actually has a character arc that is very fun to watch unfold. The Funny Farm and the animals he meets there was always one of my favorite parts and each animal has a distinct personality that makes them unique.
Lots of scenery details flesh out the atmosphere of the story but also clutter it a bit more than I’d like, as well as some of Phin’s repetitive thoughts on certain things. All in all it’s a good story I think a lot of kids would love.
‼️Content‼️
Language: all hell broke loose; heck; darn; jeez; puss in poops
Violence: a mention that in the past a Mack truck took a dog’s leg; a character’s grandfather died in a mine cave in; a character’s father dropped dead in his work; a building collapses on animals
Dauphin was a carnival horse. Phin as he was known by his Jack who fed him, combed him, and looked after him. He lived in a Pent House Stable and was happy to see the trophies he'd won on display nearby.
Isobelle was his mistress but she hadn't ridden him for a long time. He'd waited patiently between Jack taking him to the Park to walk, for her to return to hug him, give him sugar and ride him. When at last she did, everything changed. Phin couldn't understand why Isobelle had hit him. He was upset that she wore spurs and hurt him. He was not able to carry his larger mistress and she complained that he wouldn't canter. He tried to please her, but she was too heavy.
The plush exclusive lifestyle he'd had was shared with Jack. They'd both come from the carnival and everyone who saw Phin thought he was a most beautiful pony. But he was small and his mistress was now large.
When Jack led him away from the exclusive stables for the last time. Phin thought it was a mistake, Jack asked Isobelle if she wanted to say goodbye. The girl ignored them both and Jack drove them a long way away. He took Phin out and led him to a farm. The farm frightened him. There were strange animals there. Jack cried and then drove off without him.
Phin was in Nowheresville. He was now among animals who were not wanted. How could that ever change?
You'll have to read this lovely book to find out how Phin became a hero and the other animals became firm friends.
Very sweet story, I always love the stories related to animals. The story is about a Pony and his act of proving his worth by helping the other animals in the new barn he was put in. Such stories always give an insight in the lives of animals around us :)
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Dauphin (Phin) lives a life of luxury. He lives in the Chadwick stables located right in the heart of the city. His stall is actually located in the penthouse.
Phin was rescued from the carnival circuit. Instead of carting around annoying carnival children in poor working conditions, Phin now trots through the city park carrying his young owner. Together they have won prizes for the prettiest pony and the best rider.
Things are about to change for little Phin. He may be the same spry little pony, but his young owner is growing and maturing and is no longer comfortable on a small horse. She is moving up to a larger horse which leaves Phin without a rider. It doesn't quite sink in at first, but when he is packed up in a shabby trailer and transported out of the city, he begins to realize he may be headed for a different life.
Phin arrives in the countryside at a place known as the Funny Farm. He is no longer a resident of a fancy penthouse, but rather one of a group of mangy looking misfits who share a small barn, coop, and meadow. Phin finds himself living with goats, rabbits, chickens, a camel, an emu, and a water buffalo, just to name a few.
Can Phin find friends among this quirky group? Is it possible that this life can become just as rewarding as his city life?
LITTLE PRINCE is one of the books in the new Breyer Horse Collection series. Animal lovers will surely enjoy this fun tale about a little horse and his wacky new friends. Author Annie Wedekind gives voices to her interesting collection of animals that will give them great appeal to young readers. LITTLE PRINCE is excellent for independent readers and perfect as a read-aloud for any age.
Little Prince is a funny tale about a pony who discovers that life isn't all about the penthouse suite of the stables, but really about the place you can really call your home and friends.
It's not often you find a book narrated by an animal and less often you find a book that can really pull it off, but Wedekind does it perfectly, from Phin's sadness of being abandoned to his bravery when the other animals need his help, Little Prince is a true diamond in the rough!
Plus, I learned something new, "we endure, even without sugar".
Skylar was literally dabbing my eyes with a tissue as I sobbed as I finished reading it aloud to her and Joel (which she thought was hilarious). What an awesome book! Even if you don't have a child, it's def worth the read! Great story and excellently written.
This was an interesting story of a Shetland Pony. He was the pampered pet of a young girl until she grew too big to ride him. The pony is sent to a farm where there are many different animals.