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My Pony
I want a pony. I want a pony more than anything in the world. At the heart of Susan Jeffers's exquisite picture book lies the idea that in her imagination, a child can journey anywhere and do anything-even fly through the stars on her very own pony.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
2 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Susan Jeffers
116 books66 followersThere is more than one author with this name.
Biography:
Graduate of Pratt Institute 1964
Worked in the publishing field for three years
Began freelance career in 1968
Published first children's book in 1970
Awards:
Caldecott Honor
Golden Apple Biennial Bratislava
The ABBY American Booksellers Best Book award
Society of Illustrators Awards of Merit
Golden Kite Society of Children's Books Author Illustrators
Biography:
Graduate of Pratt Institute 1964
Worked in the publishing field for three years
Began freelance career in 1968
Published first children's book in 1970
Awards:
Caldecott Honor
Golden Apple Biennial Bratislava
The ABBY American Booksellers Best Book award
Society of Illustrators Awards of Merit
Golden Kite Society of Children's Books Author Illustrators
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 12, 2021
I sometimes do have to wonder a bit if some young readers (or listeners) might in fact end up being and feeling just a trifle disappointed that the little girl, that the young first person narrator of Susan Jeffers’ 2002 picture book My Pony never does end up actually being able to get, to obtain her desired and hoped for pony, that in My Pony, the little girl’s imaginary and fantastical dream voyage into a magical and delightful realm filled with all kinds of equines both wild and not so wild (and of course astride her very own pony, with a combination of lyrical text and equally magical accompanying artwork) is actually all that she can at present hope for, and furthermore that the young girl is also more than willing to patiently wait (and to rely on dreaming and on using her imagination with regard to owning and having adventures with a pony) until her family in the future might have enough money and a large enough property for buying, for owning a pony.
But for me personally, that in My Pony, there is no ending of actual pony ownership for the little girl, this is in my humble opinion both much more realistic and also much more positive than the opposite scenario, than My Pony ending with the young narrator returning from her imaginative ride on Silver and then finding for example that her parents have suddenly changed their minds and will be purchasing a pony for her. Because well and indeed, owning a pony is most definitely rather expensive and requires sufficient space where that pony will be living, will be residing. And I therefore very much appreciate not only that the parents are saying a rather categorical “no” to their daughter’s requests (and also clearly explaining to her the reasons why) but that the little girl also accepts those reasons, that she is totally willing to wait, but to then make this all more tolerable for herself by having a pretend pony as kind of an imaginary playmate. For while an ending of pony ownership in My Pony is likely something that many pony obsessed little girls might very well desire and want, the opposite is in fact far more realistic and as such also much more personally appreciated by in particular my adult reading self.
Four stars for My Pony, for the combination of the young narrator’s magical imagination imbued with the accepted reality that her actually owning a pony is still not in the cards, and the only reason I am not giving five stars for the marriage of Susan Jeffers’ text and her accompanying illustrations is that for me, the pictures of the imaginary pony Silver look just a bit too massive and tall (that to my eyes, Silver looks more like a warm blood horse like say a Lipizzaner than a pony).
But for me personally, that in My Pony, there is no ending of actual pony ownership for the little girl, this is in my humble opinion both much more realistic and also much more positive than the opposite scenario, than My Pony ending with the young narrator returning from her imaginative ride on Silver and then finding for example that her parents have suddenly changed their minds and will be purchasing a pony for her. Because well and indeed, owning a pony is most definitely rather expensive and requires sufficient space where that pony will be living, will be residing. And I therefore very much appreciate not only that the parents are saying a rather categorical “no” to their daughter’s requests (and also clearly explaining to her the reasons why) but that the little girl also accepts those reasons, that she is totally willing to wait, but to then make this all more tolerable for herself by having a pretend pony as kind of an imaginary playmate. For while an ending of pony ownership in My Pony is likely something that many pony obsessed little girls might very well desire and want, the opposite is in fact far more realistic and as such also much more personally appreciated by in particular my adult reading self.
Four stars for My Pony, for the combination of the young narrator’s magical imagination imbued with the accepted reality that her actually owning a pony is still not in the cards, and the only reason I am not giving five stars for the marriage of Susan Jeffers’ text and her accompanying illustrations is that for me, the pictures of the imaginary pony Silver look just a bit too massive and tall (that to my eyes, Silver looks more like a warm blood horse like say a Lipizzaner than a pony).
April 6, 2011
What a beautiful story! It is so gentle and warm and magical; I was carried away.
The little girl in this story longs for a horse of her own but her parents always say its too expensive and they don't have room. They are sweet enough to let her stop by the horses on a drive and smell the horsey fragrance (her favorite smell in the whole wide world!) and do let her indulge in her fantasies, though (what pretty horse figurines she has!) so props to the parents for not stifling her completely. Best of all, though, is when the little girl draws horses; as the horse takes shape on paper, her imagination takes flight and soon she is soaring on her own horse, Silver, through the sky and moonlight and clouds to a place born of dreams.
The story itself is wonderful, the illustrations are gorgeous (I love the shiny paper its printed on) and though the dream-world is timeless, the real world setting is evocative of an earlier era (1950-ish?). This choice made more sense when I read the Author's Note at the end and realized that Jeffers wrote this story about her own childhood. I love her positive take on being denied her dream of having a horse as a child because she said she believes that is what led to her passion for drawing (like the girl in the story). Very sweet. Even though I was never one of the little girls who longed to have a horse of my own, this story made me dream right along with the little girl :-)
The little girl in this story longs for a horse of her own but her parents always say its too expensive and they don't have room. They are sweet enough to let her stop by the horses on a drive and smell the horsey fragrance (her favorite smell in the whole wide world!) and do let her indulge in her fantasies, though (what pretty horse figurines she has!) so props to the parents for not stifling her completely. Best of all, though, is when the little girl draws horses; as the horse takes shape on paper, her imagination takes flight and soon she is soaring on her own horse, Silver, through the sky and moonlight and clouds to a place born of dreams.
The story itself is wonderful, the illustrations are gorgeous (I love the shiny paper its printed on) and though the dream-world is timeless, the real world setting is evocative of an earlier era (1950-ish?). This choice made more sense when I read the Author's Note at the end and realized that Jeffers wrote this story about her own childhood. I love her positive take on being denied her dream of having a horse as a child because she said she believes that is what led to her passion for drawing (like the girl in the story). Very sweet. Even though I was never one of the little girls who longed to have a horse of my own, this story made me dream right along with the little girl :-)
April 11, 2011
"My Pony" has a wonderfully classic feel - from the beautiful illustrations to the sweet, heart-felt story.
"My Pony" centers around a young girl who wants a pony but can't have one because they are too expensive and need to much room. So, the little girl spends her time daydreaming about "her horse" and trying trying to capture it with her artwork.
A part of me thinks this book is really a four star book, but it was so sweet I had to give it five - it captures the fantastic imagination kids have, and I loved the portrayal of the parents (and the gorgeous illustrations).
Especially wonderful is the author's note in the back, which really helped explain the way the story ended and is a great example of overcoming obstacles and finding that silver lining.
"My Pony" centers around a young girl who wants a pony but can't have one because they are too expensive and need to much room. So, the little girl spends her time daydreaming about "her horse" and trying trying to capture it with her artwork.
A part of me thinks this book is really a four star book, but it was so sweet I had to give it five - it captures the fantastic imagination kids have, and I loved the portrayal of the parents (and the gorgeous illustrations).
Especially wonderful is the author's note in the back, which really helped explain the way the story ended and is a great example of overcoming obstacles and finding that silver lining.
October 9, 2012
I have just started special reading time with my 8 year old son, every night. We love it and this is our first review. It was a nice story, and a creative one. The illustrations were lovely.
March 11, 2019
The elementary school librarian recommended this book to me when it first came out. I was the first person to get it because I got to check it out before it was even on the shelf.
As a kid who longed for a horse or pony and couldn't have one, I feel like this was a very good book for me to read. I may not have been able to draw a horse that looked like I wanted it too, but I did have a good imagination and used to pretend my bicycle was a horse. I read this book again as an adult and it was just as good as I remembered.
This is the only book I've ever read about a child who wanted a pony and could not have one. For children who are not into ponies, it still has a great lesson. You can't always get what you want.
As a kid who longed for a horse or pony and couldn't have one, I feel like this was a very good book for me to read. I may not have been able to draw a horse that looked like I wanted it too, but I did have a good imagination and used to pretend my bicycle was a horse. I read this book again as an adult and it was just as good as I remembered.
This is the only book I've ever read about a child who wanted a pony and could not have one. For children who are not into ponies, it still has a great lesson. You can't always get what you want.
April 24, 2011
This is a stunningly gorgeous book. Both the illustrations and the lovely story are just beautiful.
I was deeply touched. And, from reading this book, I want a pony, or at the very least I became very eager to interact with ponies/horses.
This is a wonderful story about a girl and her yearning and her artwork and her vivid imagination. It’s incredibly appealing.
Perfect for horse loving girls (especially those who want a pony or any pet), young artists, and those who appreciate how we have experiences via our vivid imaginations.
I was deeply touched. And, from reading this book, I want a pony, or at the very least I became very eager to interact with ponies/horses.
This is a wonderful story about a girl and her yearning and her artwork and her vivid imagination. It’s incredibly appealing.
Perfect for horse loving girls (especially those who want a pony or any pet), young artists, and those who appreciate how we have experiences via our vivid imaginations.
July 6, 2017
A gorgeous book that is simple to read and enjoy with your child, especially if they are of the horse-hankering type. After reading the author's note you find that the book actually probably very closely follows the earlier life and circumstances of the writer as well as with those who truly do desire a horse for a pet.
Unfortunately my sister did provide me with a copy of the book and although it seems like it may be a charming book it is missing about four pages so the story skips. The only reason why I know the amount of missing pages is since I was able to check the book out real quick at openlibrary.com to read while seeing the strange discrepancy that I found in my book.
The pictures themselves are beautiful while the imagination of the child although not seeming to be supremely superior than others does catch a beautiful dream world. Thus along with the little girl and her dapple you are able to explore a beautiful world of horses as they gallop through her mind while sadly leaving everything behind as you close the book in ending it.
Unfortunately my sister did provide me with a copy of the book and although it seems like it may be a charming book it is missing about four pages so the story skips. The only reason why I know the amount of missing pages is since I was able to check the book out real quick at openlibrary.com to read while seeing the strange discrepancy that I found in my book.
The pictures themselves are beautiful while the imagination of the child although not seeming to be supremely superior than others does catch a beautiful dream world. Thus along with the little girl and her dapple you are able to explore a beautiful world of horses as they gallop through her mind while sadly leaving everything behind as you close the book in ending it.
January 2, 2019
A child doesn't have to love horses to appreciate this story. However, if she has a deep-longing for something unattainable, she'll easily be able to understand this little girl's feelings.
One of my nieces always longed for a horse and she had her own collection of little horses in a box. We added to the collection when we went to garage sales or even wandered through the forest (sometimes weathered knots look a little like a horse). She, too, imagined what she could do if she had a horse. She's now outgrown her passionate dream, but she still holds a fondness for her herd of imaginary horses. (And she found a stable near-to-home where she can shovel stalls whenever she wants to spend meaningful time with 'her' horses.)
One of my nieces always longed for a horse and she had her own collection of little horses in a box. We added to the collection when we went to garage sales or even wandered through the forest (sometimes weathered knots look a little like a horse). She, too, imagined what she could do if she had a horse. She's now outgrown her passionate dream, but she still holds a fondness for her herd of imaginary horses. (And she found a stable near-to-home where she can shovel stalls whenever she wants to spend meaningful time with 'her' horses.)
November 15, 2019
My daughter really enjoyed the story, as she could relate to the little girl wanting a horse. We loved that the little girl in the story used her imagination to create her dream horse.
This book opened up some nice conversations around horses, and what they need to live.
Beautiful illustrations make this book visually appealing as well.
This book opened up some nice conversations around horses, and what they need to live.
Beautiful illustrations make this book visually appealing as well.
September 11, 2017
I purchased this book at my school book fair when I was in elementary school. I grew up always wanting a pony, much like the girl in this book. This book could be used in a classroom to teach kids about their imaginations. They can do anything with only a little imagination. This book has great illustrations that really draw kids in.
September 13, 2014
This is an imaginative tale that shows that even if you cannot get the pet of your dreams, you can still use your imagination to bring that dream to life. I love that the author, Susan Jeffers, explains that she believes that not getting a horse gave her the time and inspiration to learn to draw them so well.
The narrative is short and the illustrations are wonderful. I like the ending and I appreciate that it celebrates creativity and imagination.
This book was selected as one of the books for the September 2014 - Horses discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
The narrative is short and the illustrations are wonderful. I like the ending and I appreciate that it celebrates creativity and imagination.
This book was selected as one of the books for the September 2014 - Horses discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
September 20, 2014
My children and I all enjoyed this lovely book about a young girl who really wants a horse. Her parents say it costs too much money. (The parent in me appreciates this...it seems some parents want to give in to every desire or wish their child has...I find myself occasionally falling in to this trap...but I think there are valuable lessons to be learned from not getting every wish fulfilled...in Jeffers case, it led to her pursuing artwork ...and probably increased her imagination...but enough of that aside.). So the young girl imagines she has a horse named Silver and the two of them go on magnificent adventures together (many that she could not have had with a real horse.). Wonderful illustrations. Lovely book.
November 23, 2011
Susan Jeffers delivers another well written and beautifully illustrated book. This is also one of my daughter's favorites (she loves horses). The book shows how a girl imagines up her own horse and her adventures with it because she isn't allowed to have a horse. The book describes different breeds of horses and is a good way to show students that their imagination is one thing that no one can control and they can make up anything they want. As an activity, allow students to come up with their own pet and write or draw what they would do with them on a Saturday.
January 22, 2010
This book is absolutely beautiful. Toby (2 yrs) loves it because of the horses, and I love it because it's so well written and the illustrations are gorgeous. It'll totally take you back to those days when you were a little girl and wanted a pony more than anything else in the world. My only "complaint" is I really wish there were stories about little boys who want ponies, because I think we're going to run into that later in Toby's life.
September 27, 2014
I loved the book and the gorgeous illustrations. I am so glad Jeffers spent all that time practicing drawing horses, because her horse paintings are beautiful and realistic. I know what it's like to yearn to own a horse and to ride them, because I also experienced that when I was younger. I wouldn't mind having her horse pictures in frames on my walls at home!
September 11, 2014
Beautiful illustrations tell the story of a girl who desperately wants a pony, but whose parents say they can't afford it so she draws an imaginary pony friend.
September 26, 2017
Great book to soar the imagination!
December 13, 2023
This book is beautifully written, and wonderfully illustrated. I think the large images are beautiful, some I could get lost in. For when I was little I wanted a pony of my own. And much like this little girl the only pony I received (until later in life) was the one I imagined I owned, or the ones I visited for short periods. I think this book shows children that it's ok to not always get what we really want, and that using our imagination is one way to handle it and still be happy while being in a not perfect situation.
The authors note, I think, is very special in reminding us that sometimes not getting what we want can also lead to other wonderful things- for she thinks if she were to get a horse, she may not have found her love of drawing. Readers will be happy to know that later on, as an adult, Susan was able to ride almost every day at the time of the authors note.
The authors note, I think, is very special in reminding us that sometimes not getting what we want can also lead to other wonderful things- for she thinks if she were to get a horse, she may not have found her love of drawing. Readers will be happy to know that later on, as an adult, Susan was able to ride almost every day at the time of the authors note.
April 21, 2023
This is on of my all time favorite childhood books. The book is about a little girl that always dreamed of owning a horse of her own. In her imagination her dream is true. the book follows the adventure of the girl and her pony as they explore, make new friends, and enjoy each others friendship. The imiges are done in cool and warm watercolor tones. Overall, I really enjoy this book and it reminds me of my childhood.
February 21, 2025
Beautiful illustrations. I love that the pony stays in her mind. Most parents are unable to afford ponies for their children and to have it end with her getting a real pony would have fed the unrealistic idea that just because you want something very badly, you can have it. She reminds me of me when I was little. I wore my hair in braids, too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2025
"I want a pony more than anything in the world." Son zamanlarda düz çayırları her gördüğümde, aklıma geliyor şöyle bir dolaşmak hayali atımla :)
Kitap, bunu sahip olmak isteyen bir tavırla mı yoksa çocuk dilinin sadeliğini vurgulayarak mı ifade ediyor pek emin olmayarak zaten emin olsam ne olacak diyerek beş yıldız verdim gitti bu tatlı hayale.
Şarkıyla uyumlu mu bilmiyorum ama uydurulabilir. Okuduğum sırada arkada çalıyordu. Eklemek istedim.
Already Lost
Kitap, bunu sahip olmak isteyen bir tavırla mı yoksa çocuk dilinin sadeliğini vurgulayarak mı ifade ediyor pek emin olmayarak zaten emin olsam ne olacak diyerek beş yıldız verdim gitti bu tatlı hayale.
Şarkıyla uyumlu mu bilmiyorum ama uydurulabilir. Okuduğum sırada arkada çalıyordu. Eklemek istedim.
Already Lost
October 16, 2019
I was browsing the library and I stumbled across this book that I remember reading often with my Aunt as a child. This book is beautiful and the illistrations are so whimsical. This book would be great to have in your classroom library for you animal lovers in your room.
January 2, 2018
This book reminds me of another book called My Dinosaur because they both use their imagination to travel with their animals to amazing places.
October 14, 2018
Every child's dream. I think this was in K's childhood books
March 23, 2020
Wonderful pictures and great story about a little girl using her imagination
April 23, 2020
Gorgeously illustrated! Everything my child self would have wanted in a horse book.
The little girl has such an imagination that I got caught up in it too! I still want a pony and I'm 47!
The little girl has such an imagination that I got caught up in it too! I still want a pony and I'm 47!
July 15, 2020
Good books for those kids who love horses.
September 26, 2020
Beautiful illustrations. Reminds me of childhood longings.
April 21, 2021
Cute book about a little girl who dreams of having a horse she can ride. This is a fun book for young students to read!
September 18, 2021
I liked this book because the storyline was sweet and gentle and I know that kids enjoy that from time to time. So I would use this book in the classroom to teach the students the importance of using their imaginations to create something new.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews