Pony Problem

Ella and Olivia: Pony Problem by Yvette Poshoglian, illustrated by Danielle McDonald (Scholastic Australia)
PB RRP $7.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-798-7
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Seven-year-old Ella and her younger sister Olivia are a little teeny bit jealous of Ella’s friend Zoe. Zoe has a horse, Hattie, and Ella would love to have her own horse too. So when Zoe invites the two sisters to come and watch her equestrian competition they are very excited.

But when Ella is accidentally entered into the competition on a pony called Jett, she learns there is more to riding a horse than she thought. Zoe has to sacrifice her own entry in the competition to save her frightened best friend.

Ella, Olivia, Max and Zoe are sweet characters. Aimed at beginning readers, this series is a great one for young girls. Themes of friendships, family, and in this book, horse riding, are popular and universal.
The large clear font and delightful illustrations make this an attractive series for early readers from five years up.

Pony Problem is an entertaining read and there are many more in the series to be enjoyed. This book also comes with a pony necklace.