Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this book, the first in the Keeker series, will draw in emergent readers, especially horse lovers. It includes positive messages on caring for and building trust with animals. A girl is tossed off a pony, but not injured.
Families can talk about Keeker's frustration with Plum. How does she manage her frustration and overcome it to win Plum over? Parents can also gently remind their young readers that Keeker doesn't listen to her mother and goes too far on the trail, which led to trouble. For children who are challenged with this reading, parents can work with them by alternating reading of pages, paragraphs, or sentences. And don't forget to remind kids to "read" the illustrations to help understand the story.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Pam Gelman
Reading is hard work in the beginning; it takes a lot of patience and determination. Finishing a chapter book is a huge milestone in the eyes of the emergent reader. Finding one with a simple sentence structure, easy-to-read language, and interesting characters and storyline is a great tool to push the new reader along. KEEKER AND THE SNEAKY PONY is such a book and will appeal to many young readers, particularly those who dream of owning a pony.
Author Hadley Higginson, who grew up on farm, clearly understands young girls like 8-year-old Keeker who desperately wants a pony. She also gets animal behavior and in giving the pony Plum a voice she cleverly shows her as mischievous and a bit full of herself. Plum wants to be free, run, eat blackberries -- kids can understand this perspective, too. So readers will root for both Keeker and Plum to get want they want. It's a great lure to keep readers wanting to know what happens next.
Six short chapters are illustrated with delightful curly-cue, thin-lined drawings on every page, helping the reader follow the plot and learn even more about the characters. And for kids who finish this book asking for their own ponies, there are also a few pages of pony facts describing the time-intensive responsibilities involved.
From The Book
Keeker went to bed early. But before she crawled under the covers, she popped her head out the window to take one last look at the night. She could see Plum in her paddock, drinking from her tub. (Of course, Plum wasn't really drinking -- she was bubble-blowing.)
"I'm glad I got a girl," thought Plum as she burbled away. "With a little more training, she'll be just right."
Plot Summary:
Catherine Corey Keegan Keeker, otherwise known as Keeker, has always wanted a pony. Finally the dream comes true when Plum the Shetland pony arrives at her family's farm. At first she spends time with Plum to get to know her. Plum finds her nosy and wishes she would leave her alone. Keeker struggles with catching Plum, putting on the tack, and then out on a trail. They share adventures and in the process learn to trust each other.
Related Books:
Other Keeker Books:
Keeker and the Horse Show Show-Off
Keeker and the Sugar Shack
Keeker and the Springtime Surprise
Keeker and the Pony Camp Catastrophe
More Early Readers:
Dragon Gets By by Dav Pilkey
Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows
Zelda and Ivy: The Runaways by Laura Kvasnosky
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Sexual Content |
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ViolenceGirl is tossed off pony on trail but not injured. She loses and then finds pony. |
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Language |
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Message |
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Social BehaviorKeeker learns respect for her pony by speaking calmly and caring for her lovingly. Plum learns to respond to Keeker's friendly advances and builds trust. |
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Commercialism |
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Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco |
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