Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3-Horse lovers who are not quite ready to tackle Jessie Haas's chapter books about Radish and Beware (HarperCollins) or Ann-Sophie Jeppson's information-rich "Pontus" stories (R & S Bks.) will appreciate this leveled reader. Paddywack conveys his frustration with Jane, who at first does not grasp the concept that the horse needs to be rewarded with treats. Jane is not the quickest learner, but when she forgets to close Paddy's stall one day, she witnesses his jump over the garden fence. This inspires the little girl to strive to do well in competition, and once she remembers the importance of rewarding her horse, he is similarly invested in her success. This makes for a winning combination. Clear and colorful illustrations, some of which are full-page scenes, convey emotion and evoke the equestrian lifestyle attractive to many children, especially girls. Short sentences, a limited amount of text, and a large font size will all enhance reading success. Besides appealing to the horsey set, this story sends the gentle, inspiring message that partners who look after one another's needs have the best shot at success.-Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Paddywack, a pony, narrates the story of how her girl Jane learns to ride--and to consistently remember to bring treats to reward Paddywack for each lesson the pony gives to her. This very slight girl-and-her-horse story with a twist, illustrated with gentle barnyard scenes, will amuse newly independent horse-loving readers. Copyright 2010 of The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
This Step into Reading Level 3 entry tells the story of a young girl named Jane and her pony, Paddywack. What makes this stand out from other pony titles is that it is told by Paddywack: "When I first got Jane, she did not know how to ride." Jane's worst offense, though, is in failing to remember his treats. After he escapes his stall and jumps the garden fence to get them himself, Jane realizes that giving him treats will improve his performance. But when she forgets to bring treats to the big horse show, will Paddywack understand or throw the competition? Howarth's illustrations, though largely pedestrian in execution and reproduction, accurately depict the riding ring, equipment and jumps. Paddywack himself, though, is full of personality; his facial expressions and body language speak volumes. With an enjoyable story so close to reality (and to the dreams of those who yearn for a pony of their own), this is sure to find readers. (Early reader. 5-8)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
