Matilda loves playing with the painted ponies at Grandma Lucky’s house. They are kept in a little carved wagon with a stall for each one.
The ponies are all unique, there is a chestnut, a gold palomino, a bay, a pinto, a brown and a dappley grey with a lucky star on his forehead.
When Matilda asks about them, Grandma Lucky tells the story of her own childhood in a travelling show, where her mother trained animals, her dad was a musician, and she twirled her lasso. This a story about the wild ponies that were meant to be free.
The illustrations are gentle and warm yet are bursting with personality. The smiling animals are so endearing and friendly, and Lester really captures their spirit and movement throughout the book. You can tell she has a genuine connection with horses which comes out both in her words and illustrations.
This is a beautiful story of friendship with animals and understanding what they really need – to be free. It is also a lovely shared story between and grandmother and grandchild, with their stories connecting across time.
These delightful ponies will capture your heart, just as Noni the Pony has already done for children everywhere.
Title: The Painted Ponies
Author/illustrator: Alison Lester
Publisher: Allen&Unwin, $24.99
Publication Date: 5 November 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781741758894
For ages: 4 – 7
Type: Picture Book
