Biddy has grown up with stories about people who survived rough conditions in the bush.
After all, she was named after one woman who had done so a hundred years ago, the only survivor of a shipwreck.
After all, she was named after one woman who had done so a hundred years ago, the only survivor of a shipwreck.
So when Biddy's parents finally decide she's big enough to come on a cattle drive with them, she's delighted!
And fiercely determined to show them she's as tough as the lady she's named after.
The adventure begins!
Some items mysteriously vanish from their campsite - but they are the only people for miles in the remote bushland, so it couldn't have been a thief.
The adventure begins!
Some items mysteriously vanish from their campsite - but they are the only people for miles in the remote bushland, so it couldn't have been a thief.
Biddy and her pony Bella do their very best to help round up the cattle and help in the camp, despite being cold and tired.
But Biddy makes mistakes. Such as getting her pony stuck in the quicksand on the beach.
The situation quickly becomes Biddy's worse nightmare. With the tide rapidly coming in, Biddy has no choice but to leave Bella stuck, where she will probably drown.
Devastated, Biddy can only hope that Bella will free herself and make her way back to their farm. And when she fails to show, Biddy takes matters into her own hands.
Devastated, Biddy can only hope that Bella will free herself and make her way back to their farm. And when she fails to show, Biddy takes matters into her own hands.
But what happens next is nothing that Biddy or her family could have predicted.
This is a story of bravery and the resourcefulness that children discover in themselves have when faced with the harshest circumstances. It's also a story of a girl taking responsibility when the biggest heartbreak of her life is due to her mistake.
This is a story of bravery and the resourcefulness that children discover in themselves have when faced with the harshest circumstances. It's also a story of a girl taking responsibility when the biggest heartbreak of her life is due to her mistake.
Beautifully written, this book lyrically portrays the harsh beauty of the Australian bushland. A treat!
Title: The Quicksand Pony
Author: Alison Lester
Publisher: Allen and Unwin, $15.99
Publication Date: January 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781742378008
For ages: 8-12
Type: Middle Grade Fiction