Stella’s horse Sparky is older, and Millie’s is quite young. Both are loved passionately.
Stella is a warm and friendly girl, who encourages
Millie’s differing view of things in general. When Millie’s spirits slump,
Stella always has uplifting words ready to steer her friend back to her
cheerful self.
The paddock where the two horses graze has become dry, and they suggest to their neighbour Mrs White, to allow the horses to graze in her lush pasture, in return for odd jobs.
There are certain conditions to the agreement; locks and latches must be double checked.
The girls have a common love of books and reading.
A school library is planned. Application forms for certain roles, mainly those of librarians, are handed out.
Stella and Millie believe they would make perfect
candidates due to their love of the written word.
But they have strong competition from Gwyneth, whose wealthy, overbearing mother coerces her to always be the winner at any cost.
As the elections for Librarians draw closer, the gates of the paddocks are found open, and the horses and cows are nowhere to be seen.
Mrs White, whose perfect garden and vegie patch has been destroyed, accuses Stella and Millie of carelessness.
Can the girls discover who has done this?
How can they prove their innocence, when everything points to them?
More important, where are the horses and Mrs White’s
cow?
A delightful start to a series which reflects the importance of friendship and the valuable support that stems from it, inclusiveness, and how seeing the world differently is always a blessing.
Fine-lined illustrations add authenticity and warmth to a story that subtly addresses differences and their benefits.
Title: Millie and Stella: Best Friends Forever - Bk#1, The Lost Ponies
Author: Josephine Moon
Illustrator: Jedda Robaard
Publisher: Penguin, $16.99
Publication Date: 15 April 2025
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761346484
For ages: 6+
Type: Junior Fiction
