Pony Pals

The first five books in the “Pet Pals” series dealt with four-legged pets, namely dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters. In these additions to the series, some of the pets are quadrupeds, but others fly, swim and slither.

Like the earlier books, the content of these five books in the “Pet Pals” series is intended to serve as pre-purchase/pre-adoption advice to those considering adding a pet to their homes.

The books’ highly illustrated contents consist of 12 two-page chapters, a 10 question quiz, a “Learning More” page which directs readers to related books and websites, and a closing page that is shared between an index and a glossary of words highlighted in the text. The three pages that are given over to the quiz and its answers could have been much more profitably utilized.

The opening chapter, “Your [name of animal] From Head To Tail”, provides a large full-colour photo of the book’s focal pet. The important parts of the pet are labelled and described.

The following chapter provides a general overview of the various breeds of each book’s pet and describes their “personalities”. In Pony Pals, the chapter is titled “Traditional Pony Breeds”, and it identifies eight pony breeds and offers brief information about each. For example:

Fell ponies have heavily feathered legs and feet with strong hooves that don’t often need shoes. These clever characters make good family ponies, but they can be stubborn. They are surefooted and especially suited to carriage driving.

The third chapter in each book in the “Pet Pals” series is probably the most important for those who are strongly considering acquiring a pet. “Find Your Perfect [name of animal]” provides information that needs to be taken into account when selecting a specific pet type. When selecting a pony, Jacobs advises those considering the purchase of a pony to also consider ‘
“borrowing” (renting?) a pony instead. Whatever the pony’s age might be, its size is important. “When seated, your feet should not be much lower than its belly.” In this same “chapter”, Jacobs lists a half dozen “Top Tips for Pony Buyers” as well as a “Health Check’ list.

Subsequent chapters provide practical advice on the housing, feeding, and daily care of the series’ animals as well as their safety and health issues. Tips on the typical behaviour of the animals in the series will assist their owners in better responding to the animals’ needs. Because a pony will be ridden, Jacobs also offers advice on the essential equipment that will be needed by its rider.

Additional chapters offer tips on how to train each specific pet as well as suggestions on “Fun and Games” appropriate for each type of pet.

The series’ text is broken up into bite-sized boxes complemented by numerous full-colour, engaging photographs. Information-wise, overall, the books in the “Pet Pals” series are excellent. Filled with practical advice and providing important knowledge, one or more of the books should be required reading by any child (and her/his parents) who are considering adding a pet to their family.

Though most children will never actually own their own pony, they will still enjoy reading Pony Pals, the contents of which can only fuel their dreams of “one day....”