Review *Project Pony*

by Camilla Chester

Art by Irina Avgustinovich Published by Firefly Press

We've been looking forward to this one since it was first mentioned. The reading miniClub has some enthusiastic horse fans so this is going to be popular!

Who is ready for a fun, exciting adventure? Natalie is beyond excited as her much-anticipated birthday treat is coming up.

There's double, maybe triple excitement as she'll be spending a mini holiday with her mum & best friend.

BUT it's also a riding holiday & that completes the perfect combination for Nat!!

Family life events (good & bad) sometimes get in the way for everyone, but could some terrible timing prove disastrous for the trip?

Nat's mum might be able to find a solution but things get turned upside down in a way nobody could have imagined.

Can Nat's special trip go ahead? You'll have to read the story to find out. There will be a few elements you might never guess. The struggles with family & friend relationships are real & so many redears (of all ages) will relate to Nat's experiences, including examples of wider friendships & rivalry.

There's a special, extra detail in the story & I recently discovered the author actually tried it as a youngster!

Of course, I had to experiment too & I am sure it'll be a fun mini project with the reading miniClub members.

Can you guess what it might be?

The cover art (proof & final) is gorgeous & it's excellent to see the creator's name on the (final) front cover.

Sadly, so many talented illustrators are often only named in tiny print on the back cover by the barcode - if at all.

An interesting & eye-catching cover is the first step to anyone picking up a book to see if they're going to read, borrow or buy it.

The skilled artists should be celebrated as much as authors.

Thank you to Firefly Press for the proof.

I really appreciate & love the chance to have an early read & shout about great books for young readers.

This is definitely a book we'll be recommending for our club members & friends.

It might even be voted into the next book treasure hunt! Project Pony will be available from May 1st 2025