The Girl and the Farm Pony

Ava, a young girl with curly brown hair and a gap-toothed smile, visits her Grandpa Joe's farm, where she meets Rosie, a chestnut pony with a cream-colored mane, a white blaze on her forehead, and four white socks. Grandpa Joe explains that Rosie has feelings just like Ava does, and that the way to understand them is to watch the pony's ears, tail, and eyes. What starts as a cautious first hello grows into a careful, step-by-step friendship built on patience and quiet observation.

As the days pass, Ava learns to read Rosie's signals: ears flicked back mean uncertainty, ears swiveled forward mean curiosity, a swishing tail means worry, and soft, half-closed eyes mean contentment. She brushes Rosie slowly, walks beside her with a loose lead rope, and stands calmly with the pony during a windy afternoon when the weather makes her nervous. Each small success adds to Ava's confidence, and each mistake is met with Grandpa Joe's gentle guidance rather than scolding. Written by Jane MEADOW for young children beginning to spend time with animals, the tale can be read on Kids Tale Book.