The Girl and the Pony Parade

In the cozy town of Willow Creek, everyone is busy preparing for the big spring parade, and young Sophie can hardly wait. She loves animals, and her special job is to help get a small cream-colored pony named Daisy ready for the celebration. Daisy has a golden mane, a white star-shaped patch on her forehead, and a gentle nature, and Sophie quickly wins her trust with crunchy apple slices and sweet oat cookies from her canvas satchel. The two become friends, and Sophie dreams of walking Daisy proudly through the parade.

There is just one problem: Daisy is frightened of loud noises. When the band practices with trumpets and drums, and when balloons pop and decorations flap in the wind, the little pony flinches, trembles, and refuses to move. Sophie notices her friend's fear right away and refuses to force her. Instead of giving up, she watches Daisy carefully, realizes that the pony is calm wherever the noise fades, and comes up with a kind idea — a gentle, quiet route through the parade. With the help of the understanding organizer Mrs. Green and her friends, Sophie prepares a peaceful side street decorated with soft green leaves and daisies. This gentle story by Jane MEADOW shows young readers what it means to pay attention to an animal's feelings and to solve a problem with patience and empathy rather than pressure. It is suited to children who are beginning to read longer stories, and to anyone who enjoys warm tales about friendship, kindness, and small acts of thoughtfulness. The tale can be read on Kids Tale Book.