The Girl and the Pony's Secret

Every Saturday, Maya puts on her red rain boots and heads to the stable at the edge of town to care for Pepper, a cream-and-chestnut pony. With Mr. Hale, the stable caretaker, she learns to brush Pepper's mane, clean his hooves, and always brings a carrot for her favorite pony. But Maya is puzzled: Pepper refuses to go near the far corner of his stall, and his ears flatten whenever he is led that way.

Over several weeks, Maya watches closely and notices how Pepper relaxes under her gentle brushing but becomes frightened near the corner. When she hears a low, rattling hum from that spot, she fetches Mr. Hale, who recognizes the sound of a loose water pipe vibrating against the wall. Together they set out to help the pony, laying soft straw and a warm blanket to make the corner cozy, while Mr. Hale tightens the pipe until the rattling stops. Pepper, step by step, learns to trust the corner again. This gentle story, written by Jane MEADOW, shows young readers that animals have feelings and can be frightened by sounds adults barely notice. It can be read on Kids Tale Book.