Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2011 20:25:47 GMT 1
Mayfly the Grey Pony by Eleanor Helme *spoiler alert*
Another book of Eleanor Helmes which I really enjoyed and it’s illustrated by Lionel Edwards so always a bonus for me too, although on page 147 there is an illustration of a boy trying to drag his pony through a stream and his saddle has extremely large stirrups which look rather odd!
This is the story of the Chatton family who live in London but fall on hard times after Mr Chatton dies. They decide to up-sticks and move to Exmoor and live in a cottage left to them by a cousin. To make ends meet they set up a riding school and hire out their horses which they brought with them from London. They quickly realise that not everyone is a conscientious rider after one woman races across the moor on Mrs Chatton’s horse and falls off leaving the horse to fend for itself. They find the horse after a long search but he nearly dies of a fever. Then to make matters worse Mayfly, which is Tony’s beautiful grey pony, is hired out by his sister to a nasty boy who treats the pony appallingly. After that they are more careful who they hire their horses out to and always accompany them.
Jerry and the Joker from another of Eleanor’s books pop up near the end competing in Trials that are held in the Chatton’s field. Bogs are mentioned quite a few times but I do like the way Eleanor describes the countryside she loved and also the map on the inside cover which shows where all the rides took place.
|
|
|
Post by Claire on Sept 13, 2011 22:29:20 GMT 1
Thanks for the review Rosie.
I have to say although I like the Jerry books, and the Shanks Pony series I found this one hard going. Not sure why, but I lost interest in it about half way through. Not sure if it was the book or maybe i was just in an impatient mood at the time. I find this sort of book harder to get into and read than the more modern ones (when I say modern I mean the PTs and that era!) which I can pick up and read anytime. I have to be in a more dedicated frame of mind to read these more slower paced books. So I may give it another try if I come across a copy again. Must agree that the illustrations are lovely, as are the descriptions of the countryside and places.
|
|