The Mud Pony

Rating:
Summary: Praising THE MUD PONY
Review: This book has made a lasting impression on my first graders. They loved the story and delighted in the pastel illustrations, especially of the pony in flight. THE MUD PONY fits perfectly in the study of folklore. It appeals not only to the young mind, but to the more mature person as well. The fantasy is delightful and easily grasped by primary children. It makes a fantastic "Read Aloud" book. Read Aloud is a mandatory part of our San Diego Literacy program. We are encouraged to choose only books that "speak" to the children, that instill in them a desire to read more. Moreover, Native American folklore is a precious genre that should be be incorporated into each grade's literary curriculum. Happily, THE MUD PONY can be included in the Multi-cultural category. My students compared and contrasted it with two other books, THE GIFT and EAGLE FEATHERS, both by Owl Goingback. They used the graphic organizer of a triple-circled Venn Diagram which allows for a marvelous overview of the three books, depicting: characters, settings, themes, authors, and illustrators. The children chose a special picture to depict their favorite selections and drew their own rendition onto the diagram. They also searched for "special words" in each book and added them to the large sheet of manila paper covering the front classroom door. All who pass by can read the titles and the information beneath each. As a long-time veteran of the teaching of reading to students of all ages, I am happy to promote THE MUD PONY. Thank you, Caron Lee Cohen, for a book that appeals to the inner child in all of us.