Millie and Stella best friends forever: The lost ponies by Josephine Moon

Millie and Stella are firm friends with similar interests. Stella is good at supporting Millie when life gets too loud and stressful. But their mutual partnership includes their connection over their ponies, particularly because their home fields have limited feed, and a solution must be found. While applying at school to be student leaders of the new caravan library, they must cope with a classmate who is extremely competitive. These two stories collide in a stressful way when the girl’s ponies make an escape from their agistment field.  Where have the ponies gone and who unlocked the gate? 

This is a gentle friendship tale with the addition of one character learning to cope with her neurodivergence. The story will resonate with young female readers aged 8-11. They will enjoy the twists and turns and the horse-riding interests of Millie and Stella, but the interpersonal challenges of coping with emotions is also child-friendly. Family are important and the school the girls attend is quirkily alternative - well-suited to the neuro-divergent Millie. This is the kind of book that is one step up from easy chapter books, but will be appealing for young able readers, and older readers who need something that is not too challenging.

Themes: Friendship, Horses, Neuro-diversity, School-based drama, Libraries.

Carolyn Hull