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The Princess and The Pony



Last updated Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Author: Kate Beaton
Date of Publication: 2015
ISBN: 9780545637084
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jun. 2022

Synopsis: Princess Pinecone knows exactly what she wants for her birthday this year. A BIG horse. A STRONG horse. A horse fit for a WARRIOR PRINCESS! But when the day arrives, she doesn't quite get the horse of her dreams...

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you think this story is about?
•  What is the princess on the cover thinking? What is she doing?
•  What do you think the pony is thinking?

Vocabulary:

•  warrior - a brave or experienced soldier or fighter.
•  amulet - an ornament or small piece of jewelry thought to give protection against evil, danger, or disease.
•  champion - a person who fights for or defends any person or cause: a champion of the oppressed. a fighter or warrior. to act as champion of; defend; support: to champion a cause.
•  flabbergasted - greatly surprised or astonished.
•  flummoxed - bewildered or perplexed; confused.
•  floored - a great deal of shock, surprise, or disbelief.
•  brute - a savagely violent person or animal.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  In what ways is Princess Pinecone not a typical princess?
•  How is the pony not a typical pony?
•  What other types of birthday presents do you think warriors (or the princess) would like to receive?
•  How did the little pony help Princess Pinecone get voted Most Valuable Warrior?
•  What kind of cozy sweaters are the warriors wearing at the end of the book? Do you see any favorites?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a warrior or pony with a cozy sweater and fun design.
•  Make a Father’s Day (Sunday, June 19th) card for someone (father, grandfather, uncle).
•  If you know someone, make a graduation card for them. For a younger sibling who is “graduating” from preschool or kindergarten; a friend “graduating” to Middle school or an older sibling graduating from High School, Trade School or college.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/june-2022-friendship-fun//
•  Check this website for more suggestions: http://readingtokids.org/ReadingClubs/CraftTips.php

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!