GOLLY MOLLY AND THE PERFECT PONY LIST
by Casey Dunn ; illustrated by Olivia Blesse
In Dunn’s picture book, a little girl imagines her perfect pet pony, only to learn that, in reality, the best gifts are sometimes the most unexpected.
Molly lives with her mom on Big Hill Farm, where she dreams of having her own very small horse. When her mother asks what makes a “perfect pony,” Molly responds with a list that emphasizes physical appearance. Their neighbor, Grampy Blair, introduces them to a pony who looksjust right. But when Grampy Blair disappointingly explains that the animal “doesn’t like to wander. She’d rather have a job to do,” Molly’s mom encourages the girl to think of her perfect “pony day,” instead. Grampy Blair then introduces them to a dirty, spotted horse with differently colored eyes. Initially skeptical, Molly brings the horse home and spends a fun-filled day with him—helping her realize that appearances are always what they seem. Most pages feature two or three of Blesse’s small, uncomplicated full-color cartoon images. There are only two or three sentences per page, making this an extremely quick read; an easy rhyme scheme (ABCB) means that it’s also fun to read aloud. Molly’s realization that friends come in all shapes and sizes is a message that always bears repeating.
A sweet, simple, and enjoyable tale of a girl and her horse that imparts a fine lesson.