Ponyella (review)
2011; Johns Hopkins University Press; Volume: 64; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1353/bcc.2011.a408913
ISSN1558-6766
Autores Tópico(s)Folklore, Mythology, and Literature Studies
ResumoReviewed by: Ponyella Deborah Stevenson Numeroff, Laura. Ponyella; by Laura Numeroff and Nate Evans; illus. by Lynn Munsinger. Hyperion, 2011. [32p.] ISBN 978-1-4231-0259-5 $16.99 Reviewed from galleys R 5-8 yrs. Yup, it's what the title suggests—the story of "Cinderella" featuring a pony. When new owners take over the farm, Ponyella acquires two nasty new pasturemates, Bun Bun and Plumpkin, who taunt her and shoulder her aside. Ella's going to be left behind when the wicked ponies head to the Tippington 25th Annual Grand Royal Pony Championship, but with the help of her fairy godmare and a transformed mouse (who's both trailer driver and pony rider), she wows everyone at the show with her talents. She especially impresses Princess Penelope, who afterward comes looking for the talented pony that lost the diamond horseshoe and, finding Ponyella's foot to be a perfect fit, takes her home for a happy-ever-after princess-pony life. While the book occasionally runs a wee bit older than the My Little Pony audience who will most enjoy it (as in the last page, which condemns the mean ponies to entertaining at kids' parties), the concept is pure pony genius and the details enticingly, even somewhat nauseatingly perfect in their targeting; horse-loving kids who've disdained "Cinderella" for its overemphasis on humans will be thrilled that there's finally something worthwhile, in their eyes, at folkloric stake. Munsinger has a light touch in her line-and-watercolor art, keeping tight control over both the pathos of Ponyella's dilemma and the humor of the mean ponies' awfulness, but she also knows what the pony-mad viewers want: lots of flowing mane and tail and prancy elegance (Ponyella's even sporting lovely floral accessories at her most glamorous moments). You might need a select crowd for this, as those not aboard the pony parade may let their displeasure be loudly known, but the pink princess pony fans will greet this with open arms and wonder why it took so long. [End Page 249] Copyright © 2011 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
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