“In the encouraging picture book Molly’s New Pony, Sir Wallace McGee, a pony’s hard work and courage help him to meet his goals with the assistance and support of others.
In David Casentini’s colorful picture book Molly’s New Pony, Sir Wallace McGee, a young, insecure pony works to find his courage.
At Molly’s eleventh birthday party, she receives a pony, Sir Wallace McGee. Wallace is frail and small, but very sweet. However, he doesn’t fit in with the full-grown thoroughbred horses who also live on Molly’s family’s farm.
Wallace’s exclusion among the other horses leaves him feeling different, ashamed, and lonely. But with support from Molly, who shares encouraging words about being your unique self, Wallace starts to believe that he can be anything he dreams of.
As a way to prove his worth, Wallace puts hard work into training with Molly for the upcoming annual derby. Even when he feels like giving up, Molly is by his side, supporting him. On the day of the derby, Wallace gives it his all, and he winds up feeling proud of himself for having the courage to persist.
Each element of the story is replicated in the colorful illustrations, which come in strategic two-page spreads that balance images with words. Depictions of Molly’s birthday party, the farm, and the derby convey energy and excitement. Still, the images are digital, and are simple in appearance despite their details.
The rhyming text is smooth and well-paced for read-alouds. Mixed into the text is a repeated phrase of encouragement: “You’re loved, you’re unique; Reach far and run free. Be all the things you dream you can be!” This mantra helps Wallace to face and overcome his challenges, and it encapsulates the book’s overarching themes well.
In the encouraging picture book Molly’s New Pony, Sir Wallace McGee, a pony’s hard work and courage help him to meet his goals with the assistance and support of others.”
