My Chincoteague Pony

Reach for this book when your child is facing the frustration of wanting something they cannot yet have, or when they need to understand that achieving a big goal requires steady, quiet effort. It is a beautiful resource for teaching the value of earning something through hard work and the grace of accepting help when things don't go exactly as planned. Julie dreams of owning a wild Chincoteague pony, but the path to the auction is paved with chores and savings. While the story is rooted in the specific tradition of the pony penning on Assateague Island, its themes of patience, delayed gratification, and the kindness of strangers are universal. With Susan Jeffers's signature soft watercolor illustrations, this book provides a gentle, realistic look at responsibility and the emotional maturity required to care for a living creature. It is ideal for children aged 4 to 8 who are beginning to navigate the space between wishing and doing.