Quicksand Pony, The

Reach for this book when your child is navigating the weight of family secrets, the heavy silence of grief, or the anxiety of re-entering a social world after a period of withdrawal. Set against the rugged Australian coastline, this story follows two parallel journeys: Biddy, who loses her horse to quicksand, and Joe, a 'wild' boy who has lived in isolation with his mentally ill mother. It is a profound exploration of how we survive the unthinkable and eventually find our way back to community. While the plot features high-stakes survival and a compelling mystery, its true heart lies in the depiction of emotional resilience. Parents will appreciate the sensitive handling of Joycie's mental health and Joe's subsequent mourning. Recommended for readers aged 9 to 13, it offers a safe space to discuss the complexities of parental loss and the courage required to trust others after being alone for so long.