Winona's Pony Cart (Betsy-Tacy)

Winona Root longs for a pony in this charming children's novel, first printed in 1953, but set in the early years of the twentieth century. Her mother, who already worries that she is too tomboyish, doesn't approve of the idea, but Winona still dreams of being given an equine companion of her own,

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especially as her eighth birthday approaches. A friendly extrovert, Winona ends up inviting far more children to her party than her mother, who had carefully planned a fifteen-child celebration, is aware of. Fortunately all turns out well, with the help of some baklava contributed by the little Syrian children from over the hill. Then, when Jingles the pony arrives, complete with his own little cart, Winona imagines that her fondest wish has been granted. But has it...?

One of three Deep Valley books associated with Maud Hart Lovelace's classic ten-book Betsy-Tacy series - the other two being Emily of Deep Valley and Carney's House Party - Winona's Pony Cart is the last of the thirteen books set in this fictional version of Mankato, Minnesota that I have read. I'm not sure why it took me so long to get to it - I read the other books some years ago - but I am glad that I finally did. Unlike the other two Deep Valley titles, which seem more teen oriented, this one is aimed at younger children, and is suitable for the same age as the first four Betsy-Tacy books. Winona is a willful but winsome heroine, clearly a little spoiled, but also generous and quite democratic. I really appreciated that she invited Scundar, Marium and Faddoul - the little Syrian immigrant children who lived in the "Little Syria" settlement near Deep Valley, and who first appeared in Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill - and that she thereby demonstrated to her mother (and to the reader of the 1950s) that they should be welcomed into the wider society. Just one of many very nice touches to this vintage, but somehow also contemporary-feeling tale. Recommended to all fans of Maud Hart Lovelace's Deep Valley, and to young children who dream of having a pony of their own...

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I’ve read all but the last two Betsy-Tacy books but this was the first Deep Valley book I’ve read. I hadn’t felt that interested in reading the rest of these books and was not expecting to love this. I did really like it and I do plan to eventually read the last two Betsy-Tacy books and the

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other two Deep Valley books.

This story was a hoot. It was a blast seeing the lead up to the birthday party and wondering how it would all turn out. I love Winona’s dog. What a great dog. I liked Winona better than I thought I would. She makes for a great friend and to all sorts of people and I loved that. Her family was interesting too. I enjoyed seeing Bety, Tacy, and Tib even though they have minor roles. I do think this book is one I’d have enjoyed much more as a child than I did reading it as I did well into adulthood, but I’m still glad that I got to it. Incredibly quick read for this short children’s novel.

Lovely illustrations too.

3-1/2 stars

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