It is just before Christmas and Suzy is trying so hard to be good because she just knows that this year Santa is going to bring her a real live pony. She and her mother have moved to this small town in Montana after the death of Suzy’s father. Her mother, tries hard to keep her daughter’s belief in the magic of Christmas alive, knowing all the while it is a struggle to just provide the basics for her them. Hard pressed as she is, she has raised her daughter to have a good heart and when she makes some new friends, Mom finds out that Christmas miracles may sometimes happen in the real world.

Who hasn't wanted a pony for Christmas? Telling this story from the perspective of a 6 year old child is sheer genius. Children, in their innocence, are brutally honest in how they view the the world and yet are often completely oblivious to to the harsh realities of that world. Using Suzy’s voice, the author has done a fantastic job of putting a lot of exposition in this short read. Her child's ability to see good in all and to show kindness reverberates through the entire story.

While the outcome of the story is never in doubt, the people Suzy meets along the way make this a perfect Christmas read, and I am not ashamed to admit I shed a tear or two as a twist I did not expect showed itself. Carl’s history is compelling and even peripheral characters have a way of filling out the story.

Bev Pettersen has a impressive list of grown up books to her credit. This particular novella is perfect for readers ages 6-600 ( )

This is actually sweet, but not too sweet. Despite what seems to be a QH on the cover, it concerns standardbreds and thoroughbreds more than anything. Set in the 1960s, it shows the determination of Suzy to get a pony for Christmas. She digs up grass, for instance, to make sure she has something to fed it. It's cute and sweet, and a nice short read. ( )

A PONY FOR CHRISTMAS: A Holiday Novella
Story of Suzy and it's just a few weeks away from Christmas. She's walking home alone after school, trying to hide from the boys who will throw snowballs at her and she sees the old man who carries a garbage bag.
Her mother said they could go to the free fair the next day and all she can think about is a pony she wants for Christmas. She plans what she will feed him.
Love learning new things while I read a story. She overhears the men talking about the fairgrounds barn where Carl lives and they fear he will freeze to death.
The boss finds her mother fun and they laugh as Suzy is led to see Oreo, the goat where she also sees where Carl lives.
They are being treated like royalty! Like the ending how things all fall into place. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. ( )

This beautiful story will be sure to pull at your heartstrings! It was so sweet and touching to see things through this little girl's point of view. Definitely a feel - good novella! ( )