Love – The Glue That Binds

The Shadow Pony by Olivia Wakeford (illustrated by David Litchfield) is the most charming contemporary children’s novel that I adored. It is suitable for the over tens. It is beautifully illustrated too.

The story is set in Wales and has Aberuraun Colliery as its’ focus. Following a school trip, lead character eleven-year-old Evan desires to find out more about the pit ponies that worked the mines.

Evan’s Grandad used to work in the mine and is haunted by a past event.

There is power in a story. It is in sharing stories that memories can be passed down the generations. We all want to know our personal histories.

We see the difficulties that arise when living with someone with a mental illness. Twelve-year-old Melly’s Mum has bi-polar. This is hard for Melly as sometimes her Mum has to be hospitalised.

Evan’s Grandad is becoming forgetful. This, in turn, leads to anger and frustration.

An eleven-year-old feels pushed out after the birth of a baby brother. He takes his frustrations out in bullying those who do not fight back.

Families can be complicated affairs but it is ultimately love that holds them all together.

We see the dedication of a pit pony to those who show kindness. When in need of a rescue, a pit pony appears, leading those in distress to safety.

The Shadow Pony is a very beautiful tale about families. They come in all different forms. Sometimes family members rub each other up the wrong way but ultimately family members show love and are loved.

I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON