Book Review of Penny Bucks Back: A Pony’s Tale
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The Children’s Book Review
Penny Bucks Back: A Pony’s Tale
Written by Ellen Beeler
Illustrated by Alexandra Bono
Ages: 10+ | 100 Pages
Publisher: Wonder Horse Press (2026) | ISBN: 979-8218895990
What to Expect: Horses, animal cruelty, connections, friendship, compassion.
Told through the eyes of a pony who only ever wanted to belong, Penny Bucks Back asks readers to see cruelty, captivity, and kindness the way a horse does.
Penny is a loving and intelligent foal, who has wanted only one thing since her childhood—to bond with the humans and other horses around her without losing her sense of herself. However, from the moment she is separated from her mother, Penny’s feisty nature and stubborn streak make it difficult for the humans to love her—or to break her to their will. After years of fighting against their cruel desire for control and their indifference to her needs and desires, Penny gets is labelled “untrainable” and seems destined to be put down. But in the nick of time, a new group of humans rescue her—and these humans are different. Patient, kind, and gentle, they don’t mind Penny’s fiery personality, and they’re willing to wait as long as it takes to gain her trust. But can they be trusted?
Told from the point of view of a spirited but vulnerable young pony, Penny Bucks Back invites readers to learn compassion and empathy for horses by peeking inside Penny’s mind as she tries to understand the forced separations, physical cruelty, and boredom that she endures at the hands of humans. While pony rides, rodeos, and dressage may seem normal to readers at first, this insider perspective asks readers to reconsider these activities from the perspective of an animal that longs to run free, form herd attachments, and play in the grass. The result is a story that is heart-wrenchingly moving, as well as educational. Beautiful, simple pencil sketches capture the movement and grace of the horses, while bold, key words and a glossary at the end help readers learn more about horse handling and training as they read.
Perfect for readers who love animals and care deeply about animal welfare, Penny Bucks Back: A Pony’s Tale reminds us that horses are not so very different from the humans who control their destinies.
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About the Author
Ellen Beeler believes in the magic of connection, whether it’s between people, with nature, or especially with the magnificent spirit of horses. For twenty-four years, she guided young minds in Sonoma County, California, as a dedicated independent study teacher. After retiring in 2002, Ellen embarked on a personal journey, nurturing her natural gifts as a healer and empath.
Her world truly transformed at age fifty-six, when she met her first horse, Robin. It was a moment that sparked a deep passion, revealing the incredible wisdom and transformative power horses hold. Inspired by these gentle giants, Ellen became certified in SkyHorse EGE™ (Equine Guided Education), blending her intuitive abilities with her love for horses to help others navigate life’s big changes.
To Ellen, “family” is a big, beautiful word that extends beyond blood relatives to embrace cherished friendships with all manner of creation. When she’s not writing, you can find her sharing adventures with her beloved husband, doting on her mischievous kitty, or caring for her two wonderful horses, Penny and Shine. Ellen’s stories are woven with the heart, wisdom, and wonder she’s found in every hoofbeat and shared glance with her equine companions.
Ellen’s current work is called Steady Transitions. To find out more about Ellen and how she integrates EGE into her life and work, sign up for her newsletter at https://www.steadytransitions.com.
About the Illustrator
Alexandra Bono is a New York City–based illustrator and exhibited artist who finds inspiration in the beauty of nature and the world around us. With a background in contemporary art, she has helped shape creative spaces, including the downtown move of the Whitney Museum of American Art, and continues to champion arts education and access for curious minds.
Through her illustrations, Alexandra creates heartfelt stories that celebrate curiosity, imagination, and our connection to the natural world.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Penny Bucks Back: A Pony’s Tale. Learn more about getting a book review …
