About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing their first big performance, game, or competition and is struggling with pre-event jitters or a boastful teammate. It provides a relatable and humorous look at the reality of being a beginner in a world of experts. Keeker is an adventurous girl with a headstrong pony named Plum. When they enter their first horse show, they encounter Trixie, a 'know-it-all' who seems to do everything perfectly. The story focuses on the bond between a child and a pet, the value of trying your best, and learning that winning isn't the only way to have a successful day. It is a gentle, confidence-boosting choice for early readers or for sharing aloud with younger children who are navigating peer comparison.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is entirely secular and realistic. It deals with social exclusion and boastfulness in a direct, child-friendly manner. The resolution is realistic: Keeker doesn't necessarily 'beat' the show-off in a traditional sense, but she finds personal satisfaction and a hopeful perspective on her own progress.
