About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is witnessing peer-to-peer intimidation for the first time or if you are looking for a way to discuss standing up for siblings. It is a helpful tool for children who feel small or powerless in the face of neighborhood bullies, providing a safe, imaginative space to explore agency and protective instincts. The story follows Natty, a young girl who discovers she can rely on her magic pony to help her protect her brother Jamie from Smudger Evans and his intimidating gang. While the conflict centers on the attempted theft of a bike helmet, the deeper heart of the book is about the bond between siblings and the courage required to say no to unfair treatment. It is an ideal bridge between early readers and more complex chapter books, offering a blend of realistic social dynamics and comforting magical realism. Parents will appreciate how it models loyalty and bravery without being overly preachy.
