Families who loved Good-Bye Pony by Jeanne Betancourt often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is facing a transition, specifically the difficult task of saying goodbye to a beloved pet or moving on from a cherished hobby. While the story centers on the Pony Pals girls, the core of the book is a deeply relatable exploration of grief, the necessity of change, and the power of a supportive social circle during times of loss. Jeanne Betancourt captures the authentic emotional weight that children place on their relationship with animals. It is particularly appropriate for elementary-aged readers who are beginning to navigate the bittersweet reality that growing up often involves leaving certain things behind. Parents will find this a useful tool to normalize feelings of sadness while emphasizing that letting go does not mean forgetting. It provides a roadmap for how to lean on friends when your heart is heavy.