The Pony Whisperer

"The cover of Rising's latest equine tale doesn't advertise its supernatural content, instead focusing on another key ingredient: a girl's connection with her pony. Originally published in the UK in 2009, this series starter introduces Pia, the new girl in town, who tells the story as only a young teenager can. "It's not like [my dad's new girlfriend] is drop-dead gorgeous, just thin and pale with a face as long as Drum's tail. Yuck." Drummer, her pony, is her only comfort, and soon he is settled in his new stable despite a dustup with another young pony owner. Friction between girls always offers drama, but Rising soon adds a magical element: Pia and Drummer trip on a small statue of a horse and rider, and they soon discover it allows Pia to hear Drummer's and other ponies' thoughts. Entertainingly, the ponies converse much like their human owners, and Pia's popularity at her new school surges when her gift becomes known. Complications ensue, but Pia is a likable and sensible narrator throughout." — Booklist" — Booklist

"Horse lovers of all ages will find The Pony Whisperer enchanting. Pia is a thoroughly admirable main character... The stable, fields, riding, and the assorted ponies with their various issues are wonderfully and realistically presented. Real riding problems, issues with tack, even equine illness all play a role. The story will delight any young rider, or would-be rider. Who doesn't imagine they understand just what their horse wants — or wishes they could? I cannot wait for Ms. Rising's next book: The Pony Whisperer Team Challenge. This is easily the best YA book I have read this year, and likely the best overall." — Aurora Reviews" — Aurora Reviews

"This series is highly recommended. Each book is very good and entertaining, and I liked all of them. The characters felt wonderful, and the plots (for the most part) felt smooth and concise. I don't know how younger readers would take this series, but I would be majorly delighted to give them the chance to read about Pia and her adventures in pony whispering. The horses themselves become an integral, respected, and funny part of the cast. Horse lovers especially will gobble these books up. I know I really look forward to continuing on with Pia's adventures." — Dreaming in Books

"There is just something about horses. But a girl who can talk to horses? That's something really special... This sweet and endearing book will be read over and over this summer and wishes upon stars will be made to once, just once, be able to pontificate with a pony. (Kiwi magazine)" — Kiwi Magazine

"The Pony Whisperer: The Word on the Yard by Janet Rising is a new series that plays to every horse lover's dream: being able to communicate with horses. There's a little bit of magic and a lot of everyday worries for tweens and young teens. Issues to discuss in a mother-daughter book club with girls aged 9 to 12 include friendships, making judgments about people, parents dating after divorce, and more." — Mother Daughter Book Club" — Mother Daughter Book Club

"This middle grade book is a quick read and I would think an animal lover would enjoy it." — Reading Vacation" — Reading Vacation