My Little Pony: Misty’s Tale

K-Gr 2–Wicked Opaline wants to take over the land of Equestria. She enlists a little Alicorn named Misty to steal Sparky, the pet dragon of a group of magical ponies called the Mane 5. Opaline wants to use the dragon’s fire to destroy magic. Misty becomes instant pony friends with Izzy of the Mane 5 and is conflicted about turning against the group. But Opaline has promised to get a cutie mark for Misty if she brings her Sparky. The task proves harder than it’s supposed to be, and eventually Misty must decide whether she will stand up to Opaline and save her new friends. In this early reader, young My Little Pony fans get their first literary taste of the fantasy series. Followers will recognize the visual prerequisites of the franchise, including rainbow manes and magical swirls of butterflies, hearts, and stars. References to cutie marks, Alicorns, and brandings of achievement and identity will support youngsters familiar with the world to follow the story. Cartoon artwork shows pink and turquoise ponies; an imposing Opaline gets a full-page close-up of dark purple evil. Her suitably malevolent expressions add some serious drama to the proceedings, along with compelling themes of bravery, friendship, and the struggle to be one’s best self.