The Princess and the Pony

K-Gr 2—Rambunctious Princess Pinecone is the smallest warrior in her kingdom, but what she lacks in size, she makes up for in enthusiasm. Tired of receiving novelty sweaters for her birthday, Pinecone asks her parents for a big, strong battle horse—and receives a chubby little pony with a vacant expression, and incurable flatulence, instead. Though he doesn't fit the standard requirements of the typical trusty steed—"It's too small! It's too round! And I think its eyes are looking in different directions…(This was true, but only sometimes.)"—the little pony proves to be a surprising asset on the day of her great battle. Chunky, colorful digital illustrations provide plenty of detail to keep readers entertained; older children will enjoy exploring all of the different posters marking Pinecone's walls, or some of the sillier warriors in the battle fray, including one sneakily eating a hot dog. The text contains a healthy dose of alliteration and buzzwords that will boost vocabulary ("Pinecone was flabbergasted, flummoxed, floored!") while making for a fun read-aloud.