10+ Best Pony Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that combines adventure and the love of horses for your young reader? Look no further! Our list of Pony Books for 7-Year-Olds is packed with enchanting stories that are sure to captivate the imagination of any child fascinated by these majestic creatures. Keep reading to discover our carefully selected picks that promise to be an instant hit with your little equestrian enthusiast!

Fun Pony Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Pony Pals: I Want a Pony by Jeanne Betancourt
  • Illustrator: Paul Bachem
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young readers to Lulu, who desperately wants a pony. When she befriends two other girls who own ponies, they form the Pony Pals and have their first adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's great for encouraging friendship and problem-solving through engaging and relatable stories. The simple language and exciting plots make it easy for young readers to follow.
  • Perfect for: Young horse lovers and new readers looking for a series to dive into.

• My Pony by Susan Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A young girl dreams of having a pony and imagines all the adventures they would have together. The book beautifully illustrates her daydreams of riding and caring for her own pony.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and creativity, with stunning illustrations that capture the essence of childhood dreams about ponies.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and young artists, as well as children who love horses.

• Pony Scouts: Pony Crazy by Catherine Hapka
  • Illustrator: Anne Kennedy
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Early Reader
  • Synopsis: This story follows Meg, Jill, and Annie, the Pony Scouts, who are absolutely pony crazy. They spend their days learning all about the animals they adore at Jill’s farm.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to chapter books for young readers, with simple text and engaging content about teamwork and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are starting to read independently and have an interest in ponies.

• Magic Ponies: A Special Wish by Sue Bentley
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A little girl named Jessie finds a magic pony named Comet, and together, they embark on fantastical adventures. Jessie learns valuable lessons about friendship and confidence along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines enchanting fantasy elements with real-life issues, making it both captivating and educational.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fantasy and magic, as well as stories about personal growth and friendship.

• Billy and Blaze: A Boy and His Pony by C.W. Anderson
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This timeless story follows a young boy, Billy, and his pony, Blaze, as they go on various adventures together, showcasing their unbreakable bond.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches lessons about care, responsibility, and the special friendship between a child and their pet.
  • Perfect for: Children who love adventure stories and have a special place in their heart for animals, especially horses.

Educational Pony Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Pony Detectives: Mystery at Silver Pony Ranch by Belinda Rapley
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four friends come together at the Silver Pony Ranch and quickly find themselves embroiled in a thrilling mystery involving a missing prized pony.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, attention to detail
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging mystery that keeps readers guessing while teaching the value of collaboration and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and animal lovers who enjoy a good mystery.

• Pippa's Night Parade by Lisa Robinson
  • Illustrator: Lucy Fleming
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Pippa uses her creativity to solve problems when her magical toy ponies come to life at night, causing chaos and fun.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, problem-solving, imaginative play
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creative thinking and problem-solving in a whimsical, magical setting.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids who love fantasy and magical adventures.

• The Rescue Princesses: The Moonlight Mystery by Paula Harrison
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Princess Emily discovers an injured pony during a moonlit walk and with the help of her princess friends, sets out to save it and solve the mystery of its injury.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, teamwork, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of fantasy with real-world issues, teaching children about empathy and the importance of helping others.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about princesses and animals, and who are drawn to tales of adventure and friendship.

• Acorn: Hello, Crabby! by Jennifer Gray Olson
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Humor
  • Synopsis: An unlikely friendship forms between a grumpy pony and a cheerful crab, teaching lessons about friendship and differences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, understanding diversity, emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and heartwarming story that teaches important social lessons through delightful characters.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy graphic novels and stories that explore friendships in fun, unique ways.

• Sparkleton: The Magic Day by Calliope Glass
  • Illustrator: Hollie Mengert
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Early Chapter Book
  • Synopsis: Sparkleton, a whimsical pony, wishes for his most magical day ever, but when things don’t go as planned, he learns valuable lessons about the magic of being oneself.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-acceptance, resilience, imagination
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical story that encourages self-confidence and teaches that true magic comes from within.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical creatures and stories about self-discovery and personal growth.

Challenging Pony Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Secret Pony by Julie White
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: When Kirstie discovers a pony being kept secretly in her neighbor's shed, she becomes involved in a deep mystery that requires her to use her wit and courage.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates mystery elements and complex moral questions, making it a thought-provoking read for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about ethical decisions and bravery, wrapped in an engaging mystery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy mysteries and stories about courage and moral dilemmas.

• Pony Club Secrets: Mystic and the Midnight Ride by Stacy Gregg
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Issie loves her pony Mystic, and together they face both competitions and challenges, including a tragic event that tests their bond.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book deals with complex themes of loss and resilience, providing a more emotionally challenging read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping story of friendship and overcoming adversity, encouraging emotional growth.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who are ready for more sophisticated themes and emotional depth.

• The Girl Who Rode the Wind by Stacy Gregg
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Historical
  • Synopsis: An adventurous tale of a young girl who travels from Italy to the USA, learning about her family's past and competing in a world-famous horse race.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates historical elements and cultural insights, making it a rich and educational read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also imparts valuable historical knowledge and cultural understanding.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and those who love stories that blend adventure with learning about different cultures.

• Pony Club Rivals: The Audition by Stacy Gregg
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Georgie is determined to earn a spot at an elite equestrian boarding school, but competition is fierce, and challenges abound.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story explores themes of competition and ambition, encouraging readers to think about personal goals and integrity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a captivating look into the world of competitive horse riding, with a strong female protagonist who inspires persistence and hard work.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young equestrians and readers who enjoy stories about determination and achieving one's dreams.

• The Island of Lost Horses by Stacy Gregg
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure, Historical
  • Synopsis: Two girls from different times are connected through mysterious circumstances involving a shipwreck and a legendary ghost horse.
  • Why this book is challenging: The dual narrative and historical context provide a complex structure that challenges readers to keep track of multiple storylines and historical facts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fascinating blend of history and mystery that captivates and educates, encouraging critical thinking and a love for historical adventures.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy time-slip narratives and stories that intertwine past and present.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old dive into the magical world of pony books, here are some fun exercises to enhance their reading experience and develop good habits early on. These activities are designed to be engaging and beneficial, ensuring your little reader gets the most out of their adventure with books.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Set up a special corner in the house dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting environment that encourages regular reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or toys.

• Book-Themed Dress Up
  • What it is: Dress up as characters from the pony books during reading sessions.
  • How it helps: Enhances engagement and helps children connect more deeply with the story.
  • Tips: Keep it simple and fun using items you already have at home.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw a map based on the settings and events in the pony book.
  • How it helps: Aids in comprehension and recall of the story details.
  • Tips: Use large paper and colorful markers to make it exciting and visually appealing.

• Role-Playing
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with family or friends.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of the plot and characters while developing social skills.
  • Tips: Each participant can choose their favorite character to portray.

• Reading Aloud Together
  • What it is: Take turns reading pages or chapters aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Builds vocabulary and pronunciation skills.
  • Tips: Use expressive voices to make the reading more interesting and lively.

• Discussion Time
  • What it is: Set aside time after reading to discuss the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and personal interpretation.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to stimulate thought and conversation.

• Illustration Station
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book after reading.
  • How it helps: Reinforces memory and allows creative expression.
  • Tips: Provide a variety of art supplies such as crayons, colored pencils, and watercolors.

These exercises are not only fun but also incredibly beneficial in fostering a love for reading and developing essential literacy skills. By incorporating these activities into your reading routine, you'll help your child form a deep, lasting connection with the wonderful world of pony books. Happy reading!