by Jane Gardam
First published 1981
Bridget lives on a farm with her parents and her beloved pony William. When severe weather strikes, the family faces financial hardship that threatens their way of life. Bridget worries she will be forced to part with William, the pony she treasures above all else. The thought of losing her companion fills her with dread as the farm struggles under the weight of the bad conditions. Just when things look most dire, William proves his worth in an unexpected way. The pony steps forward during a crucial moment and becomes the unlikely savior the family needs. Through William's brave actions, he transforms from a potential burden into the hero who saves the day. Bridget discovers that sometimes the things we fear losing most are exactly what we need to hold onto.
Genres: fiction, family-life, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, unlikely-hero
Setting: Farm
Period: 20th-century
46 pages · Hardcover · Julia MacRae Books