Ponies were always coming and going at the barn, that was nothing new, but as summer begins the girl with the long blonde hair notices something about the newest pony to arrive that she can’t quite put her finger on.
This pony is ordinary, ugly even and on top of that, she is mean. But the girl doesn’t seem to care, she is drawn to her and determined to earn the pony’s trust.
Over the course of the summer, the pair develop an incredible bond. But, tragically, as summer ends the two are separated. Readers will eagerly turn the pages to find out if the girl and the pony will ever see each other again.
The beautiful illustrations throughout this picture book bring to life an emotional journey that will make readers of all ages cry, smile, and cheer as it reminds us all to follow our dreams.
Kathy Simmers always wanted to live on a farm with horses. When she was twelve years old, she started taking riding lessons. At nineteen she bought her first horse. It seemed like she was well on her way, but life doesn’t always go in a straight line. Though Kathy faced many obstacles she never gave up on her dream. Today Kathy & her husband live on a farm in North Carolina with horses, llamas, a small herd of goats, cats, a dog, and some chickens.
Kathy’s journey is the inspiration for her stories. The girl with the long blonde hair is her daughter and the true story that Jump the Moon is based on unfolded before her eyes. Living it was initially exciting, at times heartbreaking and ultimately one of the most inspiring experiences she has ever known.
Marjorie Van Heerdan was three months old the first time she “rode” a horse. Her best friend as a child was her horse, Billy Boy.
She grew up on a farm on the southernmost tip of Africa, where she drew what she saw around her: animals and people and dragons and monsters and fairies. Today they appear in her more than 120 children’s books. Her award-winning work has been translated into thirty-five languages and has been published in Africa, England, Europe, the United States, China, and Malaysia.
Check out what our readers think about the story of Me Too and the girl with the long blonde hair.
The magic of Jump the Moon is a gift for anyone who has loved a horse and is sure to be treasured for a lifetime.
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A one-of-a-kind literary adventure on the farm of award-winning author Kathy Simmers.