In memory of the real Star, the best saddle-pony any little girl could ever
want.
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QUESTIONS
1. What type of animal did Sara Jordan want?
2. What did Sara's parents give her for her birthday?
3. How did Star react when Sara was noisy? How should you behave when you are around horses?
4. When Sara stayed outside in the barn, what did her father tell her not to do?
5. What happened when Sara disobeyed?
6. Did Star mean to hurt Sara? Why did he run into her?
A NOTE TO PARENTS: There must be very few little girls who do not want a pony at some point. Girls just seem to love horses.
Unfortunately, some of the books written about horses do not teach a realistic or safe attitude toward animals; horses are depicted
as being almost human-like in their intelligence and naturally gentle. When the child doesn't have experience with real horses, she
may believe this sentimental view of equines. While there ARE wonderfully gentle horses who love children, it's best to teach a child
early how to behave safely around horses. Too many children (one was a little girl who lived very close to me) have been badly
hurt even by small ponies. This is not intended to be a negative view, but a realistic one, and I hope this story will teach girls a little
bit about horse safety and also some basic vocabulary. There may be other advice that you, as the parent, wish to add. Of course,
there is no substitute for parents' or a riding instructor's supervision while a young child is around horses.