All That Glitters

November 21, 2016
Scott (School of Charm) kicks off her Enchanted Pony Academy series by introducing Daisy, a pale pink Glitter Pony, who worries that she hasn’t yet manifested a magical talent. At the academy, Daisy and her fellow students, which include winged pegaponies and horned uniponies, are trained in “the ways of magic so that they may assist the royal families in the hundred kingdoms.” Though Daisy’s talent isn’t revealed until the end, her growing self-confidence and other strengths are evident throughout. Though generically cartoony, occasional black-and-white line drawings (the artist is uncredited) help give a sense of Daisy’s world, and the magical mythology that Scott builds should pique readers’ interest in the subsequent books (Wings That Shine, Let It Glow, and Dreams That Sparkle), all available simultaneously. Ages 7–10. Agent: Jennifer Unter, Unter Agency.

November 1, 2016
A young pony learns about confidence and patience at the Enchanted Pony Academy. The Enchanted Pony Academy prepares magical Glitter Ponies to be pets of royal children. Daisy has sparkly Glitter Pony hooves, but hers don't produce glitter as the others' do, and she's never showed a sign of magic. She feels plain among the uniponies and pegaponies of her class, especially as most have already discovered their magic gifts. In a refreshing plot, her classmates don't ostracize her, and she spends the time allotted to gift-development in improving her knowledge of the school due to her own curiosity and desire to learn. Scott also subverts the standard trope of the forbidden adventure off school grounds: Daisy decides against going, then checks school maps and finds a path to their river destination (to meet the seaponies) that's completely on school grounds, allowing her to lead her friends and keep everyone out of trouble. Her stress over her lack of special gift reaches a peak with a surprise visit from their future royal owners and the need for Daisy to perform. Her schoolmates strategize extra cheering so the children know she's special by how beloved she is--and then her gift appears, cementing in her mind what the others already knew. Gentle, positive, and surprisingly introspective for the genre. (Fantasy. 7-10)

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November 1, 2016

Gr 1-3-This first installment in a new series introduces Daisy, a glitter pony who is unsure of her magical abilities. Daisy's hooves are sparkly, but they don't produce glitter when she walks, like those of the other magical ponies, so she worries she won't get into the Enchanted Pony Academy. Even after she has been accepted into the academy, she doubts that she is magical enough to be successful-the other ponies have amazing talents: glow-in-the-dark horns, the power to crush rocks with one hoof, and the ability to copy any sound. Daisy shows a lot of character; at one point, the other ponies want to leave the school grounds to see the sea ponies, but Daisy finds a way to see them without breaking the rules. This title will spark discussion about character building; adherence to the rules, persistence, and self-confidence are big themes. It has some black-and-white pictures, and the text is loosely spaced; this is a good confidence booster for readers making their first forays into chapter books. VERDICT A pleasant, easy option for kids who like rainbows and cute ponies.-Debbie Tanner, S D Spady Montessori Elementary, FL

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2016
Grades 2-5 Daisy is a glitter pony, but she doesn't feel like she fits in with the rest of the magical ponies getting ready to attend Enchanted Pony Academy. Her sparkly hooves are supposed to kick up clouds of glitter, but hers only produce dull dust. Will she be allowed to walk up the rainbow staircase, or will she have to go back to her farm with the rest of the regular ponies? This cute series opener for elementary-schoolers combines appealingly fluffy magical creatures with familiar themes of facing self-doubt, working hard, and striving for confidence despite differences. In addition to finally discovering her unique brand of magic, studious Daisy makes lots of new friends and charms the royal children, who might adopt her as a pet. Burns' cartoonish illustrations help break up the text, and the large font and short sentences make this a good fit for emerging readers. Fans of Lou Kuenzler's Princess DisGrace (2016) or any little one enamored with magical ponies should be delighted by this new series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)