Written by Jan Peck · Illustrated by Herb Leonhard (Arcadia Publishing)
Saddle up for a rootin’-tootin’ read-aloud! With bouncy rhyme, sunny prairies, and a brave little rider. A friendly parade of prairie animals greets a young cowgirl and her pony—prairie dogs popping up to say hello, a jackrabbit zipping by, a coyote yipping on a distant ridge, even a mighty buffalo thundering past—until a sweet surprise at the trail’s end.
About the Book
Head out across the American prairie in this rhythmic read-aloud adventure! As a brave cowgirl trots along on her little pony, she calls “Howdy!” to the animals that share the grasslands: prairie dogs, jackrabbits, raccoons, horned toads, armadillos, coyotes, buffalo, and longhorns. Each friendly greeting invites readers to notice the sounds, shapes, and movements of prairie wildlife—and to celebrate the big sky wonder of the West.
Written in musical verse and paired with vibrant illustrations, Way Out West on My Little Pony introduces young readers to the creatures and habitats of the prairie, blending storytime warmth with gentle nature learning and a heart-warming ending.
Perfect for: preschool & early readers, prairie/grassland units, rhyme and rhythm lessons, and Western theme days.
Buy the Book:
• Buy on Amazon
• Buy from Arcadia Publishing
Peek at the Back Cover:
What Readers Say
T.John Alexander
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2010
I love Jan Peck’s books. I have bought all of them for my grandchildren. Jan is an imaginative and colorful writer of childrens’ books and I recommend all her books for anyone who has small children or grandchildren.
Teacher Tip: Invite kids to “echo read” the rhyming lines and clap the rhythm.
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2013
We checked this out from the library & my children loved it so much we had to order a copy. They have started to recite it, and they act it out on their stick horses. Great book.
• “A lively, rhythmic ride—kids love chiming in!”
• “Pairs perfectly with cowboy/cowgirl day and western themes.”
Activities & Printables
• Printable Coloring Page – Pony & Prairie Animals
• Rhyme_and_Ride_Classroom_Activities
Try this: Draw a simple trail map from home to the sunset. Add three landmarks (cactus, creek, windmill). Tell the story of your ride!
Author’s Note
I grew up out in Texas country. This story celebrates courage, kindness, and coming home—with a pony who’s as brave as can be.
Buy the Book:
• Buy on Amazon
• Buy from Arcadia Publishing