Pony Express Book Review & Giveaway (Ends 2/25)

BOOKS! Oh, how I love reading books – and my kids do too. I still read books with them, especially if the books take us to fun, happy places during the long cold Minnesota winters.

I previously introduced to you a children’s author named Carla Crane Osborne, who wrote a lovely children’s book called “Under the Barnyard Light.” It’s a story about family farm life. Carla grew up on her family’s farm in southern Idaho, helping to care for the horses, cattle and sheep, and writes books that share glimpses of the joy and fun she had as a kid. Now as an adult Carla still lives on a 15-acre farm, and shares stories with her four children and six grandchildren.

And now she has a new book called “Pony Express.” It’s the first book in her new series, “Go Gona Go!”

My kids and I read this book together, and we recommend it for all families.

What’s it about?

Gona is the name of the main character – an adventurous girl who helps her family on their farm, just like the author Carla did. She loves going on imaginary adventures with her brother, and in the book, they pretend to be Pony Express riders, racing across the Wild West to deliver the mail.

Gona is so excited to play that she promises to do her reluctant brother’s chores. But once he agrees there are many laughs as they ride out on the fields.

My kids listened intently as I read the book to them, and my daughter said it was a good story about not giving up. As they’re playing, Gona and her brother team up to accomplish a stunt with one of the horses, but like many things, it takes more than one try!

The book, “Pony Express,” is beautifully illustrated by Michael Dennis Crane, who also grew up on Carla’s family farm.

I love that this book is about kids creatively having fun – no TVs or video games, or distractions. Just simple, imaginative fun in the outdoors! (After they do their chores, of course!)