In the forests of Siberia, in the first years of the 20th century, a white pony runs free with his herd. But his life changes forever when he's captured by men. Years of hard work and cruelty wear him out. When he's chosen to be one of 20 ponies to accompany the Englishman Robert Falcon Scott on his quest to become the first to reach the South Pole, he doesn't know what to expect. But the men of Scott's expedition show him kindness, something he's never known before. They also give him a name—James Pigg. As Scott's team hunkers down in Antarctica, James Pigg finds himself caught up in one of the greatest races of all time. The Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen has suddenly announced that he too means to be first to the Pole. But only one team can triumph, and not everyone can survive—not even the animals.
The Winter Pony
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Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
A little white pony dreams of a sparkling gate in a cold, snowy place: a welcoming entrance to a pony heaven of sorts. The vision comforts him on what will be the harsh and cruel saga of his life on the pony team of Robert Falcon Scott’s mission to the South Pole from 1910 to 1912. Dubbed James Pigg by his kindly handlers, our pony narrates in sparkling prose this heartbreaking tale of toil, adventure, and herculean effort against all odds. Desperate to keep up with the faster, stronger ponies and prove himself against the snarling dogs, Jimmy Pigg battles for his survival every day. “I didn’t want him to see that I was hurt. An injured pony was a dead pony,” he muses when his human teammate Patrick tends to him. Young readers will question the ethics of the doomed journey, one that later generations would see was not planned carefully enough compared to Roald Amundsen’s successful mission. They’ll also need warning of the gruesome pony deaths. That said, Lawrence tells a most compelling tale. Grades 5-8. --Anne OMalley
About the Author
IAIN LAWRENCE's previous novels include The Giant-Slayer, The Seance, Gemini Summer, B for Buster, Lord of the Nutcracker Men, Ghost Boy, The Lightkeeper's Daughter, as well as the Curse of the Jolly Stone trilogy: The Convicts, The Cannibals, and The Castaways; and the High Seas trilogy: The Wreckers, The Smugglers, and The Buccaneers.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Julimil
Format:Hardcover
I'm a long time fan of Iain Lawrence and have loved every one of his books, Even though written for young people, he delves deeply into dark and disturbing themes and keeps the suspense level high. These books are definitely page-turners! Winter Pony is different, though. It is exquisitely written and a real pleasure to read, but the tale is so tragic I had to stop often and not only reach for the kleenex but just get some distance. Several times I had to say out loud, "How could he have stood to write this book? It's so sad!" At the end of the story, the author actually explains just how painful it was for him to keep writing. I think this would be a great book to share with children and segue into meaningful conversations on serious issues.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Wow!There aren't enough adjectives to describe how wonderful this book is. If I was cranky the next morning, It's Mr. Lawrence's fault because I couldn't stop reading.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I loved this heartbreaking story of Captain Scott's fatal journey to the South Pole, told from the point of view of one of the ponies he took with him. This is a well written book and the author obviuosly put much research and heart into this story. You can't help but fall in love with James Pigg, the pony from Siberia, as he tries his best to help Captain Scott and his dedicated team reach their goal. If you already know the end, you will still find yourself cheering for man and beast as they struggle against the elements. It is a story of determination, incredible fortitude and devotion. I made the mistake of reading the final chapters on the bus, on my way home from work. My sobbing caused other passengers to become concerned. This may be a difficult read from some sensitive young people but I rate it with my childhood favourites; Black Beauty, Old Yeller and The Yearling.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Let tender-hearted and young readers be advised! This is a sad and tragic story, albeit beautifully told. Depicting the fatal expedition of Robert Falcon Scott (to Antarctica), it is narrated by the working pony James Pigg. The poignant and heartfelt aspect of this story is that the reader truly gets into the heart and mind of this sweet pony. For readers like myself who are not passionate about horses, nor "understand" them, by the end of the book you will come to love, admire and respect these remarkable animals. In and with learning about pony culture, readers are exposed to the cruelty of man, as well as man's sincerity and kindness. The background, and indeed the foreground, of the story is the brilliant clarification of the perilous trek across the frozen, treacherous, yet amazingly breathtaking landscape at the bottom of the world.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Grandpa Jon
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a great book. It is well written (from the pony's point of view). It is not a warm fuzzy read for nine-year-olds...best for teens and adults (in my opinion) as it deals with very harsh realities of (pony) life, given the job and purpose of the times and polar exploration mission.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Terry
Format:Hardcover
This was an excellent book about Scott's expedition to the South Pole told from a pony's point of view. It was interesting and gripping and I loved the book, right up to the poignant ending. Not easy to stop thinking about.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By jayden robyn
Format:Hardcover
I found this book to be fun, informative, and sad all at the same time. James Pigg is a great main character, and as he described the setting and other horses and humans, I could easily picture what he was talking about. I was interested from start to finish, what with the horse sense, action, and historical facts, and will definitely be adding this to my shelf.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By CCode
Format:Kindle Edition
Well written from a hoses viewpoint. Made me feel like I was right there with the exposition. Man today would not make it near as far as these men did.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Nothing against the writing, but really not kid-friendly
This book is really tragic. It is simply not appropriate for children and young teens, in my opinion. My daughter is 11 and reads at a 12th grade-level. Read more
Published 1 month ago by TWebster
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing!
This book was a wonderful book to read at free times. Horse lovers will love it and is great for both kids and adults.
Published 5 months ago by Lee McCoy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Deeply Moving Story
This book is a difficult and sad read told from the point of view of a pony participating in the race between two explorers to reach the South Pole first. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Hilary Hyland
5.0 out of 5 stars
Teens and adults will love this!
The story of Robert Scott's quest to be the first man to reach the South Pole is told by a white pony. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Heidi G
1.0 out of 5 stars
not for 12 year old horse lovers
My 12 year old daughter read this and hated it. Parents should be aware that ALL the characters die. The main character, the pony, dies as the people that she trusted shoot her. Read more
Published 6 months ago by m sunshine
