The Pony and the Starling

A gentle story of friendship to take readers through the cold winter months: The Pony and the Starling by Jennifer McGrath and Kristina Jones.

A grey pony is out in the field when a murmuration of starlings swoops down, circles around and then leaves again, one starling stays behind. Wherever the pony goes, the starling is right there beside it. When winter comes to the pasture, the starling disappears and the girl and her mother wonder if this beautiful friendship has run its course. Only the spring time will determine if the starling should return.

Inspired by the friendship of author Jennifer McGrath’s own pony, Lady Fiona, and a little starling in her own paddock. The Pony and the Starling is a rich and revealing story about friendship in its most innocent form…the friendship of two animals. Where the pony goes, the starling follows, two animals just being together for companionship, for extra worms in the morning. Whatever it is they need from each other it is given freely and without reservation because that’s how animals are. It’s a wonderful depiction for readers who can take this story of give and take with them into their own friendships. It’s a reminder of what good friendship can look like, feel like and sound like.

Kristina Jones’ illustrations create magic throughout the pages. Much like the friendship of the pony and starling, the collaboration between Jennifer McGrath’s words and Kristina Jones’ pictures reveals the entirety of the narrative. The illustrations exude softness, gentleness and a quiet respect between two beings.