Shire, Poppy

About the author

There’s an absolute dearth of biographical information on author Poppy Shire: usually this means a pseudonym’s being used. If it is, I’m afraid I have no idea who’s lurking behind the name. A bit more fuel to this particular fire is given by the fact the books are described as ‘a new perfectly-pitched and packaged magical series, guaranteed to enchant young readers.’ I’m presuming this is a publisher-developed series where the writing was farmed out.

The result, the Magic Pony Carousel series, takes six girls, gives them each a horse from the magic carousel, and sets them off on adventures.

Finding the books
All the books are in print, and are very easy to find secondhand.

Series

Magic Pony Carousel
Sparkle
Brightheart
Star
Jewel
Flame
Crystal


Bibliography


Sparkle

Macmillan Children’s, London, 2006, 86 pp, illus Strawberrie Donnelly
HarperTrophy, London, 2008

Megan loves ponies, so when she spots the Magic Carousel she can’t wait. Sparkle the circus pony is the perfect pony for her to choose. As the Carousel turns, Megan realises that she has left the fairground far behind- and is riding a real, live pony in a real circus tent. She soon discovers that the circus is in trouble – can Megan and Sparkle save the day?

Brightheart

Macmillan Children’s, London, 2006, 84 pp
HarperTrophy, London, 2008

Amy wants to ride the beautiful dark bay pony, Brightheart. She and her pony soon travel back in time to the days of the knights, and Amy must learn how to joust to help a prince.

Star

Macmillan Children’s, London, 2006, 80 pp, illus Strawberrie Donnelly
HarperTrophy, London, 2008

Laura loves ponies, and she can’t wait to ride Star the western pony. Her ride takes them back in time to the Wild West, where they must save a baby calf. Will Laura and Star be able to save the day?

Jewel

Macmillan Children’s, London, 2006, illus Strawberrie Donnelly
HarperTrophy, London, 2008

Sophie rides the black carousel pony Jewel, and they are whisked back in time. Together, they must capture a villain, return a stolen locket, and rescue their new friend, Lucy!

Flame

Macmillan Children’s, London, 2006, 78 pp, illus Strawberrie Donnelly

Chloe’s ride on the Magic Carousel is the palomino Flame. They are whisked off to the Arabian desert, where they help Mina solve a mystery.

Crystal

Macmillan Children’s, London, 2006, 85 pp, illus Strawberrie Donnelly
HarperTrophy, London, 2008

Emily rides caramel-coloured Crystal, and is whisked away to the snow-covered mountains. They go to a Spring Festival, and find there is danger looming. They must protect the villagers from an avalanche, and find a missing boy.