posted on 10 Apr 2025

Meg and Merlin: having fun by Tanya Landman, illustrated by Sonia Albert

I looked forward to reading the fourth story in this engaging series  about the special and sensitive relationship between a young girl, Meg and her pony, Merlin.

Although I have never been a horsey person, I know how much children of a certain age can be entranced by the world of gymkhanas and other fun events. The enthusiasm of the author shines through the story and I wonder if Meg’s experiences chime with her own childhood.

As before, Meg spends time with her friend Sam, who comes from an affluent background that is very different to her own. This doesn’t get in the way of their friendship but Sam’s mother proves to be difficult to like. When I read this with my eight-year-old grandson, he wondered why she was such an unpleasant character and suggested that ‘ she might have had a very strict time when she was a kid’. I guess that other readers might come to their own conclusions, but it is an interesting discussion point as most fictional moms are likeable. She is one of the tutors at the local riding school that is holding a Fun Day - Meg is quite anxious about it, although is very keen to go along.

Merlin the pony is an endearing character with clear likes and dislikes that Meg is well tuned to. He is also prone to sometimes getting over- excited and a bit ‘fizzy’ which she manages well. My grandson commented that ‘you need to try to understand animals because they are very sensitive creatures. They need kindness if you want them to do what you want’. Once again, I am sure that other readers will have views about this that would be a good basis for reflection.

I liked the way in which Merlin’s point of view is always considered by Meg; for example when he doesn’t want to go into an unfamiliar horse box but is forced to do so by Sam’s mom. We agreed with Meg who suggested that he needs to be gently coaxed to do new stuff and that this approach is a good idea for animals and people alike. Later the insensitive and impatient mom insists that he repeats a water jump on the cross-country course that he has initially shied away from. When she decides to ride him herself to ensure that he jumps, we were suitably outraged. But at the end of the day, all the riders receive rosettes including one for Sam’s mother for being a ‘Good Sport’. You will need to read the book for yourself to find out why.

This charming illustrated story is published by Barrington Stoke on the distinctive creamy coloured paper that is designed to make it accessible to all readers. It should be available from your local independent publisher who will order you a copy if not already on their shelves.

 

Karen Argent

 

April 2025