Aspen Willow

Kelpie and Moonbeam's Big Surprise Aspen Willow

Kelpie Harper doesn't think she will ever be able to truly consider any other place as her home. But when her parents tell her that they are packing up and leaving the city to move to the country, she doesn't have much choice. This is a chapter book, perfect for grade level 3-9. Buying a beautiful cottage just up the road from someone Kelpie loves dearly, Kelpie's parents surprise her with the bittersweet news that she is going to be her grandmother's new neighbor. As exciting as it will be to visit her grandma every day, she can't imagine leaving behind her best friend, her school, and all that she has ever known as home. But the move becomes more enticing when Kelpie realizes that instead of having to wait for a visit to her grandmother's farm just to see Moonbeam, she will now be able to ride her pony anytime she wishes. But when Moonbeam starts slowing down on the trails, the vet informs Kelpie that the pony needs some time off from riding. While she waits, Kelpie's parents surprise her with the news that she is going away to Whistling Winds Dude Ranch to pony camp where she will get to ride with real cowboys! Though Kelpie is warned to stay away from one of the rowdy ponies on the ranch, she takes a dare from the resident 'mean girl' and vows to learn to ride him to prove that he isn't as unpredictable as everyone thinks. But when Kelpie climbs on Rebel's back for the first time, the pony bolts through the open gate and the two become hopelessly lost in the Montana wilds! After saving him from a quick sand marsh, fighting their way out of a rattlesnake den, and almost losing their lives to a pride of hungry cougars, Kelpie and Rebel are forever joined at the heart. But when Kelpie's parents blame their daughter's plight on Rebel and tell her that she must give the pony up to a meat buyer at the auction, Kelpie is forced to do something daring to save Rebel's life!