Ride North
Angry with her father and his plans to move house, Folly runs away with her pony, Tooth, heading for Cape Reinga in the very north of New Zealand. There are adventures – exciting ones – but what I really love about this book is that Folly and Tooth talk. To each other.
This is never explained; it just happens. And at first, I was waiting for that explanation. Yet the more the story proceeds, the less and less I needed it. Because what’s so entertaining is that Tooth is a horse, with a horse’s perspective on the world, and all his conversations with Folly reflect that.* It’s what makes the book so charming, and such readable, unexpected fun.
* One brief example - slightly edited – of an exchange while Folly is brushing Tooth down.
‘Tooth, do you like me.’
‘Sure.’
‘I mean, really. Like a best friend.’
‘Well, you’re not a person and you’re still my best friend.’
He was silent. ‘Thank you. I know that means a lot to you.’ After a moment, he added, ‘A little more to the left, please.’
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