Mary Stolz (1920 - 2006)

American author, mainly of children's stories. Born in Boston. She started writing when suffering from arthritis and having to rest. She wrote over 60 children's books, including 2 Newbery Honor winners. She was one of the first authors to write young adult stories, but also wrote for younger age groups. Two of her children's books form a short pony series for younger readers.

Polly Series:

1) FERRIS WHEEL
(HARPER COLLINS [USA] 1977)
SUMMARY: When Polly's best friend moves away at the beginning of summer, Polly is left with only her awful brother and her buckskin pony Blondel for company. Not surprisingly she prefers the company of Blondel but longs for a human friend too.

2) CIDER DAYS
(HARPER  COLLINS [USA] 1978)
Reprinted by Harper
SUMMARY: Polly's new friend Consuela now shares Blondel but the friendship is threatened by Consuela's homesickness for Mexico and her father.

Collector's Info:
Easy to find in the USA, though harder elsewhere.