When Polonius the pit pony escapes from the coal mine he’s worked in all his life, he joins a family of Travellers. Although he enjoys the freedom and the fresh air that their lifestyle offers, he wishes he could give something back to the family in return. When the chance arrives for him to do something to help, he rises to the challenge, and uses his intelligence and skills to save the day. Based on true events and retold by a master of the oral tradition, this story bears witness to the Traveller values of independence, initiative, courage and hard work.

About the Author

Richard O’Neill was born and brought up in a large traditional Romani family in the North of England. He is an award-winning storyteller and writer who tells his original stories in schools, museums, libraries and theatres across the UK.

A sixth-generation storyteller, he grew up in a vigorous oral storytelling tradition, learning his skills from some of the best Travelling storytellers in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Richard is the author of six children’s books published with Child’s Play, and his stories and plays have been broadcast on BBC Radio to be heard across the world.

In 2024, he was awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours List and in 2013, he was the recipient of the National Literacy Hero award.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Child's Play (International) Ltd
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 4 July 2018
• Edition ‏ : ‎ Illustrated
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1786281856
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1786281852
• Item weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 kg
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 9 years
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.5 x 0.2 x 10.4 inches
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool and up