Keiko’s Pony Rescue

• High Hopes
• Cherry Blossom Farm
• Early Birds and a Night Owl
• Henhouse Helpers
• The Naturals
• Marigold in Trouble
• Barnyard Slumber Party
• Keiko’s Confession
• A Winning Plan
• New Arrivals

High Hopes

Keiko Hayashi is busy on her volunteering shift at Rosa’s Refuge Animal Shelter, along with her best friends, Jasmine Arroyo, Sofia Davis, and Madison Rosen. At the moment Keiko is brushing the fur of a fluffy, pint-size dog. Jasmine says that Keiko can name the dog, since Keiko was the first volunteer to see her when she arrived. They’re currently waiting for Jasmine’s mother, Dr. Arroyo, to give the dog her first checkup.

Keiko thinks about the name. The dog is a Pomeranian. Keiko says her mom had a Pomeranian when she was living in Okinawa, Japan. So, how about calling the dog Oki? Sofia squeals, exclaiming the name is perfect. It’s cute, just like the dog. And she’s so adorable that she’ll probably be adopted quickly.

Sofia sighs, and looks longingly at Oki. She’s wanted a dog for a long time, but hasn’t been able to convince her parents she’s responsible enough. The other girls all smile at their friend sympathetically.

Dr. Arroyo guides the girls through how she looks at Oki’s vital signs, such as the dog’s breathing, temperature and weight, and heart rate and rhythm. Dr. Arroyo explains that if the vital signs are healthy, it means the dog is healthy. She’ll write down everything in Oki’s chart. Oki has a temperature of 102° Fahrenheit.

Keiko is nervous that Oki has a fever with a temperature that high, but Dr. Arroyo explains that in dogs, it’s normal for a dog to have that high of a temperature. Keiko relaxes, tucking her hair behind her ear. Thank goodness that Oki’s not sick. She already has enough to worry about.

Madison asks Keiko what’s going on, and Keiko explains that she entered an art contest. She really wants to win, but she doesn’t know if she will, and that’s been making her anxious lately. The local art museum is sponsoring it, and if she wins, her drawings will be part of a special exhibit. Then she’ll be a real artist.

Sofia confidently states that of course Keiko will win. Besides, Keiko’s already a real artist. Madison agrees, after all, Keiko is the best artist in their grade.

Keiko shrugs; she’s not quite convinced. Either way, she’ll be leaving soon to visit her aunt’s farm for two weeks. That’ll take her mind off the contest. Sofia thinks that’s so cool. Keiko will be able to hang out with lots of different animals.

Keiko’s aunt is a photographer, and Keiko used to show off her aunt’s photos of the famous cherry blossom trees in Japan. They’d even been displayed in art galleries in Tokyo. But since her marriage to Uncle Henry, they’d bought a farm together. They have chickens, cows, pigs, and sheep. They sell eggs, vegetables, and homemade butter.

Madison props her elbow on the exam table and slumps. Keiko will have so much fun, Madison wishes they could all go. Keiko’s eyes brighten. She can ask her aunt and uncle if all the girls can come along. They love introducing new people to the farm. As long as they can all help out.

Jasmine is eager to help with the animals. She looks toward her mother. Dr. Arroyo says if it’s okay with Keiko’s aunt and uncle and her parents, it’s okay with her. Madison and Sofia say they’ll ask their parents at home.

Keiko claps her hands, excited that she may company on the trip. Visiting the farm with her friends will be even more fun.

Cherry Blossom Farm

Three weeks later, the four girls squish themselves into Keiko’s parents’ minivan for the two hour drive to the farm. Keiko’s mother says there’ll be a pond to swim in. That’s why her sister chose that farm—she loves the water. Keiko giggles. It’s good to see her friends so excited to visit the farm, but nobody is more excited than her. Not only does she get to see her aunt and uncle and the animals, but she’ll get to spend time drawing and painting. She’s going to sketch every day. That way, if she wins, she will have even more sketches to add to the exhibition.

Jasmine reminds Keiko that it’s not if she wins, but when she wins.

Before they know it, the minivan is turning onto a long dirt road and passing under an arch that reads CHERRY BLOSSOM FARM. There’s a lovely flower on the sign, which Keiko knows was designed by her aunt. On one side of the road, cows and goats graze lazily in the sun. On the other side, the girls see a bright red barn with bales of hay stacked inside. And in front of them is a large yellow farmhouse with a wide wraparound porch and pots of pink flowers. On the porch is a cat licking her paws and grooming herself. It’s the perfect scene.

When they step out of the car, they see Aunt Yumi and Uncle Henry. Aunt Yumi is wearing faded jeans, a light blue t-shirt, and muddy boots. Another, slightly older woman, is standing next to them. Keiko runs to the steps and gives her aunt a big hug. Her uncle steps back, and exclaims how tall she’s gotten.

Keiko introduces Sofia, Madison, and Jasmine as her best friends. Aunt Yumi introduces her friend Grace, who owns the farm on the other side of the pond with her husband, Paul. Grace says she just came by to say hello.

Sofia points down at their feet to the cat who was sniffing and rubbing her head against their legs. Apparently the cat came by to say hello, too. Aunt Yumi says the cat’s name is Sakura, which is Japanese for “cherry blossom.” She always comes out to meet visitors.

Madison reaches down to pet the cat, who has an orange spot over one eye and a black patch covering her back. Grace chuckles, and says she should be getting back to Marigold, her pony. She’s expecting a foal soon. Jasmine squeals. She’s never seen a newborn foal. Keiko, Madison, and Sofia all respond “me neither” at the same time, which leads to the four girls giggling together.

Grace says they may all have their chance soon, so they should come by her farm to meet Marigold.

Just a while ago, Keiko would’ve been afraid to meet a pony or horse up close. They’re so big, and Keiko used to be afraid of even small dogs. But thanks to the time she’d spent at the animal shelter, Keiko now knows sometimes the largest animals have the biggest hearts. She’s looking forward to meeting Marigold. Maybe she can even draw the pony and add the piece to her exhibit. If she wins the art contest, of course.

After dinner and a tour, Keiko’s parents say their goodbyes and head home. Aunt Yumi brings the four girls to a large upstairs room where they have bunk beds set up. Keiko opens the window so she can hear the moo of the cows and the smell of the dewy grass in the field. Aunt Yumi says they need to get a good night’s sleep because tomorrow, they’ll all be real members of the farm, which means waking up early to help with chores.

But the girls are too excited to go to sleep right away. Keiko chooses the bed closest to the window, then she pulls out her sketchpad and starts drawing a picture of the barn. Jasmine flops down on the top bunk and leans over to see Keiko’s drawing. Madison and Sofia say they’ll all come see the exhibit. Suddenly, Keiko feels nervous butterflies in her stomach. She wishes her friends would stop talking about the contest. It makes it harder to not know the results yet.

Keiko closes her sketchbook on the half-finished drawing and crawls under the covers. They should get to sleep. Keiko hopes her friends are right about the contest, but if they’re wrong, Keiko knows she won’t be the only one disappointed.

Early Birds and a Night Owl

The next morning, Aunt Yumi wakes the girls up by knocking gently on the girls’ door. Keiko opens her eyes and slides out of bed, peeking at the window. The sun is just starting to rise, and the sky is streaked with red and orange. She’ll have to remember to add those colors to her drawing later.

Sofia groans and she sits up, and Madison groggily states she’s changed her mind about farm life. Aunt Yumi responds that it’s hard at first, but that they’ll all get used to it. In fact, maybe the girls want to feed some baby calves. Jasmine gasps. There’s baby cows!

The four girls are up and dressed in a flash. Before they know it, they’re following Aunt Yumi out to the barn, where the girls see two tiny calves waiting inside. They have white coats spotted with large black swirls that match their ears. Every few seconds, the calves swipe their tongues across their mouths.

The calf on the right is named Rosebud, and next to her is Lily. They get bottle-fed each day. Madison asks why they’re not drinking straight from their mom. Aunt Yumi explains they were at the beginning, but now they’re bottle-fed to ensure there’s enough milk to make butter to sell at the farmers markets. Otherwise, the calves would drink it all! Maybe the girls even want to help milk their moms.

Aunt Yumi waves the girls over to an enclosure at the end of the barn with two larger cows. They have the same teacup handle-shaped ears and cookies-and-cream coats. Their names are Buttercup and Lulu. Aunt Yumi places a large bucket under each cow and sits on a stool next to Buttercup. She explains that sometimes they use a machine to milk the cows, but they can do it by hand today.

Aunt Yumi strokes the cow’s udder, gently squeezing two of the long teats underneath until milk spurts into the bucket in rhythmic streams. Keiko sits down to try for herself. She wraps her hand around a teat, but nothing happens. She angles it toward herself to see if something is wrong and squeezes. Squirt! A stream of milk splashes her cheek, and her friends laugh hysterically.

Keiko wipes off her cheek and tries again, aiming for the bucket. Milking cows isn’t as easy as her aunt made it look, but eventually Keiko gets the hang of it. Each of the girls takes a turn, and soon they have two big buckets full of fresh milk. Aunt Yumi nodes approvingly.

Aunt Yumi pours the milk into bottles and screws on rubber nipple tops. Keiko holds the bottle cautiously above Rosebud’s head, tilting it down toward the calf’s milk. Rosebud latches onto the nipple, and pulls it with soft, suckling sounds. Keiko gasps in delight. She hands the bottle to Jasmine so she can take a turn. Madison and Sofia take turns feeding Lily.

Keiko smiles at her friends. She’s been having so much fun with farm life she’d almost forgotten about the art contest.

After feeding the calves, the girls clean themselves up and head to breakfast. Aunt Yumi and Uncle Henry serve the girls plates of fresh scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit. Then, Grace knocks on the door, looking worried. She explains that her mother is ill, so Paul and her need to fly to Florida tomorrow. But Marigold can’t be left unattended. She’s wondering if Aunt Yumi and Uncle Henry would be willing to look after her while she’s gone. The farmhands can take care of most things, but Marigold needs special attention.

Aunt Yumi immediately responds that they’ll make sure Marigold is safe and sound. Keiko volunteers for her and her friends to help out, too. Grace says all of that would be wonderful. It makes her feel better knowing that Marigold is in good hands.

That night, her friends go to sleep early, exhausted by their long, exciting first day on the farm. But Keiko stays up late to work on her barn sketch. As she finishes the last few pencil strokes, she realizes she hadn’t checked her email since she arrived. She pulls out her phone to see what she had been waiting for: an email from the museum.

Keiko nervously clicks on the email, and she holds her breath as she reads:

Dear Keiko Hayashi,

Thank you for your entry in this year’s Amateur Artist contest. Your submission impressed all the judges! Although you were not among the winners, you are a talented artist, and we encourage you to try again next year.

Keiko’s heart sinks. She can’t fight her disappointment. She looks around at her sleeping friends. They all expected her to win. Keiko lays down on the bed, her face hot with tears. What will her friends say when they find out her artwork won’t be in the museum at all?

Henhouse Helpers

The next morning, all the girls wake up early, except Keiko. Keiko buries her head further into her pillow as her friends get dressed. How is she going to tell everyone she hadn’t won the contest? But when Aunt Yumi comes in and sits on the edge of the bed, Keiko peeks out. Aunt Yumi asks if Keiko is feeling okay.

Keiko doesn’t want to worry her aunt, so she begins to climb out of bed, saying she’s just tired from sketching too late last night. Aunt Yumi smiles. That’s good, because Keiko has an important job today. And, she should bring her sketchbook.

Keiko reluctantly changes out of her pajamas and grabs her sketchbook, thinking of how she can tell her friends the bad news. But when she arrives at the chicken coop, her friends are all already there, holding empty baskets. Sofia asks if she was up late drawing. Keiko quickly replies, and then changes the subject. She’s not ready to talk about the art contest yet.

Aunt Yumi is still prepping for their important job, so the girls theorize what it could be. Maybe they’ll fill baskets to take vegetables to Marigold. Then, Aunt Yumi sticks her head out of the chicken coop. She says they will go see Marigold today, but first, they have to do their chores.

The girls all head inside, where they’re greeted by a chorus of clucking and ruffling feathers. Keiko sees a row of nests with a plump, squawking brown chicken perched on top. Aunt Yumi says they’ll be gathering the hens’ eggs today. She reaches under the nearest hen and pulls out a perfect oval egg. The hens are used to having their eggs taken, so as long as the girls are gentle, they won’t mind. But, the girls aren’t allowed to take any eggs from the nest at the end of the row. Those eggs are going to hatch soon!

Madison claps her hands. Baby chicks are on the way! Then, Aunt Yumi leaves the girls to their task. Jasmine places eggs in her basket, ogling at how beautiful they are. Keiko looks down at the six delicate eggs she collected. They’re not all the same color like the eggs her parents buy at the store. Some are white, but others are tan, brown, or almost blue. They look perfect against the lining of the basket. Jasmine grins. Keiko is already thinking about how she’d draw them.

Keiko’s head turns. How did her friend know that? Sofia encourages her to leave the egg collecting to them while she starts drawing. Keiko reaches for her sketchbook out of habit, but then she remembers the email from last night. If she starts to draw, her friends might ask about the contest. So instead, she shakes her head, and goes back to collecting eggs.

Keiko says the faster they’re done with their chore, the faster they get to meet Marigold. It’s a tiny white lie, and Jasmine gives Keiko a strange look, as if she knows something is wrong. But Madison and Sofia are none-the-wiser. So Keiko lowers her head, and focuses on her work. Maybe if she puts her heart into the chores and animals, the heavy feeling in her heart will go away.

The Naturals

After the girls are done collecting the eggs, they wait on the porch while Aunt Yumi puts the eggs away. When she’s done, she comes out and tells the girls they did a nice job; they didn’t break any eggs. And they finished so quickly.

Sofia replies with a shrug: they’re naturals! Aunt Yumi chuckles. Now it’s time to go visit Marigold. She holds up a sack filled with carrots cut into small pieces.

The four girls follow Aunt Yumi down the long road and past the pond until they arrive at Grace’s farm and head straight for the stables. In the first stall they see a beautiful pony with a shiny chestnut coat and big, dark eyes. She nickers and swishes her tail. Aunt Yumi steps forward and points to a note tacked to the front of Marigold’s stall. It’s instructions from Grace. Madison, who’s working hard to improve her reading, steps forward to read it for the group.

1. Marigold likes to be brushed every day and go for walks around the paddock. Light exercise is good for her and for the baby.
2. Healthy snacks are okay, but don’t overdo it.
3. Make sure she has enough hay to eat and plenty of water.
4. Most important, give her lots of love and attention.

Sofia says it sounds easy. Maybe she should ask her parents for a pony instead of a dog! Keiko giggles. Sofia doesn’t really have room at her house for a pony. Jasmine turns to Aunt Yumi. What happens if the baby comes before Grace and her husband get back. Aunt Yumi looks closer at the note, and says Grace left a phone number for a veterinarian just in case. In the meantime, the girls should ensure Marigold is comfortable with them and won’t be too overprotective of the foal.

Keiko pulls a carrot from her bag and slowly approaches Marigold. Marigold sniffs Keiko with her long muzzle, and then gently takes the carrot from her palm. Keiko beams, and affectionately nuzzles her velvety nose. Keiko has a new friend!

When they return to Cherry Blossom Farm, Madison says that Keiko still has some time to draw. Keiko’s stomach twists. Meeting Marigold distracted her from the contest, but drawing is the last thing she wants to do. But Aunt Yumi says it’s a wonderful idea, and the pond has wonderful light at that time of day.

Jasmine says that’s a great idea. The others can all swim while Keiko draws. After all, Keiko said she wanted to draw every day. Keiko looks down at her shoes, unsure what to say. She knows she should just tell her friends about the contest, but she can’t seem to get the words out. So instead, she just says it’s too hot and sticky to draw. She’d rather swim.

Sofia enthusiastically agrees, and the girls change into their bathing suits and let Aunt Yumi show them the pond. They swim and splash until dinnertime, and nobody mentions drawing or the art contest again. Keiko had fun, but she can’t shake the sinking feeling in her stomach. Sooner or later, she’ll have to tell them the truth.

Marigold in Trouble

For the next few days, the girls begin each morning with milking the cows, feeding the chickens, pulling weeds from the vegetable garden, or helping Aunt Yumi make butter. Then, they gather apples and carrots and head over to Grace’s farm to see Marigold. Aunt Yumi and Uncle Henry show the girls how to groom, feed, and walk the mare. They explain the heavy brush they use on her coat is called a currycomb, and they show another brush to use on her mane and tail.

Keiko has started reading more about ponies, too. Her aunt has an extensive collection about farm animals. Instead of sketching before bed, she’s been learning more about ponies and horses.

In just a few days, Marigold has gotten more affectionate. She whinnies and presses up against her pen until she gets a treat. But then, something changes. The pony begins acting differently. She doesn’t greet Keiko at all, and she seems restless.

Keiko holds out an apple, but instead of gobbling it up, Marigold paces the stall and flicks her tail. Every few minutes, she snorts and stamps. Aunt Yumi isn’t quite sure what’s wrong either. Her coat looks sweaty.

Suddenly, Keiko remembers something she read about pregnant horses. Before they give birth, they act all restless. Maybe Marigold is getting ready to have her baby. Jasmine gasps. What do they do?! Sofia shrugs. After all, Jasmine’s mom is the veterinarian. Jasmine shakes her head; her mom works mostly with dogs and cats, so Jasmine doesn’t have a clue what to do.

Madison points at the note Grace had written, still tacked to the wall. Maybe they should call the veterinarian. Aunt Yumi pulls out her phone and dials the number. When Dr. Brooks finally arrives, he has kind brown eyes and brown hair, and is wearing a flannel shirt and rubber boots. He goes right to the stall Keiko and the girls wait outside.

Dr. Brooks uses a stethoscope to check Marigold’s heartbeat, and then he gives her an exam to see how far along labor is. When he’s done, he explains that once a mare is in labor, she usually prefers to be left alone. He’ll stay to monitor the process, but it could take hours.

Keiko asks her aunt if she can stay until Marigold gives birth. She just has to know if Marigold and the baby will be okay. Aunt Yumi’s eyes soften, and she responds that she understands, but there’s not much they can do. She glances at Dr. Brooks, who nods. Aunt Yumi takes a deep breath, and says that it’s okay if they all stay. But if they’re camping out, they’re going to do it right.

Barnyard Slumber Party

That evening, Keiko, her friends, and Aunt Yumi settle into the empty stall across from Marigold’s with sleeping bags, blankets, snacks, and a lantern. Dr. Brooks is sitting nearby reading a book. Keiko asks him if there’s anything else they can do for Marigold. Aunt Yumi shakes her head; Marigold needs her space.

Keiko knows she’s right, but she just feels so helpless. Jasmine agrees, and then pulls a charcoal-grey pencil and Keiko’s sketchbook out of her backpack. Jasmine saw it on Keiko’s bed and thought she’d bring it. Maybe Keiko can draw Grace a picture. Keiko hesitates, and then reaches for her sketchbook. Seeing it reminds her about losing the contest, and it makes her stomach twist. Her friends would be so upset if she loses. So, Keiko makes up an excuse about the light being too dim to see.

Jasmine asks if everything is okay. She’s noticed that Keiko hasn’t been drawing very much. Keiko softly responds that she just doesn’t feel like drawing very much that night. Maybe tomorrow. She doesn’t want her friends to feel bad, after all, she did ask her friends to help her make time to draw. But that was back when she thought she would win the contest.

Aunt Yumi holds up the camera she brought, saying that Grace will have plenty of pictures. So, they should probably all get some sleep.

The girls huddle into their sleeping bags. Keiko keeps her eyes on Marigold. Then, she decides that she’ll stay awake until the baby comes. The other girls sit up and say they’ll do the same. Aunt Yumi chuckles. It may be some time until the foal comes. The baby may not even come until tomorrow. But the girls are determined to stay up.

However, one by one, they slowly drift to sleep, and so did Aunt Yumi. Everyone, except Keiko. In a change of heart, she reaches for her sketchbook and pencil. Keiko draws a picture of Marigold with her glossy coat and long, flowing mane. She feels a little bit better as she draws. Maybe tomorrow after the goal is born, she’ll get up more courage to tell her friends about the contest.

The next morning, Aunt Yumi wakes the girls up to morning light streaming through the barn door. Marigold is fine, and the foal has finally been born! It’s a girl.

Keiko shakes the others awake, and they scramble out of their sleeping bag to Marigold’s stall. Marigold is on her feet with her head down, and by her side, lying on the ground, is a newborn foal. Madison points out how adorable the foal is. She has a fluffy coat like her mom. Marigold grooms her newborn filly with her tongue, cleaning every inch of the foal from head to hoofs.

Slowly, Dr. Brooks eases his way into the stall to give the foal a checkup. He carefully examines the newborn. He explains that at this point, the foal should be standing up. He’s going to gently help her get on her feet so she can have her first meal. Keiko watches in awe as he wraps the foal in a gentle hug and lifts her up. They watch her get her skinny legs under her and stand, albeit wobbly.

Dr. Brooks helps the newborn make her way to Marigold to begin nursing. As she eats, he turns to Aunt Yumi and asks what he should call the foal. Aunt Yumi turns to the girls. Keiko looks at the filly, who is attached to Marigold like a flower petal to a stem. What about Daisy? Madison, Sofia, and Jasmine all agree that’s a great name for the little pony.

Keiko’s Confession

After the girls pack up their sleeping bags, they reluctantly head back to Cherry Blossom Farm to help with the morning chores. They’ll go back after breakfast to get a full report on the ponies from Dr. Brooks. The girls complete their chores hurriedly and tear through their breakfast, eager to get back to Marigold.

When they get back to Grace’s farm, Dr. Brooks says he has good news and bad news. Daisy is a healthy eighty pound foal with a great appetite. And Marigold is tired, but doing just fine. But, Daisy was born with tendon problems in her legs. Newborn foals should be able to get around on their own within a few hours. But it’s been longer than that, and she still isn’t walking. Her leg tendons are contracted, meaning they’re at the wrong angle for walking. It’s a common problem, but if it isn’t corrected, she may need surgery.

Keiko gasps. Surgery is bad news. Aunt Yumi explains that surgeries are expensive, and Grace already has enough to worry about with her mom being ill. Keiko looks carefully at the foal. She’s glad to see Daisy standing next to her mother, but she can see what Dr. Brooks means about her front legs. They look stiff, at odd angles. She asks what they can do to help.

Dr. Brooks says he’ll put splints on her legs to hold them in the correct position about eight hours a day. Then Daisy will need to do carefully controlled exercises. Maybe the girls can help with that. All four girls express that they’d love to help.

The next morning, Uncle Henry takes the girls to the farmers market to sell Cherry Blossom Farm’s eggs, butter, flowers, and vegetables while Daisy is being treated by Dr. Brooks. Uncle Henry sets up his table and the girls stock it. Keiko is fascinated by all the things for sale at other booths, like cheese, milk, lavender, honey, and homemade jams.

Jasmine sets up flowers in front of the sign, and comments that it looks like a painting. Keiko agrees, the arrangement is lovely. The thought crosses her mind that she’d love to draw them, and her shoulders slump. Jasmine, noticing what happened, asks Keiko if she’s worried about Daisy. Keiko shakes her head. Although she is worried about Daisy, and thinking about that makes her art contest feel less important, and telling her friends seems a little less scary.

Keiko hesitates, but then blurts that she didn’t win the art contest. Madison immediately consoles Keiko. She knew how much Keiko wanted to win. The other two girls are very sympathetic, too. Sofia asks if that’s why she hasn’t been drawing as much lately. Keiko nods, and says she’s sorry for letting them down.

Jasmine says that Keiko didn’t let them down. Keiko is an amazing artist. Just because she didn’t win this contest doesn’t mean she’ll never have her art in a museum. In fact, all three girls agree that Keiko will be a famous artist someday, as long as she doesn’t give up on herself.

Relief floods Keiko. She’s so happy she finally told her friends the truth. They’re not disappointed in her at all. Their support helped her actually feel more confident about her artwork.

By the time the market ended, the girls picked out a small bag of oats and a few ripe, red apples for Marigold, and a soft brush for Daisy. Keiko is smiling at her friends as they leave. Just telling them about the contest made her feel so much better. Now they can focus on Daisy. Will she ever learn to walk?

As soon as they get back to the farms, the girls rush over to Grace’s farm. They find Daisy standing awkwardly, with splints attached to her front legs. They look like large bandages. Dr. Brooks demonstrates a few safe ways to encourage the foal to walk back and forth across the paddock. The girls need to be gentle, but firm. Daisy might refuse to move at first, but it’s important to get Daisy walking as much as possible to strengthen her muscles. She can lean against the girls if needed, but the goal is to try to get her to keep walking unless she’s really in pain.

After Dr. Brooks leaves, Keiko pulls on the lead around Daisy’s neck. But Daisy doesn’t budge. Keiko, in dismay, wonders aloud how to get her to exercise if she doesn’t move. Jasmine is concerned, too. The four girls think about what to do, but they’re stumped. Keiko doesn’t want to force Daisy to walk, but they know she needs exercise. What can they do to get Daisy to walk?

A Winning Plan

That evening, the girls file into their room to get ready for bed. But none of them can sleep. All they can do is talk about Daisy. Maybe Daisy can use some motivation. Sofia says when she’s in the middle of a tough soccer game, she stays motivated by thinking of going out for ice cream after. When they win, Coach buys everyone treats.

Keiko realizes maybe they can reward Daisy with something she likes. And suddenly, a plan has formed. Madison said Keiko can’t give up on her art, so she’s not going to give up on Daisy.

The next morning, the girls milk the cows and feed the chickens, and then head over to Grace’s farm with Aunt Yumi. There, they find Marigold licking Daisy’s head. The girls give Keiko some space, and Keiko slowly walks Daisy out of the stall to the edge of the barn. But that’s as far as Daisy seems willing to go.

The paddock is a large, oval-shaped enclosure with a high wooden fence. It’s meant for ponies to run and exercise, as well as for people to practice riding. But today, Keiko’s goal is to get Daisy to simply walk from one end to another.

Keiko explains she’s going to try pulling on Daisy’s lead rope to one side, so she’s off-balance. Then, she’ll hopefully take a step to the side. The girls can stand nearby and spot if she’s going to stumble or fall. Keiko stands next to Daisy and gently tugs on the rope to one side, while whispering encouraging words to the filly. Daisy resists at first, but then takes a few wobbly steps to balance herself.

Keiko is excited. It’s time for the next part of her plan. Sofia pulls out the soft brush they bought at the farmers market. Now, every time Daisy takes a step, they’ll use the brush as a reward. Keiko gently pulls Daisy’s lead to the side again, and the pony takes a few steps. When she stops, Keiko lets the pony lead against her for a moment while Sofia brushes her fluffy, soft coat.

Sofia hands Jasmine the brush, and Keiko pulls Daisy to the opposite side. Again, Daisy resists at first, but then takes a few small, unsteady steps. Next, Jasmine hands Madison the brush, and Keiko pulls the lead to the first side again. This time, Daisy steps forward without hesitating. They are making real progress. But will it be enough to get Daisy walking on her own?

For the next two days, the girls work patiently with Daisy every afternoon. Aunt Yumi calls Grace with a report on how the ponies are doing each day, and the girls know Grace wants to avoid the expensive surgery for Daisy. In addition, Dr. Brooks has been coming daily to remove the splits and check Daisy’s progress. He can see she’s improving, but he hasn’t yet made a decision on whether she needs the surgery.

On the day of Daisy’s last physical exam, Keiko and her friends hurry to Grace’s farm immediately after their morning chores to wait for the vet. Keiko feels a knot in her stomach as Dr. Brooks’ truck pulls up.

Dr. Brooks runs his hands over her legs and makes her walk across the paddock for him. The girls watch in anticipation. When Dr. Brooks returns to the barn, he’s smiling. He says her legs are loose and limber, and she’s improved a lot. She’s in fine shape, and has made a great recovery.

The girls all cry and cheer in each other’s arms. Then, they hear a truck rumbling up the road, and the girls turn to see Grace and Paul climb out of the truck, just as Daisy finishes her latest loop around the paddock. Grace lets out a happy laugh at seeing Daisy up and walking. She sure doesn’t seem like a filly who needs expensive surgery!

Dr. Brooks says it’s all due to Keiko and her friends. They came over every day and worked patiently with Daisy. They never gave up on her, and they managed to keep Marigold happy at the same time.

Keiko beams. She’s thrilled that Daisy has improved so much, and they helped Grace immensely. Jasmine pushes Keiko forward a step, saying it was all Keiko. Keiko figured out that Marigold was in labor first, and she was the one who had the ideas of how to convince Daisy to walk. Madison adds Keiko was even the one to name Daisy. Grace thanks Keiko, and Keiko couldn’t be more thrilled.

New Arrivals

The girls are fast asleep when Aunt Yumi wakes them up on their last morning at Cherry Blossom Farm. Keiko rubs her eyes, feeling tired from such a thrilling day the day before. Aunt Yumi says she has a surprise for them. And of course, Keiko should bring her sketchbook.

The girls get dressed, and head outside to the chicken coop. When they get there, they find a new sound. A high-pitched chirping sound is coming from a small box at the other end of the coop. Aunt Yumi turns to the girls, and tells them Marigold isn’t the only new mom around here. The chicks finally hatched last night!

Sure enough, five tiny, fuzzy, yellow chicks are snuggled in a heap of pine shavings. They’re bright against the brown, like little balls of butter. Aunt Yumi carefully lifts one chick and places it in Keiko’s open palm, and shows Keiko how to hold the wings in place against the chick’s body. One by one, each girl holds a soft chick in their hand.

When all the chicks are back in the box, Keiko glances up at her aunt. Is it time to feed the hens? Aunt Yumi shakes her head. Since it’s their last day, there’s something else she wants to show them. Aunt Yumi leads them past the barn to a tall tree where a treehouse is wedged. A rope ladder is dangling down the side.

Aunt Yumi describes how from the treehouse, you can see the whole farm. Maybe the girls would want to take a last look before they leave. And maybe Keiko wants to do a last sketch there.

Keiko reminds her aunt that she didn’t win the contest, and Aunt Yumi says that’s okay. She can try again next year. But she can’t give up on it so quickly. Skill takes practice.

And with that, the girls climb one by one into the treehouse to enjoy the beautiful farm.

Later that morning, after the girls milked Lulu and Buttercup for the last time, the four girls head to Grace’s farm to say goodbye to Marigold and Daisy. The ponies both trot right up to the fence and nuzzle the girls. Then, Keiko pulls out her sketchbook and tears out a single page. It’s the picture she drew of Marigold and Daisy, just after the filly was born. Keiko hands the drawing to Grace, who exclaims that it’s a wonderful drawing.

Keiko smiles as she watches Daisy trot around the paddock one last time. Her heart feels so full. She’s so happy to have people around who believe in her, like her best friends, Aunt Yumi, and Grace. And she knows she’ll remember this summer for a long time to come.