One Pony Too Many

One Pony Too Many. Written by Jessica Malorty. Illustrated by Katie Betts. Focus question. Why is one pony too many for the family in the story?

多了一匹小马 作者：杰西卡·马罗蒂 绘者：凯蒂·贝茨 思考问题 为什么故事里的这家人会觉得多了一匹小马呢？

I didn't expect the trip to Mr. Ferris's farm to turn out the way it did. I saw his ponies as soon as we got out of the car. They had shaggy manes and stocky legs. I patted one over the fence.

我之前完全没想到去费里斯先生农场的这趟行程会变成后来的样子。 我们刚下车我就看到了他的小马们， 它们鬃毛蓬蓬松松的，腿短粗结实， 我隔着围栏摸了摸其中一匹。

She's a Shetland pony, Mr. Ferris explained. She may be small, but she's full grown.

“她是设得兰矮种马哦。”费里斯先生解释道。 她看起来个头小，但已经完全成年啦。

Why is she small if she's grown up? I asked. Shetland ponies come from a cold rocky place, Mr. Ferris explained. It made them small and tough. Like me, I said.

“既然她已经长大了，为什么个头还这么小呀？”我问道。 “设得兰矮种马来自一个又冷、岩石又多的地方，”费里斯先生解释说， “所以它们才长得又小又结实。”“就和我一样！”我说。

Lots of kids learn to ride on Shetland ponies," Mr. Ferris added. My mom and dad exchanged looks. We were just here to visit. I wondered if this might be my chance to get a pony.

“好多小孩最开始学骑马都是骑设得兰矮种马哦。”费里斯先生补充道。 我爸妈交换了个眼神，我们本来只是来这里做客的呀。 我忍不住琢磨，会不会这就是我能拥有一匹小马的好机会呀？

Can we take her home? I'll do all the chores, I pleaded. She's Mr. Ferris's pony, son, my dad replied.

我们能把她带回家吗？ 我会包揽所有和她相关的活儿的！”我恳求道。 “她是费里斯先生的小马呀，孩子。”爸爸回答我。