Jessica Milo Explores Friendship and the Outdoors in Her New Picture Book, MY PONY WONDER

Hello and welcome to Blissfully Bookish, a blog dedicated to children's literature! This week, I’m excited to introduce the talented children's author Jessica Milo. Her debut picture book, MY PONY WONDER, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki and published by Random House Studio, beautifully encapsulates themes of friendship and the joys of riding. But first, Jessica is generously offering readers a chance to win a FREE 30-minute AMA (Ask Me Anything) session or a picture book critique of up to 750 words! To enter, simply comment on this blog post by September 18, 2026.

The Journey to Publication

Milo draws inspiration for MY PONY WONDER from her own childhood experiences. “Growing up, I rode ponies and horses with my big sister,” she shares. “We took riding lessons and competed in Gymkhana shows, but there was something uniquely special about our trail rides.” These outdoor adventures stirred in her a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty, which she aims to convey in her story. The first draft came to life in October 2022, and after several revisions, it was submitted to publishers in April 2024. By June 2024, she received an offer, and by late August, she finalized her contract with Random House.

Important Messages for Young Readers

At the heart of MY PONY WONDER is a simple yet powerful message: “Anyone can ride a pony or horse, regardless of age or appearance.” This idea resonates throughout the book, with illustrations depicting a diverse range of children enjoying their time with ponies. Milo hopes to encourage kids who have had previous riding experiences to rekindle their excitement and inspire those who have never ridden before to give it a try.

A Peek Inside the Book

In Milo’s vivid prose, she celebrates the sensory experience of riding. An excerpt captures this beautifully:

Wind in hair.
Sun on cheeks.
We splishy-splash
across the creek.

Easy gallop,
wild and free.
Endless fun,
you and me.

This playful imagery invites readers to feel the joy of exploration and adventure.

The Natural World as a Backdrop

The setting of MY PONY WONDER plays a pivotal role. Milo draws from her personal love for nature and trail riding with her childhood pony, Bunny. “I found trail riding calming, almost meditative,” she explains. The tranquility of the outdoors permeates her narrative, encouraging young readers to experience joy and connection with nature alongside their equine companions.

Writing Process and Inspirations

When it comes to her writing process, Milo describes a focus on passion: “I tend to write and revise projects that excite me the most. If an idea captivates my thoughts, I dive in wholeheartedly.” Each project may have a different approach, but the thrill of storytelling remains the constant motivator.

Several books influenced her writing, including PAL THE PONY by Ronnie Ann Herman and Betina Ogden, which she cherished as a child, and TOGETHER WE RIDE by Valerie Bolling and Kaylani Juanita, which inspired the book's rhyming structure. Additionally, Sophie Blackall’s IF I WAS A HORSE sparked creative ideas for her own narrative.

Advice for Aspiring Writers

In offering advice to fellow writers, Milo emphasizes the importance of authenticity: “Write what you know, and what excites you. Pour your heart into your story.” She advocates for consistent practice, encouraging writers to continuously hone their craft. “Reading extensively in your genre is also key—it broadens your understanding and enhances your writing.”

Childhood Favorites and Fun Questions

Reflecting on her childhood, Milo reveals her favorite book was Don Freeman’s CORDUROY. “I was obsessed with that book!” she shared, showcasing how influential stories from her early years have shaped her writing journey.

When it comes to her book’s theme song, she readily points to Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You, I Knew You,” a track that resonates with her vision for the story.

About the Author

Jessica Milo, a children’s author and middle school librarian based in Northern California, continues to explore new frontiers in literature. Alongside MY PONY WONDER, she has a nonfiction picture book series titled MADE WITH LOVE debuting with Putnam, starting with I’M A DUMP TRUCK in Spring 2028. Another enchanting fantasy book, LUNA DREAMS OF THE MOON, is slated for Fall 2028 release.

In her downtime, Milo enjoys knitting, hiking, and spending time with her cat, Gus, while also savoring pasta dishes.

Connect with Jessica

To learn more about Jessica Milo and her work, visit her official website at www.jessicamilo.com or find her on Instagram @jessicamiloauthor. You can also discover more about MY PONY WONDER through this link.