Artist and educator Konfeta (Svitlana Kline) first envisioned Tony the Pony as a way of encouraging her preschool students to try new foods. While Tony was milky white at birth, each different food he eats changes his hue. Tony's colorful exciting journey begins in a strawberry field and takes him through all the rainbow colors.
Tony loves exploring the Farm and tasting new foods he discovers along the way. Each adventure introduces him to a new friend the same color as the food he eats, offering opportunities to share, care, and help others.
The friends he meets, like Lilly the Lizard and Fred the Frog, don't look like Tony. This propels him to recognize the qualities that make each of his friends unique and to celebrate their special talents. During his journey and ever-changing looks, Tony learns appearance doesn't define one's character. He gets to know his friends, loving them just for who they are.
The readers will discover although their friends may look different, that is part of their individuality and uniqueness.
Tony the Pony teaches lessons around self-esteem, diversity, trust, and other experiences that will resonate with all the children who join in on his adventures.
About the Author: Konfeta (Svitlana Kline) was born and raised in Odessa, Ukraine. Mentored by the famous Ukrainian artist Vera Chayka, she learned to always stay true to her colors.
After receiving her MBA from Odessa State Economic University, Konfeta had a successful career in interior design. Art has always been her passion: whether it was metal forging, woodworking, oil, acrylic, or other media. Konfeta immigrated to the United States in 2007 and continued her artistic journey focusing mostly on murals and acrylics. In 2011 she started a new phase of her career as a teacher and children's book author. She always encourages her preschool students to be true to themselves and kind to others. They have inspired her to share her work with children from all over the world.
