A Horse Made of Marshmallow
What’s inside...
In 'A Horse Made of Marshmallow,' William Anthony crafts a whimsical tale about creativity, imagination, and the joys of childhood. The story follows young Ellie as she discovers a magical horse made entirely of marshmallows in her backyard. Together, they embark on sweet adventures, teaching children the importance of friendship, bravery, and the power of dreams. This delightful book is perfect for fostering creativity and imagination in young readers, while also providing parents a platform to discuss the values of courage and friendship with their children. Have you ever wanted to live in a world made entirely of sweets? Willow had a wonderfully chocolatey plan that involved just that. She wanted to make buildings from Jumbo Gingerboards, own a horse made of marshmallow and sell some Fiddlebow Gobfloppers along the way. But Willow didn't plan for what was next.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you met a horse made of marshmallow?
How do you think the horse feels being made of marshmallows?
What are some ways we could help the horse in the story?
If you could create an animal made of food, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use vivid, descriptive language to make the discussion more lively and engaging.
Encourage your child to imagine beyond the story by asking what happens next or what other adventures the marshmallow horse could have.
Relate the story's themes to your child's experiences, such as discussing times when they felt different or needed help.
Praise your child’s responses to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts and ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story portrays the horse understanding and reacting to the feelings of other characters.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize emotions in others and respond compassionately in their interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The horse uses its unique marshmallow composition to solve problems creatively throughout the book.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and use their imagination to overcome obstacles in daily life.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite challenges, the marshmallow horse perseveres and remains optimistic.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to remain positive and resilient in the face of difficulties, whether in school or in personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The horse builds strong relationships with other characters, emphasizing the importance of trust and support.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building and maintaining friendships, understanding the role of mutual support and trust in relationships.