Adventures of the Little Wooden Horse: Macmillan Classics Edition (Macmillan Children's Classics Book 4)
#4 in Bloomsbury children's classics Series
What’s inside...
When Uncle Peder the toymaker falls on hard times, his little wooden horse must go out into the world to seek his fortune. But whether he's working in a coal mine, sailing the seven seas with a band of pirates, or walking the tightrope in a circus, the loyal little horse only has one wish: to return to his beloved master. Gloriously illustrated with the original line drawings by Joyce Lankester Brisley and cover artwork from Catherine Rayner, this beautiful hardback edition is a truly special gift to treasure.
Character compass
Little Wooden Horse
Uncle Peder
Discussion points
What do you think the Little Wooden Horse felt when he faced challenges?
How did the Little Wooden Horse show loyalty and perseverance?
What would you have done differently if you were in the Little Wooden Horse's place?
How do you think the story would change if the Little Wooden Horse had chosen not to help his friends?
What did you learn about friendship and bravery from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking how your child might feel in the Little Wooden Horse's situations, making connections to their own experiences.
Discuss the moral choices in the book, prompting your child to think critically about right and wrong.
Praise your child’s insights and thoughts to build their confidence in expressing opinions and ideas.
Use examples from the book to talk about the consequences of actions, helping your child understand cause and effect.
Relate themes from the book to real-life events or personal family stories to make the discussion more impactful and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: The Little Wooden Horse faces numerous challenges and setbacks throughout his journey, yet he never gives up. His resilience in overcoming obstacles showcases the strength of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through difficulties in their own lives, whether in completing a challenging task, learning a new skill, or navigating social interactions.
Example Lesson: Loyalty and friendship
Explanation: The Little Wooden Horse demonstrates unwavering loyalty to his owner, the toymaker. This bond highlights the importance and depth of true friendship and loyalty.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value and nurture their own friendships, understanding the significance of loyalty in building lasting relationships.
Example Lesson: The value of hard work
Explanation: The protagonist works diligently in various jobs to achieve his goals, illustrating the importance of hard work and determination.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded that success often requires effort and dedication, teaching them to apply themselves diligently in their studies and other endeavors.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: Throughout his adventures, the Little Wooden Horse encounters many new environments and situations, learning to adapt and thrive in each scenario.
Real-World Application: This story prepares children to be flexible and adapt to changes and new challenges in life, such as moving to a new school or dealing with changes in family dynamics.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: The Little Wooden Horse consistently shows empathy and kindness to the characters he meets, regardless of their circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of treating others with kindness and understanding, which fosters a more compassionate and inclusive community.