Adventures of the Little Wooden Horse
Puffin modern classics Series
What’s inside...
The little wooden horse is Uncle Peder's finest creation, but no one wants to buy him, so he stays with his master and the two become great friends. When the toymaker grows poor and ill, the brave little horse sets out to sell himself. 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.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Little Wooden Horse felt when he faced challenges? How would you feel in his place?
What qualities make the Little Wooden Horse a good friend? Can you think of a time you were a good friend like him?
Why do you think the Little Wooden Horse never gave up, no matter how hard his journey got?
What was your favorite part of the adventure, and why?
If you could give the Little Wooden Horse some advice at the beginning of his journey, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Change your tone and pace to match the mood of the story. This can help your child feel more connected to the narrative and characters.
Encourage empathy: Ask your child how they think the characters are feeling at different points in the story. Discuss similar feelings they might have experienced.
Connect to real life: Relate the challenges faced by the Little Wooden Horse to obstacles your child may face, and discuss possible solutions together.
Ask predictive questions: Encourage your child to guess what might happen next. This keeps them engaged and thinking critically about the story.
Highlight perseverance: Point out moments where the Little Wooden Horse shows determination. Discuss with your child the importance of never giving up.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, the Little Wooden Horse faces numerous challenges but never gives up. His determination to overcome obstacles is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence and effort in achieving goals, whether in school tasks, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Loyalty
Explanation: The Little Wooden Horse consistently shows loyalty to his owner, demonstrating the value of faithfulness and devotion.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being loyal and supportive friends and family members, creating stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The Little Wooden Horse encounters various situations where he must adapt to survive and thrive. His ability to adjust to new environments is key to his journey.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be flexible and adapt to changes in life, such as moving to a new school or dealing with changes within the family.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Facing dangers bravely is another quality displayed by the Little Wooden Horse, especially when encountering unfamiliar or intimidating scenarios.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to face fears and challenges courageously, helping them grow and gain confidence.