Five True Horse Stories
on Goodreads (122)
What’s inside...
An anthology of five horse stories including the saga of famous Chincoteague pony Misty and Justin Morgan's big little horse. This 1979 paperback book by Margaret Davidson and illustrated by Leo Summers features tales of remarkable horses such as Pacing White Mustang, Clever Hans, and Brighty the donkey, showcasing their unique characteristics and memorable journeys.
Age
7-12
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which story in the book was your favorite, and why did it stand out to you?
How do you think the horses felt in their different situations? Can you describe any emotions they might have experienced?
What qualities do the people show when interacting with the horses? How do those qualities help them?
If you could meet any of the horses from the stories, which one would you choose, and what would you do together?
What lessons can we learn from these horse stories that might apply to our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you discuss the book, express genuine interest in your child’s responses to encourage a deeper conversation.
Use follow-up questions related to your child’s answers to delve further into their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Relate the stories to experiences in your child’s life where resilience and empathy played a role, drawing personal connections to the book's themes.
Discuss the emotions portrayed by the horses and people involved, fostering empathy and emotional understanding in your child.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative outcomes or continuations for their favorite stories, enhancing their creativity and engagement with the text.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: The stories depict horses and their riders facing and overcoming various challenges. This shows resilience in adverse situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and overcome obstacles with determination, whether in school or in their personal lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Care
Explanation: The narratives emphasize the bond between the horses and their caretakers, highlighting the importance of empathy and caring for others.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of caring for pets and understanding the feelings of others, fostering a nurturing attitude.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Hard Work
Explanation: The book showcases horses undergoing rigorous training and achieving success, demonstrating that hard work leads to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by persisting in their studies or hobbies, understanding that effort can lead to achievement.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Many stories in the book feature cooperation between individuals and animals, showing that teamwork can accomplish great things.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to collaborate effectively with others in group activities or team sports.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Caring for horses requires a high level of responsibility, as depicted in several stories.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being responsible in their duties, whether it's in completing homework or household chores.