Hello Horse
Nature Storybooks Series
What’s inside...
A beautifully produced Nature Storybook about horses, with words by Vivian French and pictures from Catherine Rayner. From much-loved author Vivian French and award-winning illustrator Catherine Rayner comes a charming new Nature Storybook about horses. Hello, Horse gently introduces young children to Shannon, a friendly bay mare, and offers encouragement to those unfamiliar with or a little nervous of these large, beautiful creatures. The subtext is packed with practical tips, such as the right way to offer a carrot, and also covers their behaviour - horses' need for company, for example. Tender words and art combine to create a warm and witty introduction to horses ... from the safety of the page!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Catherine
Shannon
Discussion points
What did you like most about the horse in the story, and why?
How do you think the horse felt when it met the little boy?
What are some ways the boy and the horse show they trust each other?
If you could ask the horse a question, what would it be?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in a city instead of the countryside?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to mimic the emotions of the horse and the boy, making the story come alive.
Pause after key moments in the story to ask your child how they feel or what they think will happen next.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by asking if they have ever felt a similar way as the characters.
Encourage your child to imagine having their own horse. Ask them what activities they would like to do together.
Discuss the importance of friendship and trust, drawing parallels between the boy and the horse's relationship and your child's own friendships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Building Confidence in Unfamiliar Situations
Explanation: In 'Hello Horse', a child overcomes their initial fear of horses by learning about and slowly interacting with a gentle horse named Shannon. This interaction is guided and thoughtful, helping the child feel safe.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding in their lives when facing any new or intimidating scenarios, such as starting a new school, or trying a new sport, encouraging them to approach these situations with curiosity and an open mind.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Patience
Explanation: The story demonstrates patience through the slow and steady approach the child takes in getting to know Shannon, showing that building trust with a large animal takes time and gentle interaction.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of being patient with others, whether it be with pets, friends, or family members, to build stronger and more meaningful relationships.
Example Lesson: Caring for Animals
Explanation: The story illustrates the responsibilities involved in caring for animals, as the child learns about the various needs of the horse, including feeding, grooming, and understanding its emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to translate this care into empathy and responsibility for animals and the environment around them, fostering an empathetic and nurturing attitude.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear with Knowledge
Explanation: The protagonist's fear of horses decreases as he learns more about them. Knowledge about Shannon’s behaviors and needs helps the child replace fear with familiarity and comfort.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to seek understanding and knowledge when they are afraid of something, helping them face and overcome their fears in a constructive way.