on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Discover fascinating facts and history about equines in DK Eyewitness Books: Horse. Explore the relationship between horses and humans over 6,000 years, the various uses of horses, different horse breeds, and modern-day knowledge about these majestic animals. Featuring more than 180 images and illustrations, this book offers a comprehensive view of horses, their evolution, and their significant impact on human society. It also highlights the importance of preserving historical landmarks, as depicted by the story of a village working together to save a hillside turf-cut white horse from being covered by Christmas trees.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the horse symbolizes in the story?
How did the relationship between the main characters evolve throughout the book?
What emotions did you feel when reading about the horse's journey?
What lessons can we learn from the characters' decisions and actions?
If you were in the story, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting a discussion, allow your child to express their favorite part of the book. This opens up a natural pathway to deeper conversations.
Use open-ended questions to encourage your child to think critically about the story and relate it to their own experiences.
Discuss the different emotions characters felt in the story, and relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
After reading, explore more about horses through videos or books to connect the story to real-world knowledge.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from the book. This helps them visualize and think in-depth about the story’s details.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Horse,' the young protagonist learns to take care of a horse, showcasing the importance of being responsible for another living being.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on appropriate chores at home, like feeding a pet or helping to clean, learning accountability and diligence.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through interactions with the horse, the child character develops a deep understanding and connection, teaching empathy towards animals and others.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice empathy by recognizing the feelings of friends or family members and responding with kindness and understanding.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story shows the challenges the protagonist faces while learning to care for the horse, emphasizing the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson is beneficial when children face academic challenges or learning new skills, encouraging them to keep trying and not give up easily.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The bond between the child and the horse grows stronger, illustrating the beauty of friendship and mutual trust.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to building trust and fostering relationships with their peers through shared activities and respect.