Horsehaven
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Jenny, Josh and Cathy who run a horse sanctuary have rescued several horses already, but this one proves to be the most amazing rescue of them all.
Why read this book
- Engaging story fosters children's imagination and empathy.
- Characters display teamwork, resilience, vital for personal growth.
- Encourages nurturing relationships with animals and nature.
- Ideal for enhancing young readers’ problem-solving skills.
Age
7-12
Length
127 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the horses at Horsehaven so special?
If you could spend a day with one of the characters from the book, who would it be and why?
How do you think the characters feel when they are taking care of the horses?
What lessons do you think the characters learn from their experiences at Horsehaven?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, like taking care of a pet or helping someone in need.
Ask them to describe their favorite scene and what they liked most about it.
Discuss the importance of responsibility and empathy as demonstrated by the characters, linking it to real-life situations.
Prompt your child to think about what they would do differently if they were in the protagonist's shoes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Horsehaven,' characters are given the task of caring for horses, teaching them about daily responsibilities and the importance of regular commitments.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on age-appropriate chores at home, learning to be reliable and understanding the value of consistent effort.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters display empathy towards the animals and each other, highlighting the importance of understanding and caring for feelings of others.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s interaction with friends and family, promoting an empathetic approach to others' emotions and situations.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'Horsehaven' often work together to solve problems, illustrating how teamwork can lead to achieving goals that might be difficult to accomplish individually.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate with classmates on projects or participate in team sports, enhancing their ability to operate effectively as part of a team.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The book presents various challenges that the characters must navigate, providing a framework for critical thinking and effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face academic and personal challenges with a methodical approach, fostering resilience and adaptability.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Characters face setbacks in the story, yet they persistently work towards their goals, demonstrating the value of perseverance despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to persist through their own challenges, whether in learning new skills or overcoming personal obstacles, to achieve their objectives.