Norton Saves the Day (Pony Tales)
#1 in Horse Tales Series
What’s inside...
Norton seems a little bored, so his owner Molly decides to take him to riding school. She can't wait to teach the rest of the class a thing or two about training ponies.
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Norton a hero in the story?
How did Norton's actions affect the other characters in the book?
Why do you think teamwork was important in 'Norton Saves the Day'?
How would you feel if you were in Norton's situation?
What would you have done differently if you were Norton?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing Norton's qualities, encourage your child to think of times when they had to be brave or help others.
Ask your child how they would feel in Norton’s hooves, fostering empathy and understanding of the character’s emotions.
Highlight the importance of teamwork shown in the book and relate it to your child's everyday experiences with friends and family.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or different choices by Norton, enhancing their creative and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: In 'Norton Saves the Day,' the protagonist, Norton, shows bravery when he ventures out of his comfort zone to help a friend in trouble, demonstrating that true bravery is about facing fears for the right reasons.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to overcome their fears and stand up for others, even when it feels challenging, applying this courage in school or in social situations.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Loyalty
Explanation: Norton's actions to save his friend highlight the importance of loyalty and support in friendships. The story emphasizes sticking by friends in difficult times.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be dependable friends in their own lives, showing loyalty and support in their interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, Norton encounters various challenges and learns to think critically and creatively to resolve problems, showing that effective problem-solving often requires innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these problem-solving skills at school or in play, learning to navigate obstacles and find solutions in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Norton takes responsibility for his actions and the safety of others, which is a central theme in the book. This sense of duty is what drives him to act and save the day.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being responsible for their actions and looking after those around them, which can be practiced in their responsibilities at home or in school.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: By helping a friend in need, Norton shows empathy, understanding, and responding to the feelings of others, which is crucial in building strong interpersonal relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and respect the feelings and needs of others, which is vital for developing empathy and forming healthy relationships in the real world.