One Day
illustrations by
What’s inside...
When Tamzin goes to stay with her grandmother in Cornwall, she is drawn towards a small grey statue of a grey horse, kept in a cabinet for safe-keeping. One day she accidentally drops the statue and unwittingly releases the evil spirit of the Grey Horse that has been trapped inside. Her mistake threatens to bring storms and danger, and it is only Tamzin who can put things right. To do this she needs the help of the benevolent spirit of the Blue Horse who, according to the ancient legend, defeated the Grey Horse once before. In this third adventure, a newcomer arrives and with his help Tamzin is nearer to solving the mystery behind the ancient legend. But the Grey Horse's power is growing even stronger, putting not only her life in danger but that of the whole village. Hoewever Tamzin is almost sure that the spirit of the Blue Horse is nearby when her favourite pony Moonlight comes to her rescue once again.
Why read this book
- Showcases the value of perseverance and bravery.
- Encourages understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures.
- Supports language development and vocabulary expansion.
- Ideal for parent-child bonding during reading time.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
12 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the characters learned from their experience in the story?
How did the characters' feelings change from the beginning to the end of the book?
If you were a character in the book, how would you have reacted to the challenges they faced?
What was your favorite part of the story, and why did it stand out to you?
How can we apply the lessons from the book to our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Show genuine interest in their answers. Relate the story's themes to your child’s life by asking them to think of similar experiences they might have had. Praise their efforts to think critically about the book’s messages. Maintain an open and encouraging atmosphere to make discussions enjoyable and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of patience
Explanation: In 'One Day', the protagonist learns to wait patiently for a special event, showing that good things come to those who wait.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to wait their turn during games or when speaking, enhancing their social interactions and respect for others.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: The story highlights the protagonist's determination to achieve a goal despite challenges, underscoring the importance of not giving up.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of continuing to try in the face of difficulties, whether it be finishing a puzzle or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: Characters in the book navigate various feelings as they anticipate the special day, providing a guide on recognizing and handling emotions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to identify their own emotions and those of others, helping them develop empathy and emotional intelligence.