Rocking Horse Land: And Other Classic Tales of Dolls and Toys
What’s inside...
This collection of classic stories celebrates the relationship between child and treasured toy. This anthology introduces tales of Rag Bag, by Ruth Ainsworth; the doll which saved Vasilissa from the fearsome witch Baba Yaga, as retold by Naomi Lewis; the adventures of Hans Anderson's Steadfast Tin soldier; and the enchanted rocking horse Rollande, as told in the title story by Laurence Housman. There's also an excerpt of The Memoirs of a London Doll by Mrs. Fairstar (Richard Henry 'Hengrist; Horne) and the story The Town in the Library by E. 'Edith' Nesbit. The stories in this anthology were originally collected in 'The Silent Playmate: A Collection of Doll Stories' edited by Naomi Lewis. This book adds many paintings by Angela Barrett.
Discussion points
What do you think the toys in 'Rocking Horse Land' do when no one is watching?
How did the story make you feel about your own toys?
Can you imagine a new adventure for one of the toys in the book? What would it be?
Why do you think the author chose dolls and toys as the main characters in the stories?
How do you think the toys feel about their owners?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think creatively by asking them to invent new stories for the toys. Share memories of your favorite childhood toys to create a deeper connection. Listen attentively to your child’s perspectives and feelings about the story, validating their thoughts and emotions. Use the toys and dolls from the book as actors and recreate scenes or new adventures, enhancing their narrative skills and fostering imagination.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of sharing
Explanation: The stories in 'Rocking Horse Land' often depict characters who learn the importance of sharing their toys and joys with others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their own toys and belongings with friends and siblings, fostering a spirit of generosity and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Imagination and creativity
Explanation: The magical tales inspire children to use their imagination as the characters embark on fantastical adventures with their toys.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in imaginative play, enhancing their creative thinking skills which are important both in academic settings and personal problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the book often empathize with each other’s feelings, especially when facing challenges or sadness.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be considerate and understand the perspectives of others, helping them develop strong interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Some stories highlight the importance of taking care of one's belongings, including toys, which parallels caring for one's own responsibilities.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being responsible for their toys and other possessions, which can translate to better personal responsibility and organizational skills as they grow.
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: Many of the tales feature characters who overcome obstacles or resolve conflicts, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that perseverance and critical thinking are key to overcoming difficulties, applicable in school tasks or personal challenges.