Sheltie Special 3: The Big Show
Sheltie Series
What’s inside...
The villagers are celebrating Little Applewood School's 100th birthday with lots of special events. Emma and her little Shetland pony, Sheltie, are keen to help. They turn the village fete into a huge success with Sheltie giving everyone rides, and Emma coming up with a plan to save the Little Applewood party from disaster. On the final Big Day, Emma and Sheltie and their friends take part in a wonderful fancy-dress parade with Emma as Dr Dolittle, best friend Sally and her pony as a lion and azebra, and you-know-who as the push-me-pull-you - none other than Sheltie, of course!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the way Sheltie helped Emma in The Big Show?
How did Emma and Sheltie work together to solve problems? Can you think of a time when teamwork helped you?
Why is trust important in Emma and Sheltie's relationship, and how do they show it?
How do you think Emma felt during the competition? Have you ever felt that way?
What would you have done if you were in Emma's place at the show?
Tip: Role play these questions
To foster a deeper connection with the themes of the book, incorporate personal experiences relating to trust, teamwork, and overcoming challenges into your conversation. Use encouraging language to invite your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story. Highlight how Emma's growth and achievements are similar to situations they might face themselves. Ask them to describe their favorite part and why it stood out to them, which can lead to more personal insights and connections.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Sheltie Special 3: The Big Show', the young protagonist takes care of Sheltie, the pony, which teaches the importance of being responsible for another living being.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on age-appropriate chores at home, such as caring for a pet or maintaining their own space.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters face challenges but continue to strive to achieve their goals, showing the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of working together, especially in preparing for the big show, where characters collaborate to ensure success.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to collaborate with classmates on school projects or with siblings on family tasks, understanding that teamwork often leads to better results.
Example Lesson: Respect for Animals
Explanation: Treating Sheltie with kindness and respect is a central theme, emphasizing the importance of humane treatment towards animals.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to treat pets kindly and learn about animal welfare, which can foster empathy and compassionate behavior.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: The book addresses fear, as characters overcome their nervousness about the big show, teaching courage in uncertain situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that feeling scared is okay, and that facing their fears, like speaking in class or trying new activities, can be rewarding.