The Horse Whisperer's Handbook: A Kid's Guide to Horse Communication
What’s inside...
The book 'The Horse Whisperer's A Kid's Guide to Horse Communication' provides an accessible guide for young horse enthusiasts to understand horse behavior through signals such as ear and eye expressions and tail movements. 'Bright Objects' follows Sylvia Knight, a young widow, as she navigates the mysterious consequences of a rare comet's discovery while seeking justice for her husband's unresolved murder. Caught between the beliefs of a local mystic and the comet's discoverer, Sylvia embarks on a quest for truth amidst her town's growing obsession with the celestial event.
Age
7-15
Length
45 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think are the most important traits in understanding how horses communicate?
How do you feel when you see the characters successfully communicating with horses?
Can you imagine what the horse might be feeling during different moments in the book?
What did you learn about the relationship between humans and animals from reading this book?
If you could ask the horse whisperer any question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the emotional aspects of communication, not just with animals but in their daily interactions with people. Use the book as a starting point to discuss the importance of empathy, observation, and patience. Highlight the moments in the book where understanding and bond between the horse and the handler lead to successful outcomes. Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations to make the conversation more relatable and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book teaches children how to interpret horses’ non-verbal cues and understand their feelings, fostering a deep sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to pay attention to the body language and emotional states of those around them, improving their interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Caring for horses is depicted as a serious commitment, emphasizing the importance of regular care and attention.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these principles to their daily chores and tasks, understanding the value of consistency and responsibility in their actions.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Mastering horse communication is shown as a gradual process that requires patience and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to apply patience in learning new skills at school or in other hobbies, underscoring that progress takes time.
Example Lesson: Confidence Building
Explanation: As children learn to effectively communicate with horses, they gain confidence in their ability to handle and lead animals larger than themselves.
Real-World Application: This confidence can translate to other areas of life, helping children to take on new challenges with greater self-assurance.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book illustrates scenarios where children must work together with the horses to achieve common goals, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the significance of collaboration and how working together can lead to achieving greater outcomes, whether in sports, school projects, or family activities.