The Racehorse Who Wouldn't Gallop
Charlie Bass Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
In 'The Racehorse Who Wouldn't Gallop,' author Clare Balding introduces young readers to Charlie Bass, a spirited girl with a big heart and an even bigger dream. When Charlie's family acquires a racehorse, Noble Warrior, she discovers that he has an unusual quirk—he won't gallop. With determination and a few creative strategies, Charlie works to understand and overcome Noble Warrior’s fears. This delightful tale not only captures the excitement of horse racing but also highlights themes of perseverance, problem-solving, and the power of understanding.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the racehorse reluctant to gallop at first, and how did that change?
How do the characters in the story show teamwork and support for each other?
Can you relate to feeling nervous about doing something new, like the racehorse? What helps you overcome that feeling?
What did you learn about perseverance and determination from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences of fear and success.
Discuss the different characters and their roles in helping the racehorse succeed. Ask your child who their favorite character was and why.
Highlight the themes of persistence and courage. Reinforce these concepts by connecting them to real-life situations your child might face.
Use expressive reading to make the story more engaging. Change your tone of voice to match the emotions and actions in the book, capturing your child's interest.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: The central character, a young girl named Charlie, shows determination to help her racehorse succeed despite numerous obstacles. She continuously tries new methods until she finds a successful strategy.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the value of not giving up when faced with challenges, whether it's learning a new skill or solving a difficult problem at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of understanding others' needs
Explanation: Charlie takes the time to learn what makes her racehorse comfortable and happy, which eventually leads to his success on the track.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be considerate and attentive to the needs and feelings of others, fostering empathy and better relationships.
Example Lesson: Teamwork makes the dream work
Explanation: Charlie collaborates with her family and friends to train the racehorse, demonstrating that cooperation and leveraging individual strengths can lead to great achievements.
Real-World Application: Children learn that working together with others enhances success in group projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Embrace uniqueness
Explanation: The racehorse, unlike typical racehorses, has a unique set of quirks and habits. Charlie’s success comes when she embraces these qualities rather than trying to suppress them.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and celebrate differences in everyone, including themselves, recognizing that individuality is a strength.