Who Stole Norton? (Pony Tales)
#3 in Horse Tales Series
What’s inside...
Molly's pony Norton is missing, and she is worried! Are thieves to blame? What do the clues say? The police are on their way, and Molly is ready to solve the crime. In Molly's eyes her pony Norton is perfect, and when she finds his paddock gate open, Molly immediately jumps to the wrong conclusion that Norton has been 'pony-napped.'
Discussion points
Why do you think someone would want to steal Norton? What would you do if you were in Jenna's shoes?
How did Jenna's feelings change throughout the story? Can you relate to any of her emotions?
What does this story teach us about friendship and trust?
How do the other characters in the book help Jenna, and what does that tell us about teamwork?
If you could ask Norton one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, making connections to their own experiences. Use the questions to guide a deeper understanding of the character’s motives and emotions. Highlight themes like friendship and trust, discussing their importance in real life. Allow your child to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios, fostering creative thinking. Reinforce the value of teamwork and collective problem-solving as depicted in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist taking responsibility for finding Norton, a lost pony, highlighting the importance of taking charge in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being responsible for their actions and belongings, and the role it plays in solving problems in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The characters display concern and understanding for each other's feelings throughout the search for Norton, teaching children to consider others' emotions.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be empathetic towards their peers, understanding different perspectives and offering support when needed.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The book navigates through the challenges faced in finding Norton, demonstrating strategic thinking and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills learned from the book to academic challenges or disputes with peers, fostering a mindset that welcomes challenges as opportunities to learn.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book collaborate to find Norton, illustrating the power of working together towards a common goal.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperation and how teamwork can lead to achieving goals that seem difficult when faced alone.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite facing obstacles, the determination to find Norton remains unwavering in the story, showing children the importance of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist through their personal challenges, whether in learning new skills or completing tasks, understanding that perseverance often leads to success.