A Horse in the Living Room
Horse Stories Series
What’s inside...
You get up in the morning. The sun is shining. Suddenly, you notice something incredible. A horse is standing in your living room. How did it get there? To whom does it belong? And most important, what do you do now? This book describes what Tommy, Wendy, and Mom did when they faced this exact situation. This funny and touching story shows what happens when a family is introduced to a highly unexpected situation. One that forces everyone to join hands and work together to resolve. Along the way, they are taught a lesson about themselves. This book is great for kids 4-8. Enjoy reading!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
46 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the horse felt being in the living room?
What would you do if you found a horse in our living room?
Why is it important to care for animals, even in unexpected situations?
What are some ways we can make our home welcoming for everyone, including pets?
How do you think the story would change if the horse was in a different room?
Tip: Role play these questions
Let your child express their thoughts first before sharing your own interpretations.
Encourage your child to imagine different scenarios by asking 'what if' questions related to the book's theme.
Discuss the emotional aspects of the book, such as how the characters might feel in unusual situations.
Use the book’s illustrations to engage younger readers, asking them to describe what they see and how it relates to the story.
Relate the story back to your child's experiences, asking if they've ever encountered something unexpected and how they handled it.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story depicts the child protagonist learning to understand and care for the horse's needs and feelings, despite the unconventional situation of having a horse in the living room.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize and respect the feelings and needs of others, fostering healthier relationships and social interactions.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and Problem-Solving
Explanation: As the child navigates the challenges of keeping a horse inside a house, they demonstrate quick thinking and adaptability to manage unexpected situations effectively.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain flexible and resourceful in the face of challenges or when things do not go as planned, which is a valuable skill in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Taking care of a horse is a significant responsibility, and throughout the book, the protagonist learns the importance of regular feeding, grooming, and exercise for the horse.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of taking responsibility for the care of others, whether it be pets, siblings, or even their belongings, encouraging them to be more dependable and conscientious.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creativity
Explanation: The book celebrates the child's imaginative solution to keep the horse entertained and comfortable in an indoor environment.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination and creativity to solve problems and make the best out of any situation, boosting their cognitive and creative skills.