Emma Dilemma, The Nanny, And The Best Horse Ever
#6 of 7 in Emma Dilemma Series
What’s inside...
Emma has always loved animals, including her two ferrets, the family's poodle, and her sister's cat. Her passion grows when she falls in love with a bay horse named Rooney whom she rides at a nearby stable. When she learns Rooney is for sale, she is devastated at the thought of losing him. Concurrently, Emma's best friend is moving away, adding to her distress. Despite attempts to resolve these issues, and encountering a few humorous setbacks, Emma ultimately realizes that what truly matters in life is family, friendship, and finding a sense of belonging.
Character compass
Emma
Annie
Discussion points
How did Emma's feelings about her horse change throughout the story, and why do you think that happened?
What would you have done if you were in Emma's situation with her nanny and her horse?
How did the characters in the book show responsibility and what does being responsible mean to you?
How did Emma’s relationship with her siblings and nanny influence her decisions in the story?
What are some ways Emma could have solved her dilemma differently and what would you suggest?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes, like responsibility and problem-solving, to open up a two-way conversation. Encourage your child to relate their own experiences to Emma’s dilemmas and choices, fostering empathy and deeper understanding. Praise them for their insights and encourage them to think critically about different outcomes to the story. Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of communication and honesty in difficult situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Emma learns about responsibility through taking care of her own horse, demonstrating how it requires commitment and hard work to look after another living being.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on small responsibilities at home such as caring for a pet or maintaining a clean room, which helps them understand the importance of being dependable and trustworthy.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Emma faces various challenges that require her to think critically and make decisions, which showcases the importance of problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child's life through encouraging them to make choices or find solutions to their everyday problems, thereby enhancing their decision-making capabilities.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Emma displays empathy by understanding and sharing the feelings of others, including her nanny and her horse, which is a crucial aspect of her character development.
Real-World Application: Teaching children to recognize and respect the feelings of others can improve their social interactions and foster a kinder, more inclusive behavior towards peers at school and at home.
Example Lesson: The Value of Honesty
Explanation: In the story, Emma learns the hard way that honesty is the best policy, especially when she finds herself in complicated situations caused by her small lies.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that being honest not only builds trust but also simplifies life, as it prevents the complications that come from deceit.