Tower-Block Pony
What’s inside...
Dermot McDougall is confused by his sister Maeve and her best friend Hannah's obsession with horses. He would understand if they were interested in cars, railways, or planes instead. When the girls rescue a pony and bring it to live on the fifth floor of their high-rise block, chaos follows. Ultimately, it's up to Dermot to save the day.
Age
7-10
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life would be like if you found a pony like Ginny did in the story?
How did Ginny’s actions show her love and care for the pony?
Why is it important to help animals and people in need?
What would you have done differently if you were in Ginny’s place?
How did the neighbors' attitudes change throughout the book and why do you think that happened?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Ginny’s situation, fostering a deeper understanding of the characters’ emotions.
Help your child make connections by relating the story to their own experiences of friendship and caring for others.
Discuss the importance of community support, highlighted in the book, and ask your child about times they felt supported by their community.
Use the story as a springboard to talk about responsibility, especially in caring for pets and the environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Tower-Block Pony', the protagonist learns to understand and care for a pony despite their initial unfamiliarity and the unconventional circumstances of keeping a pony in a tower block.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by respecting and nurturing relationships with their peers and pets, understanding that care and love can thrive even in unconventional situations.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and Problem Solving
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist's ingenuity in solving the dilemma of how to properly care for a pony in a high-rise building.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively and come up with solutions in less-than-ideal situations, harnessing their resourcefulness in everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Community Support and Cooperation
Explanation: As the plot unfolds, neighbors in the tower block come together to support the protagonist and the pony, depicting a strong sense of community.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of community involvement and cooperation, seeing how collaboration can lead to positive outcomes and collective well-being.