An-Animal-a-Month: Horses
Not your typical horse books! These outstanding titles explore:
the practice of science
perseverance and the healing power of horses
the wild side of horses and the importance of conservation
Click on the book covers to find more information about each title.
Clever in an unexpected way! Horses are known for their strength, athleticism, and grace. Clever Hans was also known for his ability to do arithmetic, tell time, and solve other complex problems. This is the true story of how scientists eventually figured out Clever Hans’ secret to problem-solving. Readers and listeners will see how scientists use questions and experiments to test ideas and how debate is an important part of science. Readers and listeners will also see how Clever Hans led all researchers to be more careful about the powerful effects of body language on their subjects. This title reminds me of another wonderful book, called Mesmerized by Mara Rockliff, about the placebo effect. Share this fascinating and informative title with children ages 4-8.
Kind of nonfiction: Narrative – a true account of the scientific investigation into Clever Han’s mysterious abilities. (My categorization using Melissa Stewart’s 5 Kinds of Nonfiction.)
Ties to Next Generation Science Standards:
Use this title as a springboard into the NGSS learning dimension Scientific and Engineering Practices. The book gives multiple examples of how scientists ask answerable questions, conduct experiments, refine their questions based on results, and argue using evidence.
The power of perseverance and partnership! Liz Hartel, from Denmark, shared a special bond with horses and excelled at dressage, a kind of ballet on horseback. When polio left her bedridden as a young woman, Liz refused to give up her dream of one day riding in the Olympics. Her exceptional partner, a horse named Jubilee, helped her achieve her dreams. It’s inspiring to read about Liz’s fearlessness and perseverance in the face of hardship and about the healing power of horses. Jubilee became the first therapy horse, and Liz went on to found the first riding center for people with disabilities. Share these real-life heroines with children ages 8-12.
Kind of nonfiction: Narrative nonfiction – real characters, real setting, chronological plot, climax, and satisfying ending. Find an author’s note, photo of Liz and Jubilee, and insightful questions in the back matter. (My categorization using Melissa Stewart’s 5 Kinds of Nonfiction.)
See them in the wild! Not all horses are domesticated. Small herds, such as the Salt River horses of the Tonto National Forest in Arizona, still roam free. Through Melissa Marr’s captivating photographs and evocative poem, children will feel as though they are part of this herd of wild horses. What a special experience! See the horses play in the water, nurse their foals, graze, run, and battle for dominance. A note at the end explains more about the horses, the efforts to protect them, and encourages conservation. Ages 3-5.
Kind of nonfiction: Expository Nonfiction – a carefully crafted poem focused on the Salt River wild horses. Note that for historical reasons, poems are always categorized as nonfiction. This one rings true. (My categorization using Melissa Stewart’s 5 Kinds of Nonfiction.)