About this book:
This is an American Indian tale about a boy who strives to find power within himself. Specifically, he longs for a pony to care for and to lead him into greatness like the other boys in his tribe have. When he realizes he'll never have one of his own, he decides to make one out of mud and clay. He cared for this clay horse as if it were his own until one day, it magically turns into a live horse. Then one day, after his parents try to find this boy, the tribe eventually leaves without him because they are following a buffalo herd. His pony comforts him and says that she can lead him back to his people if he stays with her and stays strong. After days of travel without food or rest, his pony helps him find his people and he shows his worthy to his people by joining them in battle. Soon after the boy becomes war chief of his tribe, the pony returns to Mother Earth, saying that he must find courage, power, and strength within his own self.
What comes from this book:
This is a great story for younger children and a great lesson for even older ones. It deals with identity and figuring out one's inner strength and can be used as a great self-evaluation story. It also shows kids that anyone can be anything, no matter where they started. As long as they believe in themselves and trust the encouragement given from those around them, anything is possible.
Classroom uses for this book:
As stated above, it's a great story time read for younger kids, but it has a wonderful mini-lesson for older ones. It can be used as a cause and effect lesson: What would have happened to the young boy had he not listened to the pony and let her guide him with her wisdom? What do you think the boy did after losing his pony? Many questions and answers can be drawn from this book.
Further information about this book:
Cohen, Caron Lee., and Shonto Begay. The Mud Pony. New York: Scholastic, 1988. Print. ISBN: 0-590-41525-5
This is an American Indian tale about a boy who strives to find power within himself. Specifically, he longs for a pony to care for and to lead him into greatness like the other boys in his tribe have. When he realizes he'll never have one of his own, he decides to make one out of mud and clay. He cared for this clay horse as if it were his own until one day, it magically turns into a live horse. Then one day, after his parents try to find this boy, the tribe eventually leaves without him because they are following a buffalo herd. His pony comforts him and says that she can lead him back to his people if he stays with her and stays strong. After days of travel without food or rest, his pony helps him find his people and he shows his worthy to his people by joining them in battle. Soon after the boy becomes war chief of his tribe, the pony returns to Mother Earth, saying that he must find courage, power, and strength within his own self.
What comes from this book:
This is a great story for younger children and a great lesson for even older ones. It deals with identity and figuring out one's inner strength and can be used as a great self-evaluation story. It also shows kids that anyone can be anything, no matter where they started. As long as they believe in themselves and trust the encouragement given from those around them, anything is possible.
Classroom uses for this book:
As stated above, it's a great story time read for younger kids, but it has a wonderful mini-lesson for older ones. It can be used as a cause and effect lesson: What would have happened to the young boy had he not listened to the pony and let her guide him with her wisdom? What do you think the boy did after losing his pony? Many questions and answers can be drawn from this book.
Further information about this book:
Cohen, Caron Lee., and Shonto Begay. The Mud Pony. New York: Scholastic, 1988. Print. ISBN: 0-590-41525-5