Deborah Kelly (text) and Jenni Goodman (illustrator), Little Horses, Wombat Books, January 2024, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781761111310
I’m excited to recommend a wonderful picture book that I think children aged 2-10 years will absolutely adore. In an honest rhyme spun by Deborah Kelly, readers are invited into this enchanting world of Little Horses, affectionately nicknamed after the White Seahorse species that sparked inspiration behind creating this heart-warming narrative. For those readers who have yet to encounter seahorses up close, a nurturing experience awaits them inside this story following a delicate seahorse family.
This book breathes life into ocean treasures, showcasing a true story that illuminates the incredible power humans possess to restore the health of our oceans and revive the dwindling sea-life that faces crisis. I love that this story is a testament to resilience and hope, especially crucial in these challenging times of ocean climate changes following loss and threats of further destruction. It’s wonderful that author Deborah Kelly gives readers not only the experience to enjoy a captivating narrative but also to walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for marine science, thanks to the enlightening fact sheets at the end of her book.
Despite their remarkable survival skills, seahorses are not resistant to changing weather patterns that threaten their underwater habitat.
However, this narrative is a touching reminder of remarkable human efforts in saving marine life, emphasising the importance of environmental conservation in this era. Little Horses is an amazingly fascinating story that shares how nature recovered through the visionary invention of a brilliant seahorse hotel that promised a fresh start after the storm for the White Seahorse species. With a harmony of rhyme and repetition, Deborah Kelly creatively leads readers on this journey of true events that not only shed light on the challenges faced by Australian seahorses but also celebrates the resilience and the conservation efforts that have contributed to the success of seahorse survival.
The illustrations by Jenni Goodman are truly mesmerising and spark readers’ imaginations! It’s almost like they are 3D, popping off the pages with so much detail and vibrant colours. Each landscape scene spread over two pages inspires readers to imagine being on a glass bottom boat looking into the ocean world of seahorses. Seriously, the sizes of the seahorses could be accurate as they grow no bigger than a banana size. Readers almost feel like they’re stepping right into the artwork!
While teacher notes have not yet been developed, I’m here to offer some engaging activity suggestions based on this inspiring narrative. I’m happy to share these ideas to enhance the teaching experience and inspire students with Little Horses.
- Create an ocean storm mimicking the Little Horses story with water play and ocean props. Bring out your Waste Warriors recycle box with items like shoe boxes, fabric, wool, sponges, glue and other items. Turn your students into Trash Transformers to design and create a themed ocean garden that attracts seahorses to help recover their home and rebirth more seahorses. Get creative with chenille sticks to rebirth the seahorses. Choose creative names for the themed gardens like Pink Patch and Horse Haven, then write introductions for each innovation.
- For older children, design a seahorse discovery tour or a seahorse aquarium for tourists. This may be illustrated or made with your recyclables box. Afterwards, write about the importance of seahorse conservation and implementing guidelines for sustainable tourism to educate tourists on how to help protect seahorses, while still enjoying these unique marine environments. Research visual campaigns for reducing plastic, pollution and carbon emissions to include in your writing ideas.
Reviewed by Chantelle Ciccotosto
