Terrible Horses
A Story of Sibling Conflict and Companionship
Raymond Antrobus author Ken Wilson-Max illustrator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Walker Books Ltd
Published:3rd Oct '24
Should be back in stock very soon
Sibling rivalry takes center stage in Terrible Horses, where creativity and storytelling become vital tools for understanding and resolving conflict.
In Terrible Horses, readers are introduced to the complex dynamics between a brother and sister who struggle to communicate effectively. Their relationship is characterized by misunderstandings and frequent arguments, leading to feelings of hurt and isolation. The boy often finds solace in his bedroom, where he escapes into his imagination and writes stories that reflect his inner turmoil. His tales feature fearsome horses, symbolizing the chaos of their conflicts, while he portrays himself as a solitary pony, unable to voice his feelings or compete with his sister's assertiveness.
As the narrative unfolds, the boy's storytelling becomes a crucial tool for self-expression and healing. When his sister discovers his written works, it opens the door to a new understanding between them. Through the lens of creativity, Terrible Horses explores the themes of empathy, reflection, and the importance of seeing things from another person's perspective. The book beautifully illustrates how storytelling can bridge the gap between conflicting emotions and foster deeper connections.
Ultimately, Terrible Horses is not just a tale of sibling rivalry but a poignant reminder of the power of creativity in resolving conflicts. It encourages young readers to express their feelings and consider the viewpoints of others, making it an essential read for families navigating similar challenges. This evocative picture book is both a celebration of imagination and a guide to emotional growth.
Ken Wilson-Max's illustrations artfully combine depictions of the children in their home alongside the inner world of the young boy's feelings and imagination, with the horses rendered in brightly coloured pencil marks. -- Imogen Carter * The Observer *
A picture book about empathy and loneliness. * The Bookseller *
Raymond Antrobus has penned a seemingly simple tale of sibling rivalry, but it’s one that conveys feelings relating to discord and empathy, both of which Ken Wilson-Max captures so adeptly in his illustrations of humans and of horses. * Red Reading Hub *
A poignant, expressive picture book about fraught sibling relationships. -- Imogen Russell Williams * The Guardian *
Ken Wilson-Max’s powerful mixed media, somewhat whimsical scenes, work beautifully in tandem with the author’s carefully chosen, poetic words... Altogether a demonstration of how storytelling can result in better understanding between people. * Books for Keeps *
ISBN: 9781529520934
Dimensions: 269mm x 249mm x 3mm
Weight: 185g
32 pages