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The only behavior measure that correlates significantly with reading scores is the number of books in the home. An ana... More
Summary: Horace is a leopard who was adopted by tigers when he was a baby. He wants to be with cats that looks just like him, and he sets off to discover just such a family. In the end, Horace learns that being loved has nothing to do with looking like anyone else.
Type of Reading: any time
Recommended Age: read together: 4 to 7; read yourself: 6 to 8
Interest Level: 4 to 8
Age of Child: Read with child 2 years old.
Little Kid Reaction: We've tried this story about half a dozen times, and get no interest. Usually we're told "No Horace."
Big Kid Reaction: The story simply illustrates the idea that love and family go far beyond looks. I was surprised at the statement to Horace that he "lost" his family when he was little.
Pros: The cute animal illustrations and the story's presentation allow the toddler to understand the idea of adoption without trying to say "is that me?"
Cons: Prepare a response to the question "how did Horace lose his family?" BEFORE you read the book. It's not a question you want to answer on the fly.
Borrow or Buy: Borrow it. We didn't have success this time, but believe the story has great potential and we'll borrow it again.
Educational Themes: This book is about being loved and adopted, and will be most helpful to children who feel different or awkward about not resembling their adoptive family.
Literary Categories: Fiction - adoption
Date(s) Reviewed: November 2003
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