
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the absence of a loved one or struggling to find the courage to face a physical fear. While set against the backdrop of World War II, the story focuses on the timeless emotional journey of a young boy named Georgie. He misses his father deeply and is terrified of the large horses that frequent his street. Parents will appreciate how this story models the way a child can transform their anxiety into a meaningful goal, using small, achievable steps to build resilience. It is a gentle, historical tale that emphasizes that being brave does not mean the absence of fear, but rather doing something important in spite of it. It is perfectly suited for children ages 4 to 8 who are learning to navigate big feelings in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals with parental deployment and the home-front realities of war. The approach is realistic but secular and grounded in a child's perspective. The resolution is hopeful and empowering, focusing on the child's agency rather than the outcome of the war.
A first or second grader who is feeling the weight of a parent's absence due to work or military service, or a sensitive child who needs a model for overcoming a specific phobia.
The book can be read cold, though parents should be prepared to explain what a 'penny picture' or a trade wagon is. The author's note provides excellent historical context. A parent might notice their child avoiding certain activities due to fear, or perhaps the child has expressed worry that a distant parent will be disappointed in them.
Younger children (4-5) will focus on Georgie's fear of the big horses and his love for his dad. Older children (6-8) will better grasp the historical sacrifice and the weight of the war-time setting.
Unlike many books about deployment that focus on the 'waiting,' this book focuses on the child's active growth and the specific way they choose to communicate their well-being to the absent parent.
Set during WWII, Georgie misses his father who is serving overseas. Georgie is intimidated by the large workhorses in his neighborhood but decides to save his pennies to buy a birthday gift for his dad. He realizes the best gift he can give is a photo of himself being brave, leading him to confront his fear by posing on a pony to show his father that he is doing well at home.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.