Terrible Horses

Terrible Horses is a children's book that explores sibling conflict and emotional growth through the lens of a young boy's imagination. The story revolves around a boy and his older sister, who constantly clash over boundary issues like taking things without permission, jumping on beds, and wandering off. Their fights are physical rather than verbal, involving pushing, pulling, and hiding. To cope with his anger and frustration, the boy retreats to his room where he expresses his emotions through writing and drawing, creating stories about "terrible horses" that trample and gallop, leaving him as a lonely pony unable to communicate.

The conflict intensifies when the boy's sister takes his sketchbook. This event challenges the boy to reconsider his emotions and their relationship. Through this moment of tension, the story unfolds with a message about empathy, creativity, and the power of perspective. Terrible Horses encourages young readers to use their creativity to process anger and better understand themselves and others. With its simple narrative and emotional depth, the book serves as a gentle lesson in emotional regulation and reconciliation.