Tomboy the Headstrong Horse

Set in the Southern Alps in 1866, this book retells the true tale of the adventures of the first European woman to journey across the South Island, Caroline Chevalier. Along the way Caroline forms an unbreakable bond with her headstrong horse, Tomboy. Susan Brocker bases her tale on Caroline's real life journals. Figurative language, and Raymond McGrath's beautiful illustrations, have the reader engaged from the beginning.

At the end of the book, Susan then writes non-fiction background information about the two explorers, the route they took in the South Island and the purpose of the trip.

There are very comprehensive teacher notes on the Scholastic website which includes questions to promote discuss and six ideas for follow up activities.

This would work well as a read-aloud for children seven and up.