Terrible Horses: questions to ask and activities to try
A brother and sister push, pull and fight, until a story brings them together. Terrible Horses is a powerful picture book about sibling conflict and the power of imagination.
What age is it for? Terrible Horses is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Brothers and sisters who fight, and finding a way to get along.
Terrible Horses (Raymond Antrobus and Ken Wilson-Max)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Brothers and sisters who fight, and finding a way to get along
Read it after a sibling fight has calmed down. Ask how each child in the story felt, and what helped them. It's a great one to read with both siblings together.
What it helps with
- Fighting with brothers and sisters
- Using words instead of hands
- Understanding someone else's side
- Creativity and stories bringing people together
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Why did the brother and sister fight?”
- “How did they feel?”
- “What were the terrible horses?”
- “How did they start to understand each other?”
- “What do you fight about?”
- “What helps you make up?”
5-minute activities to try together
Story together
Make up a story together, each adding one sentence at a time.
Words not hands
Practise words to use when you're cross with a sibling: “Stop, I don't like it.”
Free printables: Terrible Horses worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Croc and Bird (Alexis Deacon)
- Best for
- Brothers and sisters who are very different
- Age
- 3-7
Alphonse, There's Mud on the Ceiling! (Daisy Hirst)
- Best for
- Playing together as siblings, and indoor versus outdoor games
- Age
- 3-6
Fair Shares (Pippa Goodhart and Anna Doherty)
- Best for
- What's fair, and why fair isn't always the same
- Age
- 3-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.