The Horse in Harry’s Room

An Early I Can Read Book

By Syd Hoff

Copyright 1970

Syd Hoff wrote a number of Early Reader books that, unlike many books for beginning readers, tell engaging stories.  It turns out you can tell a meaningful tale in a small space with a limited number of words!

This book here tells the story of a boy named Harry who has an imaginary horse living in his bedroom.  Harry is thrilled with his horse that he could ride in circles without knocking over the furniture and jump over the bed without hitting his head on the ceiling.  Other children laughed at Harry when he talked about his horse because of course nobody else could see it.  His teacher wisely noted, “Sometimes thinking about a thing is the same as having it.”

Harry’s parents decided he could use a trip to the country to see real horses.  He saw the real horses running and jumping freely and Harry became concerned about his own horse being confined to four walls.  As soon as they returned from the country, Harry ran to his room and told his horse he was free to go.  Fortunately, Harry’s horse decided to stay right where he was, happily living with Harry in his bedroom.  

This story shows that we should decide for ourselves what makes us happy.  Harry didn’t need to possess something to gain pleasure from it.  Others did not understand and thought Harry was missing out on the fun.  But Harry knew better.  And Harry needn’t worry about his horse.  The other horses may want to run and play outside, but Harry’s is perfectly happy inside.  What makes one horse miserable may be the perfect thing for another.   And while we may not understand another person’s pleasures, who are we to say what is best for them?