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Vesihevonen
Skotlanti 1930-luvulla. 8-vuotias Kirstie ja hänen 5-vuotias pikkuveljensä Angus löytävät kotirannaltaan erikoisen munan. He vievät sen kotiin, ja munasta kuoriutuu kummallinen, pitkäkaulainen suomukas eläin. Koko perhe kiintyy nopeasti tähän sympaattiseen ja leikkisään kaveriin. Eläin kasvaa kuitenkin huimaa vauhtia, ja lopulta se on siirrettävä läheiseen järveen. Mutta eläimen olemassaolo on ehdottomasti salattava muilta...
Vesihevonen on lämmin kuvaus eläimen ja ihmisen ystävyydestä.
Vesihevonen on lämmin kuvaus eläimen ja ihmisen ystävyydestä.
123 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1990
110 people are currently reading
2356 people want to read
About the author
Dick King-Smith
361 books300 followersDick King-Smith was born and raised in Gloucestershire, England, surrounded by pet animals. After twenty years as a farmer, he turned to teaching and then to writing children's books.
Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get enjoyment from what he does.
Among his well-loved books is Babe, The Gallant Pig, which was recently made into a major motion picture, and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Dick lived with his wife in a small 17th-century cottage, about three miles from the house where he was born.
Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get enjoyment from what he does.
Among his well-loved books is Babe, The Gallant Pig, which was recently made into a major motion picture, and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Dick lived with his wife in a small 17th-century cottage, about three miles from the house where he was born.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 373 reviews
January 22, 2023
This cover shows the scope of imagination that is possible with this tall tale. Two kids discover an egg up on the beach. They take it home and leave it in salt water in the bathtub. They discover that they have a water horse to take care of. Kirstie and Angus begin feeding him sardines from a can and christen him Crusoe. With the help of their grandfather Grumble, Crusoe is moved to a goldfish pond (once the fish are retrieved and kept safe) and then to larger bodies of water as needed. Their father comes home from his work out at sea to plan the very last move using a cattle truck. I loved the fact that King-Smith at times would switch to the perspective of Crusoe and how the water horse loved to get a tickle from the humans. Now I am curious to see how the movie turned out. "Babe" is still a favorite, so I am optimistic.
August 10, 2023
Set in the simpler times of the 1930s in Scotland, a majestic and imaginative little story takes place after a brother and sister find a suspicious egg washed up on the beach after a storm. Their lives change forever when it turns out that they have actually brought home a sea monster! 🥚 🌊
They decide to name him Crusoe after the Robinson Crusoe story (another book I need to read!) Crusoe is just adorable!! He loves to eat and be petted by the “giants” as he calls them. He’s so sweet! I loved the parts of the story told from his point of view and just how his presence brought the family closer together. But as you can imagine, there are certain challenges to maintaining a water horse! I would have loved this book so much as a child. Would have easily been a favorite. I’m glad I came across the existence of the book now. I actually tried to watch the film years ago (one of my husband’s favorites 😊) but never finished it. Need to get back to it now!
They decide to name him Crusoe after the Robinson Crusoe story (another book I need to read!) Crusoe is just adorable!! He loves to eat and be petted by the “giants” as he calls them. He’s so sweet! I loved the parts of the story told from his point of view and just how his presence brought the family closer together. But as you can imagine, there are certain challenges to maintaining a water horse! I would have loved this book so much as a child. Would have easily been a favorite. I’m glad I came across the existence of the book now. I actually tried to watch the film years ago (one of my husband’s favorites 😊) but never finished it. Need to get back to it now!
June 10, 2012
I read this book in one afternoon cuddled up with my 6 year old. At the end of chapter 3, she was so in love with the water horse she showered me with squeezy hugs and looked at me with adoring eyes. During the chapter when the water horse was being trained, her tender little heart broke. She cried through the chapter. We stopped to talk about the harshness she endured around a hot stove and crossing the street as a toddler yet it's the love that she remembers not the lessons. When the water house was being transported, she ran away to cope with the intensity of the tension but came back to find out what happened. At the end of the book, she was totally spent. She would tell you that this was a good book but very sad. I loved the opportunity this book gave me to spend a lazy afternoon loving on my daughter.
April 7, 2021
The Water Horse seems deceptively simple at first glance. But, just like the loch in which it is set, there are surprising depths to this book. It is the most delightful little story with such an engaging style I was instantly sucked into it. It's a truly sweet and whimsical story full of magic that becomes charmingly mundane when it's from the perspective of this down-to-earth family! I highly recommend it - although, I do warn you, you shall be wishing that you had a water horse egg to hatch in your bathtub by the time it's over!
October 24, 2015
Dick King-Smith, best known for The Sheep-Pig, which became the movie Babe, delivers another winner with The Water Horse, set in Scotland in the 1930s. Young Kirstie discovers a sac-like object that she takes home and places in her water-filled bathtub. To the delight of Kirstie, her younger brother Angus and Kirstie’s grandfather (nicknamed Grumble), it hatches into a baby sea monster (called her a water-horse). The children’s mother’s less enthusiastic, but she grudgingly concedes to taking care of the creature.
Naturally, the adventures of the baby water-horse and the family’s efforts to keep it from harm (and from discovery) will delight any child who wishes that they had such a pet. But adults will find themselves surprised by how deeply they, too, are charmed by this slender, wonderful book. How King-Smith was able to spin such a charming tale with so few words should be taught as a lesson in MFA classes across the country.
Those fortunate enough to listen to this book on Audible will be very pleased at the wonderful job actor Nathaniel Parker does with this wistful book.
Naturally, the adventures of the baby water-horse and the family’s efforts to keep it from harm (and from discovery) will delight any child who wishes that they had such a pet. But adults will find themselves surprised by how deeply they, too, are charmed by this slender, wonderful book. How King-Smith was able to spin such a charming tale with so few words should be taught as a lesson in MFA classes across the country.
Those fortunate enough to listen to this book on Audible will be very pleased at the wonderful job actor Nathaniel Parker does with this wistful book.
June 25, 2015
Listened to the first two chapters for free on Audible. Awh! Yes, I think this is a book old and young will love. The movie was sweet, the book has that extra flair.
October 28, 2019
I just love the sparkle that King-Smith brings to his animal fantasies. They're grand not just because of the heart, the innocence, but also because he doesn't talk down to his readers. There's a lot going on, including history, vocabulary, and whatever else he decides to stir in each time. I hope to eventually find and read them all.
Want to read
October 12, 2013The wonderfully perfect family adventure film of the same name is based on this book.
December 18, 2017
The characters were so lovable and I wish there had been more action, but it's understandable given the context.
August 4, 2015
Listened to this 1.5 hour Audible book with my three sons, aged 11, 10 and 8. We all loved it!
March 31, 2018
The waterhorse is a adventure by dick king-smith who likes animals and who likes writs books for children.
kistie and he her brother Angues find a egg.The next day it hatches in the shed.The Waterhorse and Angues has lots of adventures on the water.
I like the Waterhorse jumps on the het ,the het is attached to a horse. The house fell on catapault a explod and dost of men in the water.
I recommend this book to year 6. In conclusion i give this book 10/10 because its interesting for children. The movie sucked.
kistie and he her brother Angues find a egg.The next day it hatches in the shed.The Waterhorse and Angues has lots of adventures on the water.
I like the Waterhorse jumps on the het ,the het is attached to a horse. The house fell on catapault a explod and dost of men in the water.
I recommend this book to year 6. In conclusion i give this book 10/10 because its interesting for children. The movie sucked.
October 18, 2011
Genre: Fantasy Junior Book
Summary: When Kirstie decides to take what looks like a giant mermaid’s purse up to her house to keep, she did not expect to hatch a water horse. With the help of her brother Angus, her grandfather Grumble, her mom and her dad, Kirstie works hard to feed and care for her new pet, Crusoe.
Critique: a) Being a fantasy book means bringing in a magical aspect to the story. A fictional, mythical creature, a water horse, is one of the main characters in this book.
The water horse, or Crusoe, as the family names him, is not the only fantastical element in the book. The descriptions of the setting and the creature make the story come alive. The story seems more real than fantasy as the author uses soothing words to describe where the water horse was found, the house they live, and where the water horse continues his life. As the water horse is moved farther and farther away from the family, and they all start to grow up, the setting of his home is less described, but not in a negative way. It is almost as if to show the family letting go of the pet, and the water horse becomes more independent and self-sustained.
The coast where the mermaid’s purse was found “at the foot of the cliffs” (p. 2) on a pebbly beach. Kirstie took it back to her house where it had a garden, “a small plot on the sheltered side of the white cliff-top house” (p. 11). These are just a few of the details the author provides to intrigue the audience.
Curriculum Connection: A teacher can use this book to teach a child about descriptive sayings, words, and how they paint a picture. The teacher can have the children write a descriptive paragraph about a place they have seen. Then they can switch papers and have other children read their paragraph, and then draw what they see in their mind from the description. This way the children can see what they still need to work on when it comes to descriptions.
Summary: When Kirstie decides to take what looks like a giant mermaid’s purse up to her house to keep, she did not expect to hatch a water horse. With the help of her brother Angus, her grandfather Grumble, her mom and her dad, Kirstie works hard to feed and care for her new pet, Crusoe.
Critique: a) Being a fantasy book means bringing in a magical aspect to the story. A fictional, mythical creature, a water horse, is one of the main characters in this book.
The water horse, or Crusoe, as the family names him, is not the only fantastical element in the book. The descriptions of the setting and the creature make the story come alive. The story seems more real than fantasy as the author uses soothing words to describe where the water horse was found, the house they live, and where the water horse continues his life. As the water horse is moved farther and farther away from the family, and they all start to grow up, the setting of his home is less described, but not in a negative way. It is almost as if to show the family letting go of the pet, and the water horse becomes more independent and self-sustained.
The coast where the mermaid’s purse was found “at the foot of the cliffs” (p. 2) on a pebbly beach. Kirstie took it back to her house where it had a garden, “a small plot on the sheltered side of the white cliff-top house” (p. 11). These are just a few of the details the author provides to intrigue the audience.
Curriculum Connection: A teacher can use this book to teach a child about descriptive sayings, words, and how they paint a picture. The teacher can have the children write a descriptive paragraph about a place they have seen. Then they can switch papers and have other children read their paragraph, and then draw what they see in their mind from the description. This way the children can see what they still need to work on when it comes to descriptions.
February 10, 2023
This is a fun imaginative children’s book. Having been to Scotland, it was especially interesting and almost seemed like a true story!
August 24, 2017
Sweet children's book about a sister and brother in interwar Scotland who discover and raise a sea-monster. Sometimes there's nothing like a good kids' book as a palate cleanser.
March 8, 2013
The Water Horse by Dick King-Smith is a children’s fantasy fiction book. The intended age group for this book is Intermediate. The book is about a brother and sister that discover an egg on the beach and hatch it in the bathtub. The grumpy grandfather finds joy in the creature and the family struggles to find a new, nearby home for the creature as it grows enormous within a short couple of years.
I liked how they used many similes to describe the water horse because it broke down the parts of the water horse into something that is more common and could be visualized. The setting was in Scotland and they talked about Scottish names like the name they gave the water horse, Crusoe. There was a lot of dialog and then it went into a narrative format to give the water horse’s perspective on how he saw the humans. I also liked how the characters changed throughout the story. The mother started a little upset to have a “monster” in the bathtub, but allowed the children the time to find a place for it. The grandfather, Grumble, always complained and “grumbled” until they found Crusoe. The plot was driven by the problem that they needed to find a place to put the water horse as he grew and needed more to eat than they could provide. There were few illustrations, but the book didn’t need much. This reading is for a child that can enjoy a book for the words. I think this was an interesting story for a young reader because who wouldn’t want a water horse for a pet?!
I liked how they used many similes to describe the water horse because it broke down the parts of the water horse into something that is more common and could be visualized. The setting was in Scotland and they talked about Scottish names like the name they gave the water horse, Crusoe. There was a lot of dialog and then it went into a narrative format to give the water horse’s perspective on how he saw the humans. I also liked how the characters changed throughout the story. The mother started a little upset to have a “monster” in the bathtub, but allowed the children the time to find a place for it. The grandfather, Grumble, always complained and “grumbled” until they found Crusoe. The plot was driven by the problem that they needed to find a place to put the water horse as he grew and needed more to eat than they could provide. There were few illustrations, but the book didn’t need much. This reading is for a child that can enjoy a book for the words. I think this was an interesting story for a young reader because who wouldn’t want a water horse for a pet?!
May 9, 2015
another clear winner from King-Smith. I love reading his books aloud. His dialog is so natural and the stories are full of humor and humanity. He reminds me a bit of E.B. White. This story is about a brother & sister who find a "mermaid's purse" on the beach, take it home, and put it in the bathtub. But what hatches out is anything but a dogfish! Their grandfather, Grumble, is delighted and they spend the next couple of years caring for and protecting their water horse. The best character is Angus, the little brother, whose mind is always on food and whose sailor father has taught him some choice mariner oaths. He frequently breaks out with "Avast, my hearties!" "Shiver my timbers!" and the like. He's like a pint-sized Captain Haddock. Many belly laughs from Logan. I hear that in the movie, they cut out Grumble, which is such a shame. He's a great character! And of course, they make it that Angus finds the mermaid's purse, not his sister. Can't have a mere girl finding something cool like that, I guess.
April 18, 2014
I read this with my daughter for her third grade book club. I liked the adventure and the love and care of the water horse by the main character children.
It was fun that they call their Grandfather Grumbles because he does. I like how Grumbles is instantly on board with helping the children with the creature and how much he enjoys being involved. I like grumpy people with soft hearts.
I identified with the busy mom who's husband is at sea for months at a time and doesn't want to deal with the water horse, the time, the mess, the expense. Her plate is full. I've felt that way some days when the kids are enthusiastic about a project. I wanted to tell her to take the time and enjoy the magic because the water horse (and her children) are growing fast and she is going to miss the fun.
It was fun that they call their Grandfather Grumbles because he does. I like how Grumbles is instantly on board with helping the children with the creature and how much he enjoys being involved. I like grumpy people with soft hearts.
I identified with the busy mom who's husband is at sea for months at a time and doesn't want to deal with the water horse, the time, the mess, the expense. Her plate is full. I've felt that way some days when the kids are enthusiastic about a project. I wanted to tell her to take the time and enjoy the magic because the water horse (and her children) are growing fast and she is going to miss the fun.
February 3, 2016
My kids really enjoyed this book about how the Loch Ness monster ended up in Loch Ness. The water horse is a gentle giant and the conflicts in this story are extremely mild. Not really much action at all, but it held the interest of my 7 1/2 and 5 year olds very well. I liked the descriptions of the Scottish countryside - and the grandfather was by far the most developed character. The other characters (even the main children) seemed very one dimensional to me, but i don't think that King-Smith was writing it with adults in mind. His intended audience absolutely loved it.
Read
February 2, 2021I have loved the movie of The Water Horse from the first time I saw it. I finally got around to listening to the children's book that inspired it. I would say that only about 5% to 10% of the movie comes from the book. There are far more differences than similarities. But that isn't to say I didn't enjoy the book. It's a quick read/listen but still entertaining. I have given the book 4 stars, trying to think like a child. For an adult, I suppose it would be 3 stars, but only because adults are not the targeted audience.
January 2, 2008
This is one of those rare times when the book and the movie are both worth the time, and different beasties from one another.
April 9, 2017
Read first time 2/2-13 = 5/5 stars
Reread 11/6-16 = 4/5 stars
Reread 11/6-16 = 4/5 stars
Read
July 17, 2015Not sure how to rate a full-on children's book, as I haven't read many since I aged out of them, but this one was really sweet, fun and enjoyable. Can't wait to share it with a niece or nephew.
September 30, 2015
I liked it. It was an interesting little book can't complain some parts made me laugh though. But other then that it wasn't that bad for a kid book lol. >>> listen to it on audible
November 23, 2015
A cute little story. I highly recommend it to read with children. Full of imagination and wonder.
March 24, 2016
An adorable book about a scottish family who find a water horse.
I love scottish things, I love the Loch Ness Monster, I loved this book
I love scottish things, I love the Loch Ness Monster, I loved this book
July 7, 2024
Update on my second reading with my 9yo. Loved it more.
September 21, 2017
This book is an exciting tale of a sea creature. It all starts with a girl named Kirstie. When she was walking on the loch's bay she saw something that reminded her of a mermaids purse. She and her brother took the mermaids purse in to there house and put it in there bathtub. Through out the night the thing hatch in to a creature. In the morning the kids measured it and it was about 2 feet long. With in 2 days it had a name, Crusoe , and grew 5 more feet. The kids where able to pick it up and put it in the loch. After several months the kids and parents knew that Crusoe couldn't stay in the loch for any longer, he was out growing it. The idea they came up with was brilliant but they almost got caught doing it. I guess you'll just have to read it and find out the big plan is.
June 11, 2021
Lapsi valitsi itse tämän kirjan kirjastosta iltasaduksi ja tämähän osoittautui oikein oivalliseksi tarinaksi.
Lapset löytävät rannalta kummallisen munan, josta kuoriutuu ihmeellinen pieni vesihevonen. Lapset yhdessä isoisänsä kanssa huolehtivat tuosta tarunomaisesta olennosta, jonka näkökulmaa avataan myös tarinan edetessä. Miten käy, kun vesihevonen kasvaa kasvamistaan ja kultakalalammikko käy liian pieneksi?
Tarujen vesihirviö kiehtoi kovasti kuuntelijoita ja tätä oli minustakin mukava lukea, vaikkei juonellisesti ollutkaan kovin toiminnallinen. Positiivinen yllätys.
Lapset löytävät rannalta kummallisen munan, josta kuoriutuu ihmeellinen pieni vesihevonen. Lapset yhdessä isoisänsä kanssa huolehtivat tuosta tarunomaisesta olennosta, jonka näkökulmaa avataan myös tarinan edetessä. Miten käy, kun vesihevonen kasvaa kasvamistaan ja kultakalalammikko käy liian pieneksi?
Tarujen vesihirviö kiehtoi kovasti kuuntelijoita ja tätä oli minustakin mukava lukea, vaikkei juonellisesti ollutkaan kovin toiminnallinen. Positiivinen yllätys.
September 12, 2023
Read this years ago and it must not have been a year that I was tracking books on Goodreads. I am giving myself credit for finishing this. It was cute but not actually what I expected. Three stars for creativity. I feel like I may have read this after seeing a film version. Not actually a 2023 read but I wouldn't be able to tell you what year I read this
May 20, 2020
I don't remember this book from my own childhood but I remember several of his other books especially Sheep Pig.
This is a beautiful story with lovely excitement and captivating characters. Sam really enjoyed it and we stayed up late to finish reading it to the end on the last night!
This is a beautiful story with lovely excitement and captivating characters. Sam really enjoyed it and we stayed up late to finish reading it to the end on the last night!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 373 reviews