Horton Hears a Who

Horton Hears a Who!

Horton hears a Who! (1954). New York: Random House.

Horton is an elephant from the Jungle of Nool who finds himself in an unusual predicament on the fifteenth of May. He hears a noise. Not just any noise, but a noise that is coming from a tiny speck of dust. He wonders if there is someone on the speck, someone so tiny that they cannot be seen, in need of his help. Indeed, it is soon revealed that this is the case. His jungle friends and neighbors doubt the existence of Horton’s new friends, the Whos. His friends do not help him as he suspected. Instead they mock him for his supposed antics. The story focuses on the conflict Horton and all speck-life are threatened by because of the small-mindedness of those around him.

I would use this book as a read aloud during free time or in an author study. Dr. Suess is a common author study used for the primary grades that I would gladly follow suit in. this would be a fun one to include because there is a movie adaptation. The book can also be used to teach lessons like honestly, trust, and kindness. 

Here are some potential activities!