Is the CD necessary to enjoy the book?

Not at all. The paperback stands perfectly on its own as a high-quality picture book. The CD is a nice bonus for car rides or independent 'reading' time, but you aren't missing the core experience if you skip it.

How 'science-heavy' is it?

It's very accessible. It focuses on observable behaviors (ears back, tail swishing) rather than dense biological terminology. It’s science through the lens of a kid standing at a fence.

Are there any scary parts, like predators or sick horses?

No. It keeps the focus on the healthy, natural life of horses in a field. It's a very 'safe' read for sensitive kids.

Is this a good book for a kid who is just starting to read on their own?

Yes, especially with the read-along prompts. The vocabulary is slightly elevated (which is good for growth), but the sentence structures are straightforward.

A Field Full of Horses – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

A Field Full of Horses

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book1995

78%

WISE Score

A gentle, factual deep-dive for horse-obsessed kids that pairs nature science with a retro read-along experience.

A Field Full of Horses

book

1995

78%

WISE Score

A gentle, factual deep-dive for horse-obsessed kids that pairs nature science with a retro read-along experience.

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Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

A Field Full of Horses is a classic entry in the respected 'Read and Wonder' series. It treats kids like capable observers of the natural world rather than just consumers of cute animal stories. It’s wholesome, educational, and entirely safe.

That said, let's be real: it’s from 1995 and it comes with a CD. In 2026, finding a way to play that disc is a project in itself. If you can find a digital version or just plan to read the paperback yourself, it’s a winner. If you're buying it specifically for the 'read-along' tech, make sure you actually own a CD player first.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 3-to-7 crowd. It's simple enough to be a read-aloud for preschoolers but has enough 'fascinating facts' to keep a first-grader interested.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It's a gentle, respectful look at nature and animals. No snark, no conflict, just the quiet observation of horses in their element.

Imaginative

While it's non-fiction, it leans into the 'wonder' aspect of nature, encouraging kids to visualize themselves in the field.

Safe

100

Zero content risks. It’s a nature book for little kids. No ads, no tracking, no surprises.

Enriching

The combination of factual segments and narrative prose builds both vocabulary and background knowledge about biology and animal behavior.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Nature-first learning that avoids the sparkles-and-unicorns trope in favor of actual horse biology and behavior.
Multi-modal literacy via the audio component helps kids map spoken words to text, a key part of the Reading Rope's comprehension strand.
Calm pacing makes it a perfect wind-down book that doesn't overstimulate before bed or nap time.

⚠

What to Watch For

The CD hurdle: Unless you have a legacy player or a disc drive in an old laptop, the audio half of this 1995 package is a paperweight.
Quiet energy: If your kid needs high-octane plot fireworks to stay engaged, this meditative nature study might feel a bit slow.

Conversation Starters

"If you could have any horse in that field, which one would you pick and why?"
"What was the most surprising fact we learned about how horses talk to each other?"
"Why do you think the author called it 'Read and Wonder' instead of just 'Read and Learn'?"

Deep Dive

The Read and Wonder series has always been a standout because it bridges the gap between 'storytime' and 'science class.' Instead of dry bullet points, you get narrative prose that happens to be packed with information.

For a kid who is currently in their 'horse phase,' this is a high-value pick. It covers the basics—what they eat, how they move, how they interact—without being clinical. From a literacy perspective, these kinds of books are gold. By listening to the read-aloud (if you can play the CD) while following the text, kids are building those essential language comprehension strands. They’re hearing the syntax and rhythm of non-fiction while seeing the words on the page.

Compared to modern, hyper-visual 'fact books' from brands like National Geographic Kids, this feels more like a traditional picture book. It’s less about '100 CRAZY HORSE FACTS' and more about the experience of standing in a field and watching them. If you want to foster a sense of quiet observation rather than just data-collection, this is the right vibe. Just be prepared for the 'I want a pony' conversation to intensify after the final page.

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