This Splash Read collection includes three historical fiction short stories about animals in history. The stories are:

• "Princess Alice and the Schoolchildren": In 1916, two sisters in Salt Lake City became aware of an opportunity to purchase an elephant for their local zoo from a traveling circus. To raise the money, the two prepare and carry out a plan to rally children from across the city to join the cause.
• "George Washington’s Stable: A Horse’s Perspective": Old Nelson and Blueskin were two of George Washington’s trusted horses. They were there when history happened. From the Battle of Yorktown to the Constitutional Convention and the presidential procession, the two horses served. In retirement at Mount Vernon, Old Nelson and Blueskin find themselves taking on one more challenge.
• "Pelorus Jack: Follow the Dolphin": A dolphin known as Pelorus Jack guided countless ships through New Zealand's Cook Strait between 1888 and 1912. A young girl and her father witness the very first rescue.

While Splash Read stories are enjoyed by kids of all ages, they were written to facilitate a conversation between a child and parent or student and teacher. Each story introduces an influential person from history. Stories discuss life skills, challenges, problem-solving, and important issues. We’ve heard positive reviews from kids as young as first graders and as old as 10th graders.