Pages For a Purpose®
Literacy Excellence Program
Hank the Horse®️ visits schools and libraries to empower and encourage children of all ages to achieve literacy excellence.
Pages for a Purpose® reading programs are designed to empower and encourage kids of all ages to achieve literacy excellence through horses and equine related learning activities.
Join Hank’s Heroes and help Hank the Horse create a brighter future for children everywhere!
THE TRAIL FORWARD
Horses and Libraries have partnered in the past, Hank the Horse®️ and Tammi are traveling in the steps of the Packhorse Library program, a rich part of Kentucky's History. The effectiveness of this type of partnership was proven as literacy rates climbed in 1935 when the program was started to help children access books. For Hank’s Sake is also opening a world of reading to children in need of hope for a better future. The foundation has been laid through the success of Hank's partnership with Kentucky libraries. Hank is stepping up the pace to get more books into the hands and minds of children everywhere.
Through increased literacy rates we can see students excel in confidence, educational achievement, and greater success. We have created pathways through creative, engaging and effective reading programs for children. Hank the Horse is on a mission to continue giving children a brighter future through his fun and engaging reading programs.
Hank the Horse®️
Brand Ambassador, Pages for a Purpose®
In keeping with the Mission each of the following programs are designed to empower and encourage kids of all ages to achieve literacy excellence through horses and equine related learning activities.
Be Like Hank Storybook - An Uplifting Tale of Hope, Friendship, and Second Chances
Be Like Hank is an inspirational true story about a once lonely and forsaken horse. Hank the Horse® lived alone and neglected on a farm. He was dirty, covered in mud, and he had no friends—until one day, he was rescued by someone who would never give up on him.
Written for children ages 4–8 (and kids at heart!), this endearing story teaches important life lessons in friendship, giving, kindness, and finding joy in spite of hardships through the real-life journey of Hank the Horse®, who now lives a life filled with love and happy adventures.
From a once-forgotten horse without a home to a beloved symbol of hope, Hank’s story proves that the power of kindness, friendship, and second chances can transform lives. Today, he shares that same love with the world—one heart at a time.
“Hank’s first friend smiled and laughed. With a sparkle in her eyes, she said, “I promise to love you and other animals like you. We are going to be friends forever!”
~Book Excerpt
Be Like Hank Equine Assisted Learning & Activity Book
A heart-filled activity book of coloring, games, and life lessons with Hank The Horse®—inspiring confidence, compassion, and learning through every page.
Join Hank The Horse® and his herd of equine friends in this fun and interactive activity book designed to bring learning to life! Packed with coloring pages, word games, and engaging activities, this companion to the Be Like Hank storybook helps kids explore important life lessons like sharing, kindness, and the heartfelt value of friendship.
Part of the Be Like Hank and Pages For A Purpose® series, this book is inspired by Equine-Assisted Mentoring, helping children build confidence, happiness, and a love for learning.
Hank was once a forsaken horse without a home, waiting for someone to believe in him. When love found him, his journey began—and now, he’s sharing that love with the world, proving that kindness and second chances can transform lives.
A Little Hank for Home - Because every child deserves a hug!
Soft, snuggly, and full of heart, A Little Hank for Home is the plushy version of Hank the Horse®—created to bring companionship and happiness into homes, hearts, and little hands around the world.
Whether snuggled at bedtime or carried through the day, this lovable friend offers comfort and warmth to every child who holds him close—and feels Hank’s love tucked into every hug.
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This cuddly companion offers more than just a smile. Whether gifted to a child or donated through one of our literacy and outreach programs, each Hank plushy brings the gift of a “Hank Hug”—a tangible reminder that love, friendship, and second chances are always possible.
Thanks to community support and sponsorships, Hank The Horse® plushies are donated to hospitals, shelters, and organizations serving children in crisis—bringing Hank’s story full circle, from his own rescue to reaching others, and placing love and hope into the hands of those who need it most.
Learn With Hank The Horse® – 4-Week Educational Program. A Pages For A Purpose® Signature Literacy & Mentorship Experience:
Learn With Hank is the flagship Pages For A Purpose® Equine-Assisted Coaching and Mentoring program. Launched in 2018, it was created to support young readers in schools, libraries, community learning centers, and after-school educational programs. The program features rescued horses and retired racehorses—led by Hank The Horse®—as motivational mentors and guides in reading and learning.
Over the course of four weeks, children engage with Hank’s story through interactive experiences drawn from his storybook, activity book, and
plushy. The program is thoughtfully designed to empower a lifelong love of reading and learning through memorable equine moments that foster enrichment, build confidence, and spark imagination. A Pages For A Purpose® classroom guide is included, with activities aligned to the curriculum and intentionally developed to support every step of the experience.
The journey begins with a surprise visit from Hank The Horse®, who arrives to deliver his books and plushy to the classroom. Children immerse themselves in reading and hands-on activities that highlight self-confidence, kindness, giving, and the heartfelt value of friendship. Throughout the program, students build reading and writing skills through a pen pal exchange with Hank and his equine companions—extending the spirit of friendship beyond the pages of the book.
The experience concludes with a visit to Hank’s farm—or a partner farm—where children meet his welcoming herd, each horse with a story of retirement, rescue, or rehoming—and a new chapter made possible through love, care, and second chances.