The phrase “things take time” in The Adventures at Red Oak Farm is more than just a title, it’s the heart of the story. It might sound like a simple reminder. And it is. But as you go further into the book, those three words becomes much bigger. They speak to how we connect, how we heal, and how we learn to care for one another, human or animal.
The Power of Going Slow
The story follows Stacy, a young girl spending her days on her grandparents’ farm, where time moves a little differently. Seasons change. Animals grow thick winter coats. Chores aren’t rushed; they’re done with care. In this slower-paced world, Stacy begins to understand something many adults forget: real connection doesn’t happen overnight.
When Bravo, the abused Arabian show horse, comes to the farm, he’s not the kind of animal you can win over with a carrot and a kind word. He’s scared, unsure, and guarded. Stacy doesn’t force him to be okay. She doesn’t try to rush the process. Instead, she shows up every day. She talks to him. She walks beside him. And most of all, she waits.
It’s not easy. There are no big turning points right away. But eventually, little moments start to appear: a glance, a sigh, a small step forward. These are the signs of trust growing, slowly but surely.
Why That Matters for Kids
We live in a world that loves fast results. Kids, especially are surrounded by instant everything. But emotions don’t work that way. Neither does healing. And neither do relationships.
That’s why this story can be so meaningful for young readers. It doesn’t promise fast fixes. Instead, it shows them that patience matters. That it’s okay if things take a while, whether it’s building trust, overcoming fear, or learning something new.
For a child who feels like they should “get over it” or “move on” quickly, Bravo’s journey is a quiet kind of encouragement. It reminds them they’re not broken if things take time. They’re just growing.
It’s About More Than Horses
Of course, Bravo isn’t the only one who changes. Stacy changes, too. Through her gentle persistence, she learns not only how to care for a frightened horse but how to listen with her heart. And that lesson reaches beyond animals.
In her friendships, in her chores, even in her everyday decisions, Stacy starts to approach the world with more understanding. She learns that people (and animals) don’t always behave how you expect them to. Sometimes they pull away. Sometimes they lash out. But that doesn’t mean they don’t need love.
The message is clear: when we slow down enough to truly notice someone, when we give them space and time, we can be part of their healing. That’s a powerful thing for any child (or adult) to learn.
A Farm Is the Perfect Setting
The setting of Red Oak Farm plays a big role in this theme. Farms move to the rhythm of the earth. Seeds don’t grow in a day. Animals need care around the clock. Fences need mending, hay needs stacking, and everything depends on the weather. You can’t rush a farm, and maybe that’s why it’s the perfect place to tell this story.
Richmond paints a world where the slow pace isn’t boring, it’s beautiful.
A Lesson That Lasts
By the end of the book, the title takes on new meaning. It’s not just about Bravo’s healing. It’s about all the important things, including friendship, courage, forgiveness, confidence, and love.
In a quiet way, the story reminds us that rushing rarely leads to something that lasts. The things that matter most, the ones that shape us, can not be hurried.
So when a young reader closes the book, maybe they’ll carry that lesson with them. Maybe they’ll be a little gentler with themselves. Maybe they’ll have a little more patience with someone who needs time to open up.
And maybe, just maybe, they’ll remember what this story so gently shows us: Some of the most meaningful things in life… simply take time.
Visit: Regina Richmond Books