There are no dragons or mythical creatures, just real animals. Survival relies on your brain and senses, not magic. There is nothing to plug in or stick in your ears, no computers, and no noises except the sounds of nature. Readers unfamiliar with the Kjelgaard books will, of course, initially be surprised. There is even the poetry book, Doggerel: Poems About Dogs edited by Ciurau. Bob, Son of Battle by Ollivant, Curwood's Kazan, and, of course, don't forget Jack London and James Heriot's Dog Stories should also be considered. Grownup readers remembering "Big Red's" Danny can easily envision him growing up to be just like the "Joe" Pickett of the "Box" novels.īesides The author's other "dog" novels such as Irish Red, Outlaw Red, and Snow Dog, a good "canine" collection should include the recent Dog Stories edited by Tesdell, classics such as Terhune's Lad, Lassie by Knight, Old Yeller, and Sounder. I've always wondered if it was just a coincidence.
Box's hero of his popular "game warden" modern western/mystery series is also named Pickett. What boy wouldn't prefer being thought of as a competent young man instead of an awkward, troubled kid?Ĭontemporary author C.J. Many teen readers favor and appreciate his strong, rugged individualism. Danny's principled actions, cool thinking, and self-confidence portray a refreshing maturity that makes sense for a boy who early in life learned survival skills and developed a self-reliance by having to depend on oneself. They are in stark contrast to much of today's YA "problem" fiction characters. One of the many reasons for the continued appeal of the Kjelgaard books has been his endearing male characters. "PC" educators and the establishment media cancelled their National Rifle Association membership and took authors like Jim Kjelgaard off their recommended lists years ago. It is treated as matter of fact and just part of nature. But it is never graphic or diverts from the heartwarming story. No, the author does not ignore or candy coat death by tooth and claw. Each chapter is a developed, pulse-raising adventure more exciting than the last-from the slashing teeth of a wolverine and confrontation with an escaped criminal to a life and death struggle with the ferocious bear called Old Majesty. They become inseparable and depend on each other for survival. As they traipse the local woods and streams sharing the challenges of the outdoors, Danny trains "Red" in hunting dog skills. Through the benevolence of the local landowner, Danny befriends and acquires a beautiful Irish setter.
However, the dad does recognize certain characteristics in Danny that stem from his dead mother. Unlike many of today's YA fiction, their relationship is close, positive, and mutually respectful. Back to nature? Dad and Danny never left it. The father and son live a clean air, simple existence-no materialism or keeping up with the Jones's. Seventeen-year-old, trail-wise Danny Pickett and his father live off nature's bounty.
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