Along Came a Dog facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Meindert DeJong |
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| Illustrator | Maurice Sendak |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Publisher | Harper & Brothers |
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Publication date
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January 1, 1958 |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 192 pages |
Along Came a Dog is a children's book written by Meindert DeJong and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. It was recognized as a Newbery Medal honor book in 1959, which means it was one of the best children's books of that year.
The story is about an unusual friendship between a small red hen and a lonely dog. This dog decides to become the hen's special protector. A large black dog arrives at a farm, hoping to find a place to belong. The dog feels humble and alone, while the hen is confident and safe. Despite their differences, a unique and wonderful friendship begins to grow between them.
Contents
The Story of a Special Friendship
Along Came a Dog shares the heartwarming tale of a friendship between a little red hen and a dog who doesn't have a home. The little red hen had a tough winter. She lost her toes because the hen house floor froze. When spring arrived, her toes came off as she walked in the mud outside.
A homeless dog soon arrived at the farm, looking for a place to live. However, the farmer, Joe, had a bad experience with dogs before. A group of dogs had attacked his previous red chickens. Because of this, Joe tried to send the dog away from the farm twice. But each time, the dog found his way back.
Challenges for the Little Red Hen
The other white hens on the farm noticed that the little red hen had no toes. They started to pick on her and attack her. Even the rooster, who should have protected her, fought against the little red hen instead of helping her.
Because she couldn't walk up the ramp to the hen house, the little red hen had to sleep outside. She found a safe spot in the bushes with the dog. The dog became her guardian, protecting her from other animals that came from the swamp. He kept her safe from weasels, skunks, other dogs, and even the bullying white hens.
A New Home and a New Family
One day, Joe forgot to feed the chickens. So, the hens followed the dog out to the field and the swamp to search for food. The little red hen discovered a perfect spot under a willow tree to build a nest. She didn't want to return to the barn because she had laid an egg there.
Meanwhile, back at the barn, Joe found the dog again. He took the dog far away to town, hoping he wouldn't find his way back this time. For the next two weeks, the dog was lost and nowhere to be seen at the barn.
But the dog caught a faint smell from the swamp, where the little red hen had laid her eggs. He followed the scent to the swamp and found her. She now had five eggs in her nest, and they were starting to hatch! Once all the chicks were born, the dog led the little red hen and her five new chicks back to the barn.
On their way back, a hawk attacked them. The hawk grabbed the little red hen and tried to fly away. But the dog bravely jumped at the hawk, scaring it off. After this scary moment, the dog, the little red hen, and her five chicks safely returned to the barn. Joe saw everything that happened and finally welcomed them all home. The dog had earned Joe's trust by showing he could protect his hens from danger. So, Joe decided to let the dog stay.
Meet the Characters
- Joe "The Man" – The farmer who owns the chickens. He has a unique habit of talking to animals.
- Little Red Hen – A brave hen who survived an attack by other dogs. She loses her toes but finds a special friend in the dog.
- The Dog – A homeless dog looking for a place to belong. He becomes the loyal protector and best friend of the Little Red Hen.
- The boss – Joe's boss, who works on the larger farm nearby.
- White Hens – The other chickens on the farm who are not kind to the Little Red Hen because she has no toes.
- The Rooster – The leader of the chickens who unfairly favors the white hens and doesn't protect the Little Red Hen.
