Little Arliss facts for kids
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| Author | Fred Gipson |
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| Illustrator | Ronald Himler |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Publisher | Harper & Row |
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Publication date
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May 1, 1978 |
| Media type | Print Hardcover |
| Pages | 83 pp (first edition, hardcover) |
| ISBN | 0-06-022008-2 (first edition, hardcover) |
Little Arliss is a book written by Fred Gipson in 1978. It's the third story about the Coates family, who live on the frontier in Texas. This book comes after two other popular stories: Old Yeller (from 1956) and Savage Sam (from 1962). In Little Arliss, the story is told by Arliss himself, who is the youngest member of the family. This is different from the first two books, where his older brother Travis told the story.
The Story of Little Arliss
Little Arliss Coates is now twelve years old. He is tired of his nickname and how adults talk down to him. His older brother Travis has married Lisbeth Searcy. They are often busy with their new life together.
Arliss doesn't like going to school. He often gets into trouble with his teacher, whom he calls "Old Hoot Owl."
A New Friend and a Wild Horse
One day, Arliss finds out that settlers are camping near his home. These settlers are traveling west. He goes to their camp and meets Judy Sanders. Judy is also about twelve years old. She is an orphan traveling with her aunt and uncle.
Arliss and Judy become friends. They decide to try and catch a wild horse. This horse is known as an "outlaw" horse. Many grown men, like Arliss's Papa (Jim Coates) and Burn Sanderson (who owned Old Yeller), have tried to catch it. But no one has succeeded. Burn Sanderson even promises Arliss that he can keep the horse if he catches it.
Catching "Salty"
The two children work together and manage to catch the wild horse. Arliss eventually rides the horse, which he names "Salty." Even though Arliss caught the horse, his Papa won't let him keep it. His Papa thinks Salty is too dangerous.
Judy wants to marry Arliss, but her uncle convinces her that they are too young. Arliss is secretly relieved by this. The story ends with Arliss still determined to show the adults that he is smart and tough, just like them.
About the Book
- This story is a novella, which is a short novel. It has about twenty thousand words.
- Fred Gipson's son, Thomas Beckton Gipson, found the story in his father's papers.
- Like the first two books in the series, Little Arliss was also made into a film. It became a children's television special in 1984.
