Book Review- Old Yeller

For the What an Animal reading challenge, the Back to the Classics reading challenge, the Authors A-Z reading challenge, the Monthly Motif reading challenge, the Newberry reading challenge, the Mount TBR reading challenge and the Classics Club I read Fred Gibson's classic children's novel Old Yeller.

I grew up watching the classic Disney film of this book and I'm not sure how I missed reading it until now. The movie actually follows the book very closely, which was nice.

Synopsis from Goodreads: At first, Travis couldn't stand the sight of Old Yeller. The stray dog was ugly, and a thieving rascal, too. But he sure was clever, and a smart dog could be a big help on the wild Texas frontier, especially with Papa away on a long cattle drive up to Abilene. Strong and courageous, Old Yeller proved that he could protect Travis's family from any sort of danger. But can Travis do the same for Old Yeller?

I love a classic boy and dog story and they don't get much more classic than Old Yeller. I love how Travis matures through the story and becomes a man and part of that is due to Old Yeller. Travis has to be the "man" of the family while his father is gone and while he does the normal things expected of him such as hunting, ploughing and branding he also takes on the hardest task of all. I think though that all of Travis's experiences throughout the novel prepared him for that decision and strengthened him for it too. What is this decision I speak so mysteriously of? SPOILERS!!! I can't just tell you! Read the book yourself! ;) I have just got to say how much I love this book though. I think it may be the best boy and dog story written. :)

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