Stormy

An enjoyable book. If you are really into hunting ducks, fishing, camping, boating and aspects of nature, you would like it more. If you are triggered by hunting, then find another book. The aspects on hunting are balanced by a strong conservation ethic. The book is mostly taken up with those details of nature and hunting, with the story part involving a threat and then a murder not really taking up many pages. Kjelgaard does a really good job with the hunting, fishing, etc., parts though. You can tell from the pleasure he takes on describing the different aspects of ducks alone. For those of us who are city folk, it is nice to read about nature from someone who loves it.

The dog is an outlaw, so for a second I thought, did I start his show more Outlaw book? But no, I think I have the book 'Outlaw Red' but haven't read it yet (and can't seem to find it). I do want to read all of his dog books. Anyway, the dog part is good in the book but wish there was even more. Not too over the top saying the dog is the best ever like a Terhune book, but I especially liked good story of Stormy retrieving a wounded canvasback 'diving duck' to prove what a great retriever the dog is.

As an example of the prose in the book involving nature, I wanted to share this paragraph from the book:
Drifting out of the black sky, it was a far-carrying and haunting cry. The first hairy man who heard that sound had tilted his head to search out its source, and it has touched a sensitive chord in human beings ever since. It was the voice of freedom unlimited, the incarnation of nature itself, the sound and song of fond dreams: the cry of the northbound wild geese. show less

I read this to my 9-year-old daughter over the course of a week or two. I don't think I read it as a child myself, but it's in the same vein as many other famous dog stories and/or a kid getting by in the wilderness on their own. No surprises, but what we expected from the story is what we were looking for so we both enjoyed it.

An enjoyable book. If you are really into hunting ducks, fishing, camping, boating and aspects of nature, you would like it more. If you are triggered by hunting, then find another book. The aspects on hunting are balanced by a strong conservation ethic. The book is mostly taken up with those details of nature and hunting, with the story part involving a threat and then a murder not really taking up many pages. Kjelgaard does a really good job with the hunting, fishing, etc., parts though. You can tell from the pleasure he takes on describing the different aspects of ducks alone. For those of us who are city folk, it is nice to read about nature from someone who loves it.

The dog is an outlaw, so for a second I thought, did I start his show more Outlaw book? But no, I think I have the book 'Outlaw Red' but haven't read it yet (and can't seem to find it). I do want to read all of his dog books. Anyway, the dog part is good in the book but wish there was even more. Not too over the top saying the dog is the best ever like a Terhune book, but I especially liked good story of Stormy retrieving a wounded canvasback 'diving duck' to prove what a great retriever the dog is.

As an example of the prose in the book involving nature, I wanted to share this paragraph from the book:
Drifting out of the black sky, it was a far-carrying and haunting cry. The first hairy man who heard that sound had tilted his head to search out its source, and it has touched a sensitive chord in human beings ever since. It was the voice of freedom unlimited, the incarnation of nature itself, the sound and song of fond dreams: the cry of the northbound wild geese. show less

I read Jim Kjelaard many years ago as a pre-teen, finding Big Red a wonderful book. I picked him up again with Snow Dog, then had to read more. I found Stormy and again was kept on the edge of my seat. In fact, I had to cheat and look at the last page, I just couldn't stand it. Once I knew the end, I could continue enjoying the book. Kjelgaard is a master writer, and I don't just mean of YA books. I mean he is one of the best writers I have read. He creates characters that hold you in the palm of their hand (man and dog alike) and then builds a tension that he does not release until nearly the last few pages. I intend to go back and read all his books, especially the sequeal to Snow Dog, named Wild Trek. If you like Jean Craighead show more George you will love Jim Kjelgaard. show less

James Arthur Kjelgaard weaves a compelling tale of trust, healing, and adventure set against the backdrop of a harsh winter landscape.

Allan Marley and his father have lived together in the untamed wilderness of the Beaver Flowage all their lives. But when Mr. Marley is jailed because of a bitter feud, Allan suddenly finds himself on his own. Then he meets Stormy, an outlaw dog who has been accused of turning on his owner. Allan knows that the big black retriever has been mistreated, and he works hard to win the noble dog's trust and affection. As allies, Allan and Stormy overcome every danger they encounter in the unpredictable wilderness...but can their bond protect Allan from the viciousness of his father's human enemies?

I enjoyed this book. It's a lovely dog story.










I did some how get a nightmare about it. It's not the sort of book I would associate with nightmares.

There were a whole series of Kjelgaard paperback novels at my library -- probably purchased to appeal to boy readers -- but I read through them along with the "Lad: A Dog" series and the Black Stallion books. I remember the copy I had had a red border around the edge. And I also remember being astonished at the fact that a boy could live in a cabin all by himself with a dog while his father was in jail.