The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford

Summary:

Instinct told them that the way home lay to the west. And so the doughty young Labrador retriever, the roguish bull terrier and the indomitable Siamese set out through the Canadian wilderness. Separately, they would soon have died. But, together, the three house pets faced starvation, exposure, and wild forest animals to make their way home to the family they love. The Incredible Journey is one of the great children's stories of all time--and has been popular ever since its debut in 1961.

Summary taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 160 pages

Source: Toronto Public Library

Publication Date: 1961

Nothing feels better than to read an old childhood classic read. Plus I was able to include it in my Around the World in 52 Books Challenge. It's been many years since my Daddy read me this (Hey I may be 21 but Daddy is the only thing I've ever called my father) story. I loved it then and I really loved reading it now that I'm older.

The story of the young lab, old bull terrier and the Siamese cat is one that is timeless and one that appeals to both the young and old as well as new readers and those who just want to revisit the story.

Now I like the variety of children's/juvenile fiction books that are on the market now but I think that it's important that we still expose the young people to these heartwarming tales that have warmed the hearts of readers of decades.

I loved reading about Tao, Luath, and Bodger again it was like I was visiting old friends that have stayed the same as I got older. Now I feel like I appreciate this little gem of a book all the more and though times got tough for the unlikely trio and they had to face starvation and wild animals I enjoyed traipsing through my home province of Ontario in the wilderness with them.

I highly recommend this book to my fellow Canadians and of course to everyone else. Read it to your children, read it again if you've read it and even if you aren't a kid give it a try. You won't regret this tale (pun intended) of adventure and friendship. The best way to read it is with your favourite hot beverage and a pet cuddling you (or a child).

★ ★ ★ ★ ★