About the Author

Born in 1910, Jim Kjelgaard grew up in the Black Forest region of Pennsylvania, which became the setting for many of his books (he called it "the Wintapi region"), including Big Red. In the 1940s and 50s he authored more than 40 books for middle grade readers, making him one of the most influential children's authors of the era. He died in 1959.

Reviews

"Clear-eyed and unsentimental, this is a story told with heart, honesty, and understanding. It sits on my bookshelf alongside The Incredible Journey, The Black Stallion, The Yearling, and The Call of the Wild." —Andrew Clements, author of Frindle
 
"There are a million stories about boys and their dogs, but I doubt any others have the depth and heart of Big Red.  I couldn’t put it down." —Dan Gutman, author of the My Weird School series
 
"Action, adventure and the love of a loyal dog. Such stories never get old. I love it!" —Barbara O’Connor, author of How to Steal a Dog
 
"Big Red embodies everything I loved about animal stories and adventure tales when I was a kid. A noble dog, a resourceful kid, life in the wilderness, and the exhilaration of being transported to another era." —Ann Martin, author of The Baby-Sitters Club series
 
"Powerful storytelling, vivid writing, and a good dog make for a timeless classic. I’m delighted to see this beautiful new edition being made available to today’s readers." —Pete Hautman, winner of the National Book Award
 
"Sure-fire combination of boy and dog. When they meet, it is love at first sight, and so it will be for all who read the story."—Library Journal

"A moving and exciting story of a boy's love for a dog. The feeling of the woods and the outdoors comes through with complete reality."—Chicago Sun-Times

"(A) tale which paints the stern life of the wilderness in strong, clear strokes."—New York Times

"A really good dog story written with power and discernment. Anyone who loves dogs...will be enthusiastic about Big Red."—Elementary English

"It is obviously based upon observation and experience. The background is vivid, the human and animal relationships clear cut and convincing."—Saturday Review

"No one can write a better animal tale than Jim Kjelgaard"—May Hill Arbuthnot