Product Overview
Big Red: Adventure and Friendship
Generations of youngsters have enjoyed reading the adventures of Danny and his dog pal Red! If your students liked Old Yeller or Where the Red Fern Grows, they'll surely like Big Red, too!
Ordering Books for Big Red by Jim Kjelgaard
No order minimum; you can order just one copy if that's all you need! :-) Order your class set of books for Big Red now, and take advantage of our bulk order discounts!
|  |
About the Book Big Red |
Big Red, first published in 1945, follows the story of a young boy named Danny and his deep bond with an Irish Setter named Red. Set in the rugged wilderness of the Wintapi Forest, the narrative unfolds as Danny, living with his father Ross on a remote farm, dreams of owning a dog. His wish comes true when he meets Red, a show dog owned by Mr. Haggin, a wealthy neighbor. Despite Red’s pedigree and show dog status, Danny and Red form an unbreakable friendship. The novel beautifully portrays their adventures together, from training sessions to facing the dangers of the wild, including encounters with a formidable predator, Old Majesty, a bear that roams the forest. Danny's resourcefulness and bravery, combined with Red's loyalty and intelligence, create a heartwarming tale of mutual respect and devotion. Throughout the book, Kjelgaard masterfully captures the essence of the natural world, highlighting the coexistence of humans and animals. The vivid descriptions of the wilderness and the intricate details of Red's training and instincts are central to the book's enduring appeal.
|
Themes in the book Big Red |
Friendship and Loyalty: Big Red explores the deep bond between Danny and Red. Their friendship is built on trust, loyalty, and mutual respect. This theme is universal and resonates with readers, making it an excellent starting point for discussions about relationships and the importance of trust and loyalty in our lives. Adventure and Survival: The novel is rich with thrilling adventures, from tracking and hunting to surviving the harsh elements of nature. These elements provide a backdrop for discussions on survival skills, the human-animal bond, and the resilience required to overcome challenges. Nature and the Environment: Kjelgaard's depiction of the Wintapi Forest immerses readers in the beauty and danger of the natural world. This theme encourages students to appreciate and respect nature, understand the importance of conservation, and recognize the interconnectedness of all living things. Personal Growth and Responsibility: Danny's journey throughout the book is also one of personal growth. He learns to take responsibility for Red, faces his fears, and develops a sense of maturity. This theme can be used to discuss character development, responsibility, and the journey toward adulthood.
|
Activity Ideas for the book Big Red |
Character Analysis: Have students create detailed character profiles for Danny and Red. Encourage them to explore how their personalities and traits contribute to their friendship and the story's progression. This activity can include drawing character sketches, writing diary entries from the perspective of each character, or role-playing key scenes. Nature Journals: Inspired by the novel's rich depiction of the wilderness, assign students to keep nature journals. They can document their observations of local wildlife, plants, and natural phenomena. This activity can include drawing, writing descriptive passages, and researching the flora and fauna mentioned in the book. Theme Discussions: Facilitate class discussions on the main themes of the book. Divide students into small groups, each focusing on a different theme (friendship, adventure, nature, personal growth). Ask them to present their findings to the class and relate the themes to their own lives and experiences. Writing Prompts: Provide creative writing prompts based on the book. For example:
Research Projects: Encourage students to research the Irish Setter breed, the setting of the Wintapi Forest, or the historical context in which the book was written. They can present their findings through essays, presentations, or posters.
|
Customer Service
- We guarantee you'll have the best customer service experience ever with Teacher's Pet Publications.
- We are here to help make things as easy as possible for you!
- Your information is secure. We don't keep your card number on file anywhere, and we don't sell, rent, or give away your personal information.
- We treat you as we would like to be treated as a customer!
- Need help? Have questions? We're always happy to assist you! Contact Us
