Classic adventure story still captivates readers

A classic adventure story for animal lovers

Jennifer Minicus | Nov 16 2017 | comment

The Incredible Journeyby Sheila Burnford
written for ages 9-12 | highly recommended
published in 1997 (1960) | Yearling | 160 pages

I’m not sure what compelled me to pull this classic off the shelf, but just a few pages into Sheila Burnford’s adventure story reminded why this is one of the greatest adventure stories written for children. A Siamese cat, an old bull terrier and their leader, a yellow Lab, make a 250 mile trek across the Canadian wilderness to return home.

They have spent over eight months with their owners’ friend. When he departs for a short vacation, leaving the animals in the care of his housekeeper, they make their escape. The Lab longs for his master and his instincts drive him west. Years of companionship have forged a friendship between the pets. They journey together: the cat stealing off for moments of solitude; the older dog resting when weary; and the Lab urging them forward. They encounter human kindness, as well as exposure to the elements, predators and near starvation. Their loyalty to each other and their human family enables them to overcome these challenges.

The author’s colorful descriptions place the reader side-by-side with these traveling companions. She presents a realistic view of animals and their behavior, yet each pet has its own endearing personality. Suspenseful and humorous at times, Sheila Burnford’s timeless story will appeal to animal and adventure lovers of all ages. Families will also enjoy watching the 1963 movie based on the book.

Jennifer Minicus is a teacher living in Ridgewood, NJ.

November 17, 2017

Australia will legalise same-sex marriage before Christmas and two articles today provide a commentary on what that means for dissenters. Retired Australian High Court judge Dyson Heydon, though he barely mentions the marriage issue, clearly had it in mind as he delivered a lecture in mid-October when the postal referendum was still under way and passions were at a pitch. Reflecting on elite opinion that already opposes any influence of religion in public policy, he foresees an era of religious persecution ahead. Zac Alstin, by contrast, finds himself at peace with the thought that Divine Providence will not be thwarted.

Margaret Harper McCarthy, writing in the American context, provides yet another perspective on religious freedom. Although Christian apologists have rightly joined debate over issues like transgenderism from the point of view of reason and natural law, she argues the central importance of Christian witnessing to the whole endeavour.

That argument could just as well be applied to the issue of cultural change that I deal with in my "post Weinstein" piece.

Do check out the other articles for great insights into simple things that can change lives; the plight of older Japanese men; how phonesare affecting teenagers' mental health; and a reminder about a much-loved adventure story. Oh, and the front page video about the rediscovered Leonardo da Vinci painting, "Salvator Mundi", which sold today for US$ 400 million plus $50m in commissions. There must be a parable in that somewhere.