OLD BEN

by Jesse Stuart ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 16, 1970

Slim, very slim, and fitfully satisfying, this is Jesse Stuart's seventh Kentucky-set story (The Beatinest Boy, The Rightful Owner, A Penny's Worth of Character). Shan discovers that there's friendship in a bull black snake when he chances touching its soft skin: he christens it Old Ben and installs it comfortably in the cornbin where it dutifully gobbles destructive mice. After winning over Shan's father and mother, his young cousin Ward, and the family dog, Old Ben even ingratiates himself with the cows--but then, one day, he disappears. ""He had a good life with us,"" gentles Father; Shan responds ""Maybe Ward and I will find two of Old Ben's children."" Nice and easygoing.

Pub Date: Feb. 16, 1970

ISBN: 0945084234

Page Count: -

Publisher: McGraw-Hill

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1970

Categories: FICTION