STONE FOX

by John Reynolds Gardiner ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 2, 1980

The idea for this story came from a Rocky Mountain legend that was told to me in 1974 by Bob Hudson over a cup of coffee at Hudson's CafÉ in Idaho Falls, Idaho."" Gardiner's note is not part of the story, but it does reflect the down-to-earth tone and atmosphere that pervade the story. The legend turns out to be a sentimental one, and you can see the outcome halfway through--but not just as it transpires. Gardiner makes his version the story of ten-year-old ""little Willie,"" who fives on a potato farm with his grandfather and his smart, lightning-fast dog Searchlight. One morning Grandfather just stops speaking and refuses to get out of bed. If it weren't for Searchlight insisting on being hitched to the plow, little Willie could never harvest the potatoes--but the two of them do, in ten days. Then tittle Willie discovers that the farm will be confiscated for $500.00 owed in back taxes--that's why his Grandfather has given up on life!--and he finds out shortly afterwards about a dogsled race that costs $50.00 to enter but pays the winner $500.00. There aren't many entries this year, with the undefeated Indian giant Stone Fox and his team of Samoyeds as one of the contestants; but Willie and Searchlight have made the run hundreds of times, and Willie knows he can win. There won't be a calm pulse at the starting line, or a dry eye at the finish--as Searchlight gives her all and Stone Fox determines the outcome. And when you're not out on the run with Willie, you're listening to the story at Hudson's CafÉ. Needless to say, little Willie's world is right up Sewall's alley.

Pub Date: April 2, 1980

ISBN: 0064401324

Page Count: -

Publisher: T. Y. Crowell

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1980

Categories: FICTION