The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford

The Incredible Journey.  by Sheila Burnford.  Illustrated by Carl Burger.  A Yearling Book, 1960.  148 pages.

Plot: Set in the Canadian wilderness, The Incredible Journey tells the story of three amazing animals who forge through difficult terrain and challenges of the road to get back to their human family.  It is the tale of Tao, the rather irreverent Siamese, Bodger, the ever-amusing bull terrier, and the ever-loyal Luath (a Labrador retriever), the young leader of the trio who longs for the companionship of his human friend Jim Hunter.  The trio set off from their temporary home, as they have been watched over by John Longridge, a friend of Jim’s.  The Hunters have been in England but are returning and though the animals have grown attached to John, there is,  especially in Luath’s heart, the desire to get back home. This trio faces the challenges of bears, a porcupine, a few unkind humans, the search for food, and the difficulty of surviving in an unrelenting terrain; they also experience the acceptance and kindness of strangers, humans who take them in, if only temporarily, to restore this trio to health, so they can once again move towards home.  What captures the heart of the reader is the absolute loyalty that this trio has for one another and the heartwarming connection they share with their human counterparts.  Watch this trio as they travel their incredible journey.

Review/Personal thoughts:  The Incredible Journey is a classic.  Burnford’s narrative description, with accompanying illustrations throughout the text, draws the reader in from the first chapter. The story is directed by the ever present commitment to the ideas of loyalty, love, companionship, friendship, and the simple desire “to be home”.  Tweens will be drawn into this story as many understand the love they have for their own animal companion – therein lies the tie that binds the reader to the story.  What exists at the core of this novel is the appreciation that we must all embrace:  animals simply make our lives better and hopefully, we do the same in return for them.  There is deep wisdom in the souls of this loyal trio and each reader will be reminded of how an animal has more than likely changed their life.

Genre: Fiction

Reading Level: 6.5  Interest level: Ages 10 and up.

Awards:  Young Reader's Choice Award, 1964 Winner