Little Rascal

by Sterling North, Sterling North

A simplified version of an adult bestseller about a boy and his pet raccoon

Genres: Childrens, Animals, Juvenile, Young Adult

80 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1965

About the author

Thomas Sterling North was an American author of books for children and adults, including 1963's bestselling Rascal. Surviving a near-paralyzing struggle with polio in his teens, he grew to young adulthood in the quiet southern Wisconsin village of Edgerton, which North transformed into the "Brailsford Junction" setting of several of his books.

For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sterling...

Reviews

[Jessaka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book in a used store along with many other nature books. It appears that they came from one person. I bought them up and read what I could, but in moving, I had to give them up. I loved this one. It is always interesting when someone takes a wild animal into their life.

[C. (Comment, never msg). · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely memory by a Grandfatherly person for his Grandchildren, about being ages 11 to 12 in Wisconsin, raising a baby raccoon. It matters so much that he had an animal-loving, kind Dad and sisters. One was studying, the other married. They adored Sterling and helped raise him, after their Mom, Sarah Elizabeth Nelson North, died at 47 in 1914. Their brother survived world war I in France. We meet Sterling and his Dad, a lawyer, in 1918. Both dear sisters visit. I got "Little Rascal", shortened for children and the whole "Rascal" story, from garage sales or thrift shops. I whizzed through these 80 pages in a day. Knowing the main events, I might not need to read the novel.

There were two unpleasant thorns in the year with his raccoon: a preacher threatening Rascal if he raided his produce again (not a Godly man to think the Lord's creatures are for killing) and a new sourpuss housekeeper. Why would his Dad hire anyone who dislikes animals and usurps Sterling's room to live in? Why should hired help get a say in the North's always content household? This version skimmed those hiccups. I am not keen on the novel, if it elaborates upon the unpleasantness. Sterling was not diligent about caging Rascal but needed to get him to the wild regardless; relieved to know he was safe and free.

I would love to have heard a lot more about their wonderful, intelligent cats, including their names. I delighted in knowing they opened doors like our cats and that they shared in Christmas with the Norths, just like our family! All of our birthdays are a must with our kitties, including their own! Sterling made the connection to never hunt, which goes to show compassion is not new.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book at a thrift store and was reminded of making a clay raccoon in school in the fifth grade, when it seems my teacher either read the book to us, or perhaps we read it ourselves... It looked like a very good book, and one that would be perfect for introducing chapter books to children if the opportunity ever lends itself to me.

I just finished it (in one setting) and am sure it is the same book. And it is WONDERFUL. And full of beautiful, realistic illustrations. The little boy's love for the raccoon is expressed so well that I don't think the reader (or listener?) can help but feel it, too. And it is full of such cute and at times humorous descriptions and stories, such as Rascal's washing his first sugar cube (which of course dissolved). I wondered if the book was based on a true story... some things seem far-fetched but for the most part I imagined it as something which really happened, and wether or not it did, that adds to the genius of the story-telling/the book itself. (Or perhaps the naivety of the reader :)).

The ending is bittersweet, sad even, tear-jerking, but it is the best way the book could have ended and teaches an important lesson.

As I read this I thought of my friend Liz and what she says about animals teaching us about God's love for us. Seen in such a light, Rascal certainly was a special gift to this young boy, whom he loved and cared for, and was a companion to him in times of sadness. A beautiful story which teaches respect for God's creation and creatures. And that as God gives us gifts (graces?), so we must be willing to give them back.

[Kate Shaner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think think is a true story

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet children’s book is charming and full of heart. At the bookstore at which I bought this used copy there were also several copies of what looked like a longer version, just called Rascal. This appeared to be modified for younger readers. I chose this version because there appeared to be more of the beautiful illustrations that had caught my eye in the first place (illustrator Carl Burger). I wish I had also bought the longer version because the story is interesting and charming, except it felt like this version didn’t flow as maybe it was meant to.

[Yumi Learner · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Eleventh Book in English This year

Yesterday I finished my eleventh book, Little Rascal, in English this year. When I found the book at a church sale, I was very happy. The book was from my favorite TV shows when I was ten years old. I am so glad that I could read the original story in English!

Every time I turned a page of the book, my sister and my childhood popped up in my mind. The story is about the author's childhood. He is writing about his pet, raccoon whose name is Rascal and his boyhood in 1910's. So, when I read it, I learned a part of American history at the same time. Illustrations are very cute, and they pull you to the author's world easily. I enjoyed the book to imagine Rascal, 1910's America and Sterling's boyhood. The texts of the book was also very pretty. They are very poetic and fantasy. I really really loved the book.

This book hasn't been published anymore and very rare right now. It has become one of my antique collections!

[Dulci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book when I was 7 years old, but have revisited it many times since. I have always loved Rascal and Sterling... and envied them a little, too.

This is an excellent choice for young readers getting a start in chapter books. Until recent years, I did not realize it is an abridged version of North's book, Rascal. So for older readers, skip the abridged version and head straight for the full-length version, which is even better (if that's possible)!

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book in the 5th or 6th grade and I just fell in love with it. The plot of the book was just outstanding. This is definitely a book you can fall in love with as well as the characters in the book. Even if you don't like to read, this book is short, but has such an impact and is a classic. This is definitely a unforgettable story that you will cherish for years to come

[Eva Seyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading this to my 5 year old daughter. She was very interested in parts of it, less interested in others. I enjoyed it very much all through and was glad that the end of the story wasn't a tragic tearjerker. The pictures are wonderful and there were enough of them to keep my daughter more attentive than she might have been. I love Carl Burger's art SO MUCH.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book growing up. My grandmother gave me this book one summer when I was visiting her. I've ready this book numerous times, and read it whenever I miss my grandmother now that she's deceased. Great non-fiction story of how one adolescence boy transcends loss.

[Jessica Baumgartner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It was always a favorite of mine and now my daughter loves it too. Such a fun story about the beauty of building a connection with an orphaned animal and then making the right decision to allow it to go back into the wild once it is ready.

[Wendelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chicago Tribune once said of the book Rascal, "Everyone should knock off work, sit beneath the nearest tree, and enjoy Rascal from cover to cover." This is the abridged version of Sterling North's memoir of a golden summer in his childhood when he adopted a mischievious, curious, gluttonous, affectionate pet racoon named Rascal, who followed him everywhere, eating and chittering quizzically. In hazy days and clear balmy nights, Sterling and Rascal explore and share a myriad of experiences, such as wading marshy pools, fishing for crayfish, stringing hammocks on the forest and watching the moon rise, listening to the sounds of frogs and whippoorwills. A lovely story of a boy who opened his heart to a little animal.

[Raechel Gondek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for children. Highly recommend.

[Mitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very pleasant read with great illustrations to go along with the story. Another book I read as a child but enjoyed very much as an adult.

[W.J. Manares · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the books that opened my eyes into the wild. One of the books that taught me to love and visit the Elementary School Library frequently.

Rating: 🦝🦝🦝🦝🦝(5 out of 5 Cheeky Raccoons)

Sterling North's Little Rascal is a mischievous delight that will have you rolling with laughter and squealing with mirth! This charming memoir takes us on a wild journey through the antics of North's childhood companion, a little raccoon appropriately named Rascal. And boy, does this furry troublemaker know how to keep things interesting!

From the very first page, Rascal had me in stitches with his clever escapades. He's like a tiny, furry Evel Knievel, constantly pushing the boundaries and causing chaos wherever he goes. Whether he's raiding the pantry or attempting daredevil raccoon stunts, Rascal's misadventures are the perfect recipe for hilarity.

But let me tell you, folks, Rascal isn't just a little furball of mischief, he's also a master manipulator. His innocent, wide-eyed stare and fluffy tail somehow manage to convince the entire neighborhood that he's nothing more than a harmless woodland creature. Oh, the audacity! If Rascal started a raccoon school for manipulation, he'd no doubt be the headmaster.

North's storytelling skills are as charming as Rascal himself. With his witty narration, he captures the essence of childhood wonder and the unbreakable bond between human and animal.

Little Rascal is a whimsical and heartwarming tale that will tickle your funny bone and leave you with a smile on your face. It's a nostalgic trip back to a simpler time when the mischief of a furry friend could brighten even the gloomiest of days.

If you're in need of a good laugh or simply crave a touch of raccoon shenanigans in your life, be sure to give Sterling North's Little Rascal a whirl. Just be warned, you might find yourself glancing at every raccoon in your backyard with a newfound appreciation for their hilariously cheeky nature!

[Gale · Rating 3 out of 5]

FURRY, THIRTEEN-POUND CENTERPIECE--EVERY TABLE NEEDS THIS FELLOW!

This Newbery honor book is a gentle charmer for children of all ages, especially those who love the woods or have ever tried to tame a wild animal. Recounted in the first person by the one who lived these events in a more naive era, RASCAL is the story of an 11-year-old boy who raises an orphaned baby raccoon. Set during American's involvement in the Great War, the book includes many historical aspects of that special era. It reminds us how war in distant Europe touched even heartland America, makling it an excellent book to include in a Unit on WW2 on the Home Front.

Young Sterling is a resourceful boy whose father permits him an incredible amount of freedom--trusting him with a menagerie of semi-tamed animals--even leaving him on his own for days at a time. We are endeared to this unlikely duo by the love, concern and creativity which the boy displays during their year of special friendship. His pet easily learns to bridge the two-footed and four-pawed worlds; we chuckle and fret, delight and worry as the raccoon gets older and into more serious mischief. Rascal seems to bring out either the best or the worst of human nature! It is amazing how much both boy and raccoon mature in just one year. A truly delightful little gem!

(FEbruary 7, 2010. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)

[Sally Bruesewitz]

Just finished reading this book. If your students are interested in nature and animals they would find themselves dreaming about the adventures that this 11 year old boy () and his pet "wild" raccoon Rascal have. Story takes place during the WWI Era. Historical references such as having a War Garden, people traveling in horse & buggy and the new annoyance of cars... are sprinkled throughout the book. The book has great illustrations and I think would be appropriate for 4th graders to read. I could not find this one in the AR index.

[Mary Westbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book from 6th grade

[Lillie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a wild book, and a little childish. But a good story line.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rascal had a wonderful story plot. I liked this book because I can relate to this book a lot. I used to have Racoons so I liked this a lot. I read it as a lit circle and it was a good book for that.

[Connie Gunderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic. Every time I pick this one up to re-read, I have to go to the end to remind myself if there's a sad ending. Thankfully not.

[Lori Nemitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the summer of 1980.