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Swift
For as long as he could remember, Johnnie has longed to go off hunting with Pa and their dog, Swift. Now the much-anticipated day has arrived, but Johnnie’s first hunt comes to an abrupt end when a grizzly bear attacks Pa, leaving him wounded and unable to walk. “Listen to the dog,” his father urges him as the boy starts out into the treacherous forest, led by the knowledgeable Swift, on a daring rescue mission to save his father. More than a book about an Alaskan boy and his dog, Swift is a story of trust and courage, a perfect companion to Togo and Akiak.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published September 20, 2007
2 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 20, 2022
If you know a young person who likes hunting, the outdoors, or adventure and survival stories, this picture book about an injured hunter, his son, Swift the dog, and a grizzly bear is for you.
October 21, 2014
Firstly, the thing my son and I liked best about the book is the story telling. The first person narrative from a child doesn't feel forced or fabricated. The flow is great, and the pacing is rather exciting.
Secondly, the authors note at the end went a long way in explaining the story. At first glance, the entire thing is a bit morbid to people that live in the 'civilized' world (if you can pardon me that expression), as the story is about hunting, escaping and eventually, killing, a grizzly bear.
The Authors Note speaks about Alaskan homesteading and, briefly, what that means. Robert Blake had the opportunity to stay with some homesteaders for a period of time.
I get that people have strong feelings about hunting, and I respect that. This book was a great opportunity to open a conversation about how hunting can be done for sport, or, as in this case, for food or survival.
There just aren't many places on this planet that require hunting for survival anymore.
For this reason, this book is EXCELLENT because it provides my son(s) with a different experience. And that's a great thing.
I did read this with my mature 6 year old, and am glad that we didn't include my 3 yr old. While not terribly graphic, the subject matter is a bit too much for his age.
Secondly, the authors note at the end went a long way in explaining the story. At first glance, the entire thing is a bit morbid to people that live in the 'civilized' world (if you can pardon me that expression), as the story is about hunting, escaping and eventually, killing, a grizzly bear.
The Authors Note speaks about Alaskan homesteading and, briefly, what that means. Robert Blake had the opportunity to stay with some homesteaders for a period of time.
I get that people have strong feelings about hunting, and I respect that. This book was a great opportunity to open a conversation about how hunting can be done for sport, or, as in this case, for food or survival.
There just aren't many places on this planet that require hunting for survival anymore.
For this reason, this book is EXCELLENT because it provides my son(s) with a different experience. And that's a great thing.
I did read this with my mature 6 year old, and am glad that we didn't include my 3 yr old. While not terribly graphic, the subject matter is a bit too much for his age.
August 7, 2012
My 8 yr old read this in one sitting and came upstairs enthusiastically telling me he was done and how sad and wonderful it was. To get that reaction from my son deserves 5 stars. We are going to try some other Robert J. Blake books and hopefully get the same reaction.
June 22, 2022
I really adore the oil paint illustrations that Mr. Blake does. The stories are always really good.
March 2, 2015
amazing dog! lllllooooovvvvveeee iiiitttt.
August 29, 2018
This book is bleak. One thing after another. I felt a little disconcerted reading it out loud to my nephew - turning the page for the drama only to heighten, the bad news keeps coming. And yet, it is not a bad story. And I really liked the art work.
March 22, 2018
4 stars for the artwork, 2 stars for the story. I just didn't really care for it. I have loved some of Blake's other work.
June 13, 2019
I liked this book a lot
I think I would add this book to a set about outdoor safety
I feel that the art added to the tension in places
I think I would add this book to a set about outdoor safety
I feel that the art added to the tension in places
May 26, 2021
Exciting...adventuresome...a great read of bravery by a little boy and the family dog, Swift, who must save his father after an accident while hunting.
October 1, 2022
Very realistic art. NOT FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN, scary and a bear dies.
January 22, 2026
Felt a bit unfinished when it was over. Artwork was beautiful though.
August 1, 2011
A hunting story that reads like a Field and Stream article is adapted to the picture book format in “Swift.” Readers’ reaction to the tale will depend upon their own beliefs about hunting; you know what you’re in for with the book’s opening line:
Ma says Pa and Swift were out hunting on the day I was born—and that I have wanted to go with them ever since. This year I passed the gun course. This year pa said, “Johnnie, get the dog. We’re goin’ huntin’.”
Johnnie, his father, and Swift the hunting dog tromp out into the woods looking for a bear to shoot. It seems the bear finds them first, however, because on the second page, Pa is attacked by a rampaging grizzly. He manages to squeeze off a shot, but the bear escapes, only wounded. Now it’s up to the boy and his dog to find help.
On their way to get help, the wounded bear tracks down Johnnie and Swift and attacks again. (One wonders why the grizzly didn’t just finish the job on the incapacitated Pa instead of tracking down the boy.) Johnnie shoots the bear once. Once again, he doesn’t die—just gets doubly wounded and angrier.
Finally, Johnnie and Swift make it to the cabin—they have to be safe now! But no! Another horrific grizzly attack!
This time I dispatched the bear. … That bear wasn’t going to trouble anyone anymore.
(Gee, maybe if you hadn’t invaded his territory and sunk lead projectiles into his flesh, that bear wouldn't have been such a trouble.)
As the title suggests, a primary element in this story is Swift the dog and his loyalty to Johnnie throughout his travails. While their bond is touching, it does raise the question of why some animals are trusted and beloved friends while others are targets. Most certainly, a bear or deer or any other animal suffers just as much as a dog would if pierced by bullets or arrows.
Ma says Pa and Swift were out hunting on the day I was born—and that I have wanted to go with them ever since. This year I passed the gun course. This year pa said, “Johnnie, get the dog. We’re goin’ huntin’.”
Johnnie, his father, and Swift the hunting dog tromp out into the woods looking for a bear to shoot. It seems the bear finds them first, however, because on the second page, Pa is attacked by a rampaging grizzly. He manages to squeeze off a shot, but the bear escapes, only wounded. Now it’s up to the boy and his dog to find help.
On their way to get help, the wounded bear tracks down Johnnie and Swift and attacks again. (One wonders why the grizzly didn’t just finish the job on the incapacitated Pa instead of tracking down the boy.) Johnnie shoots the bear once. Once again, he doesn’t die—just gets doubly wounded and angrier.
Finally, Johnnie and Swift make it to the cabin—they have to be safe now! But no! Another horrific grizzly attack!
This time I dispatched the bear. … That bear wasn’t going to trouble anyone anymore.
(Gee, maybe if you hadn’t invaded his territory and sunk lead projectiles into his flesh, that bear wouldn't have been such a trouble.)
As the title suggests, a primary element in this story is Swift the dog and his loyalty to Johnnie throughout his travails. While their bond is touching, it does raise the question of why some animals are trusted and beloved friends while others are targets. Most certainly, a bear or deer or any other animal suffers just as much as a dog would if pierced by bullets or arrows.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2012
A true survival story in which a boy's dog guides him through a dangerous, cold landscape to get help for his father. There's a decent amount of text on each page, making this a good read aloud for older children. The short, Hemingway-esque sentences are punctuated by the snap of twigs and the click-click-BOOM of guns. I think most readers will predict the happy ending, but it's still a good example of the survival genre, dotted with accurate details. The author tells us in a note at the end that he moved in with a homesteading family in Alaska in order to write the book. I especially like the maps on the endpapers.
June 7, 2012
Blake, R.J. (2007). Swift. New York, New York: Philomel Books. Unp. Ages 8 and up.
Johnnie has been waiting to go hunting with Pa and their dog Swift since he was born. This gripping story, told in the first person, tells how Johnnie’s first trip wasn’t as easy as he thought it might be. Through bold illustrations and gripping storyline, a boy and his dog find a way through the wilderness together.
Related Activity: Create a map of a trip they have taken, like the one in the front cover of the book.
Johnnie has been waiting to go hunting with Pa and their dog Swift since he was born. This gripping story, told in the first person, tells how Johnnie’s first trip wasn’t as easy as he thought it might be. Through bold illustrations and gripping storyline, a boy and his dog find a way through the wilderness together.
Related Activity: Create a map of a trip they have taken, like the one in the front cover of the book.
August 26, 2012
When Pa breaks his leg after a scuffle with a bear, it's up to his son and his dog to find help. The dog, Swift, knows the way and has the smarts, but will the son listen and understand his cues? There's a lot of tension and near-misses as the boy and dog travel through biting Alaska cold. The oil paint illustrations illuminate the text and radiate off the page; a highlight of this engaging story for dog lovers.
July 10, 2014
This book did not appeal to my daughter or me. I don't mind hunting, but bear hunting I do mind. And then a crazy injured bear attacking a dad and then the dog and then the kid. And then hypothermia. This is some heavy stuff for a kids book I think. The picture book format and "lite" sentence structure makes me think the expect us to read this to young kids but I don't see much appropriate in this story for most youngsters. Maybe Alaskan homesteaders!
April 28, 2011
This book would be more appropriate for an older child. During a hunting trip around their home in Alaska Johnnie's father gets hurt by a grizzlie bear and must find his way back to town to get help with only the guidance of his dog. Johnnie is forced to trust the instincts of his dog in order to make it safely home.
February 5, 2008
Very well done and the illustrations are fantastic! This is the story of Johnnie and his quest to get help for his father who was attacked by a bear in the wilderness of Alaska. With Swift's help, he is able to face the challenges that lay ahead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2015
Beautiful illustrations. I love the loyalty of Swift. I love that Johnnie has to learn and grow up quick to help his dad. He has to be strong and wise and courageous. I like that there is truth, research, and historical accuracy that goes into this book.
December 30, 2008
Johnnie and his dad are hunting in Alaska, when his father breaks his leg. Johnnie and their dog swift must go get help. A cute fun adventure with lovely artwork by the author.
March 11, 2009
I think it is really good, because I am one who really likes animals. I think the animal had really good character.
January 4, 2010
I really really liked the dog and I know Owen's sister Madison would like it because she is a dog lover.
April 10, 2011
Dog lovers, action and adventure readers will love this book. It's also fun to trace the two paths on the map featured on the end pages.
January 16, 2013
Vibrant illustrations and an exciting story.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews