The Little Colonel's Hero

The Little Colonel #5

by Annie Fellows Johnston, Etheldred B. Barry (Illustrator)

In this entry in the Little Colonel series, Lloyd Sherman, the title character, leaves her Kentucky home with her parents on an adventure that takes her across the Atlantic and through Europe. While in Geneva, the Little Colonel meets Major Pierre de Vaux and his magnificent, specially trained St. Bernard, Hero.

Throughout the trip, Hero's experiences in and relationship to the Red Cross prompt friends and strangers alike to share their stories of being helped by the organization. What begins as a birthday vacation becomes much, much more, as the Little Colonel learns about the notions of compassion, duty, and sacrifice from the most unlikely of heroes.

Genres: Fiction, Classics, Childrens

288 pages, Hardback

First published January 1, 1902

About the author

Annie Fellows Johnston (1863-1931) was an American author of children's fiction who wrote the popular "Little Colonel" series, which was the basis for the 1935 Shirley Temple film The Little Colonel. She was born and grew up in McCutchanville, Indiana, a small unincorporated town near Evansville, Indiana.

Reviews

[Magda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it is interesting how many different "feels" this book seems to have, and yet the entirety of the book still falls under the category of sweet turn-of-the-century children's book.

Lloyd goes to Europe and meets an old wounded German officer who has a trained St. Bernard ambulance dog, Hero. Lloyd's interest is awakened in the Red Cross. Hero saves her life, and later the officer's life. When he does die, Hero goes to the Little Colonel.

When back in the States, Betty writes a play to benefit the Red Cross, and much of the neighborhood participates.

On a weeklong camping trip nearby a US army camp, Hero's skills are showed off. However, when the report of animals loose from the carnival make a sentry too nervous, he acts too soon and shoots Hero.

I also like the emphasis on letter-writing, as keeping in touch with friends is something I am trying constantly trying to improve.

[Hannah Alane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute!!!

I appreciated all the many lessons taught both moral and factual. Not only does Lloyd learn about selfless sacrifice and love but she also learns about Clara Barton and the history of the Red Cross.

[Richie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, but sad, but lovely.

[Laurie Bz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting to hear about traveling to Europe pre-World War I, especially when you are wealthy and privileged! The series gets less interesting as it moves along.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

HERO

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical of the era, so a fun read. Shirley Temple was the perfect choice for the Little Colonel.