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The Stray
Now in Knopf Paperback, from the author of The Gallant Pig , comes the touching story of a "stray" old woman's amusing antics and the large, loving family that adopts her.
139 pages, Hardcover
First published July 15, 1996
About the author
Dick King-Smith
343 books315 followersDick King-Smith was born and raised in Gloucestershire, England, surrounded by pet animals. After twenty years as a farmer, he turned to teaching and then to writing children's books.
Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get enjoyment from what he does.
Among his well-loved books is Babe, The Gallant Pig, which was recently made into a major motion picture, and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Dick lived with his wife in a small 17th-century cottage, about three miles from the house where he was born.
Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get enjoyment from what he does.
Among his well-loved books is Babe, The Gallant Pig, which was recently made into a major motion picture, and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Dick lived with his wife in a small 17th-century cottage, about three miles from the house where he was born.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 10, 2015
If this is not my favorite children's book, it's at least one of the top 5. The first few times I "read" it, it was by listening to it on audio book with the best voices done by an excellent narrator. Those voices are now in my head, so I used them to the best of my ability while reading this to my 8 year old. Within a very short period of time, the other, older, children had gathered around and were begging me not to stop reading.
August 9, 2012
One morning, Henny wakes up and decided to run away. Away from her old folks' home. It's her 70th birthday and she decides she wants more out of life than bickering over the TV in the common room and eating bland food. She spends almost all her ready cash buying a ticket to the seaside and she enjoys the whole day there, but doesn't know what to do when the day ends. Some children take her home with them and the rest of this lovely story is how indispensable they all become to one another. King-Smith's books often feature wonderful, quirky, full-of-life old people. I really like that. It's missing from most kids' literature. I whole-heartedly recommend this book. Logan liked it too, especially the part where Henny has to overcome her fear of the dentist.
March 9, 2011
I hunted down for this book. While fixing all the childrens books I had when I was young, all I could think of was finding this one. I was so saddened when I found out I didn't have it! I asked my friends, but none seemed to have kept theirs! I went to the National Bookstore in Greenhills and lo and behold! I found it! What more, it was discounted! I guess today's generation aren't that fond of Dick King-Smith. Their loss! I wrote this review last night after I finished reading it, by the way.
03-08-11, 11:30PM--
Aww! What a great story! The Stray teaches you about family and its importance. This book just really shows how important and how nice it would be if everyone had goodness and kindness in their hearts that they were willing to share with everyone around them.
In The Stray, we have Henny, an old woman, who's run away from home on her birthday. She goes off on a train to the first place she sees and somehow ends up meeting the Good family.
The Good family welcomed Henny into their lives with open arms, even if they knew very little to nothing about her. They were such good hosts to dear old Henny. Meanwhile, we have Henny, who was always very nice to everyone she meets and was always trying her to best to make everyone around her happy.
I was really touched and genuinely happy for Henny and the Good family during the end. I'm just really glad that Henny got her happy ending in the end. The ending really made me feel all warm and fuzzy. What a gift family and true friends are. If you have a family and good friends, then you are truly lucky. Just like how Henny was.
--11:32PM
03-08-11, 11:30PM--
Aww! What a great story! The Stray teaches you about family and its importance. This book just really shows how important and how nice it would be if everyone had goodness and kindness in their hearts that they were willing to share with everyone around them.
In The Stray, we have Henny, an old woman, who's run away from home on her birthday. She goes off on a train to the first place she sees and somehow ends up meeting the Good family.
The Good family welcomed Henny into their lives with open arms, even if they knew very little to nothing about her. They were such good hosts to dear old Henny. Meanwhile, we have Henny, who was always very nice to everyone she meets and was always trying her to best to make everyone around her happy.
I was really touched and genuinely happy for Henny and the Good family during the end. I'm just really glad that Henny got her happy ending in the end. The ending really made me feel all warm and fuzzy. What a gift family and true friends are. If you have a family and good friends, then you are truly lucky. Just like how Henny was.
--11:32PM
May 11, 2011
I have a special attachment to this book. I bought it on holiday not long after it came out and read it obsessively. I'm not sure WHY I liked it so particularly, though it is good - the story's pretty simple, but it has some lovely little touches, like talking about Henny trying fruit gums for the first time.
Anyway, I reread it yesterday, after spending months online trying to find out what it was called. It's still utterly charming. It's completely divorced from reality, of course, but I tend to like my children's lit just that. Some people might find it a bit too cute and I understand that, but sometimes everyone needs to read a simple story about an old lady and a dog with a happy ending. After a tough few months, I certainly do!
Please read this to your children, it is worth it.
Anyway, I reread it yesterday, after spending months online trying to find out what it was called. It's still utterly charming. It's completely divorced from reality, of course, but I tend to like my children's lit just that. Some people might find it a bit too cute and I understand that, but sometimes everyone needs to read a simple story about an old lady and a dog with a happy ending. After a tough few months, I certainly do!
Please read this to your children, it is worth it.
April 6, 2020
An isolation re read of my absolute favourite childhood book. This book will always hold a special place in my heart. Having re read it after I lost my lovely grandmother it is even more special to me as it makes me think of her and how important it is to cherish your loved ones.
Of course, it has a childish naivety to it but sometimes it is nice to read something that is just wholesome and full of heart.
Of course, it has a childish naivety to it but sometimes it is nice to read something that is just wholesome and full of heart.
February 18, 2009
Fun. Touching. Comforting.
July 13, 2015
This book had such a clever plot and even though it's a children's book, I was hooked!
August 28, 2026
What a lovely story!
This is the tale of an elderly woman who runs away from a care home and gets adopted into a large, rambunctious family. It is sweet, charming, and very funny, and just goes to show how important personal human relationships are. I love how Henny, although unrelated to the Goodes, becomes a sort of grandmother to the children, and how Dick King-Smith so accurately captures the narrative voices of the different children.
I've listened to this on audiobook lots of times, it's so wonderful; and the narrator does a fantastic job with the individual voices of all the different characters.
It's aimed at middle-grade kids, but it's the perfect family read, and is worthwhile no matter what age you are. Delightfully cosy.
This is the tale of an elderly woman who runs away from a care home and gets adopted into a large, rambunctious family. It is sweet, charming, and very funny, and just goes to show how important personal human relationships are. I love how Henny, although unrelated to the Goodes, becomes a sort of grandmother to the children, and how Dick King-Smith so accurately captures the narrative voices of the different children.
I've listened to this on audiobook lots of times, it's so wonderful; and the narrator does a fantastic job with the individual voices of all the different characters.
It's aimed at middle-grade kids, but it's the perfect family read, and is worthwhile no matter what age you are. Delightfully cosy.
March 17, 2026
Previewing (skim-reading) for my daughter… I was initially impressed at the lack of language from the children in the story (no substitute swear words I mean). There was clever dialog, and the plot moved along quickly.
Then - enter the father, who made mention of needing a drink. I only made it one more page (pg 23) when he actually dives in and pours a whiskey - a large glassful - for himself.
This, in a first chapter book for children.
Why?
Then - enter the father, who made mention of needing a drink. I only made it one more page (pg 23) when he actually dives in and pours a whiskey - a large glassful - for himself.
This, in a first chapter book for children.
Why?
December 1, 2023
My husband and I are reading children’s books we never read as kids. I found this one at a used book store and it intrigued me because we are much closer to Henny’s age than the Good children’s ages. The Stray is such a pleasant book! We laughed and had more fun reading this book together than any other children’s book thus far!
September 8, 2026
Positively delightful and life-affirming.
Senior-home resident, Henrietta Hickathrift is running away to the beach when she is discovered by kids and basically adopted. Seen as valuable by this great fam.
Senior-home resident, Henrietta Hickathrift is running away to the beach when she is discovered by kids and basically adopted. Seen as valuable by this great fam.
August 5, 2023
Just what I needed to read. I needed something light yet inspiring. I love the characters and it brightened by entire day. I am so happy that I picked a children's book that is delightful.
September 10, 2023
I liked this book. It is about a lady that ran away from a care home and found a stray dog and met some children and went to live with them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2023
A good children’s book, cute story and well written.
September 20, 2024
Precious.
December 10, 2024
Sweet and fun.
Read
July 5, 2026Found a free rack outside a thrift store in Ketchikan, AK. Make me laugh. Henny's got spunk!
July 24, 2023
Aunt Heidi began reading this to the kids at cousin camp this past summer (2012). The kids wanted to finish it when we got home. Sweet story enjoyed by all.
October 16, 2026
Quick verdict on The Stray: strong start, wobbly middle, solid finish. What worked: Dick King-Smith's eye for tiny, human details. What didn't: a subplot that vanishes without a word. I'd hand it to a friend who likes character studies, and I'd keep it far from anyone who needs a clean plot.
December 19, 2013
This a charming children's book that I picked up as a present for my nieces and then read for myself. Henny is bored of the retirement home she's in and as she still has some money in her pension, as a birthday present to herself runs away. She ends up in Saltmouth, a British seaside resort town and on the beach writes that she's a stray old woman. A family named Good who lives in the town take her in and in fits and starts she ends up becoming a part of their family and finding more direction for herself. This is a book that is sweet, thoughtful and a little sad. Henny is a character who feels familiar, an older woman who hasn't done living yet even though the world doesn't know what to do with her. The Goods are a classic type of family from children's literature with numerous siblings, kind hearted parents and never quite enough money to go around.
I would recommend this book to be read by grandparents, parents and anyone who loves the sea. In terms of reading level, a fourth or fifth grader with help could read it, its on the edge of a Middle Grade book since it has chapters but none of the vocabulary is too complicated. There are some terms that relate to the United Kingdom but no major concepts that take away from the story.
I would recommend this book to be read by grandparents, parents and anyone who loves the sea. In terms of reading level, a fourth or fifth grader with help could read it, its on the edge of a Middle Grade book since it has chapters but none of the vocabulary is too complicated. There are some terms that relate to the United Kingdom but no major concepts that take away from the story.
July 9, 2020
During the summer breaks, I clean and organize. I came across this book in my bookshelves and saw that it's from Madrona School. I don't know why it's in my house. Perhaps Emma brought it home with her once when she had to stay with me at school while I taught. In any case, I decided to read it before returning it.
What a sweet book! An older woman, 75-year-old Henny Hickathrift, decides to run away from her old folks home in England. All of her family has died and she is alone and bored.
She is also practically penniless. She takes the last of her money and buys a train ticket to England's seaside. There she finds a family with lots of children who are kind and sweet and who need just the kind of help Henny can give them and they invite her to live with them. They, in turn, take care of her when she needs it. There are, of course, funny mishaps but all works out well in the end.
This would be a wonderful book to read aloud to children.
What a sweet book! An older woman, 75-year-old Henny Hickathrift, decides to run away from her old folks home in England. All of her family has died and she is alone and bored.
She is also practically penniless. She takes the last of her money and buys a train ticket to England's seaside. There she finds a family with lots of children who are kind and sweet and who need just the kind of help Henny can give them and they invite her to live with them. They, in turn, take care of her when she needs it. There are, of course, funny mishaps but all works out well in the end.
This would be a wonderful book to read aloud to children.
June 26, 2013
My upcoming 4th grader's summer reading book, I doubt he will be overly impressed either.
First of all: 75 years old is not actually as old as this book makes it out to be.
This is a book about a 75 year old woman who has been in a nursing home for...I think she says "ever so long?" She is so peppy, I'm not sure how she ever ended up there, how she never had a checkbook and got adopted by a muggle version of The Weasleys and...well there are a lot of things about this book. This woman seems to have no sense but tons and TONS of luck.
On the plus side, her outlook and turn of phrase is so sweet and optimistic, she reminds me of my own dear 94 year old grandmother.
I also appreciate the dog in this story who reminds me of my own sweet pup in appearance somewhat and definitely in devotion.
First of all: 75 years old is not actually as old as this book makes it out to be.
This is a book about a 75 year old woman who has been in a nursing home for...I think she says "ever so long?" She is so peppy, I'm not sure how she ever ended up there, how she never had a checkbook and got adopted by a muggle version of The Weasleys and...well there are a lot of things about this book. This woman seems to have no sense but tons and TONS of luck.
On the plus side, her outlook and turn of phrase is so sweet and optimistic, she reminds me of my own dear 94 year old grandmother.
I also appreciate the dog in this story who reminds me of my own sweet pup in appearance somewhat and definitely in devotion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2014
A delightful book - probably more for idealistic grown-ups than kids! Seventy-five year old Henny runs away from her boring old folks' home to a seaside town. There she befriends the five Good children and starts a happy new life as their housekeeper. She also gives a home to another stray - a dog - and even wins the lottery. Probably improbable, but a very pleasant read for all those who want to believe there's still plenty to look forward to in old age. I also enjoyed a lot of Henny's sayings - reminded me of my own mom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2014
A sweet little book! 75-year-old Henny Hickathrift runs away from her old age home and with almost all of her funds buys a train ticket to the beach. She enjoys the sunny day, but as evening approaches she has no money left and nowhere to sleep. The she meets the five red headed Good children, who invite her home with them to spend then night. This turns into a beautiful friendship between the children and their parents and the lonely old woman. This will make a good discussion about growing old and nursing homes. And in this case at least, all ends happily!
May 6, 2012
Dick King-Smith does it again -- with a well-defined, interesting and determined older woman character. She takes off from her old-age home and goes to the beach. It's a wonderful premise. Then she meets a family that needs a grandma basically - or say, an older friend. Sweet! They have exciting things happen together. But a lot of what this book is about is people living and loving one another, simply and enjoyably. It's great.
July 27, 2015
Well, now I desperately want to visit the English seaside and I want, with equal desperation, to try a prawn and mayonnaise sandwich. But more than ANYTHING in the whole wide world, I would like to find a stray elderly lady who would come and be part of our home and family. Although this author has been recommended to me many times before, this is my first experience with his work and I really want more.
April 3, 2022
Once more, author Dick King-Smith has an unlikely protagonist: a 75-year-old woman name Henny who has run away from a nursing home. She uses her last 50 pounds to take a train to the beach, in first-class luxury.
She writes about her loneliness in the sand. She never married, since her boyfriend died in World War II.
Then she runs into some cute, red-haired, children. That's when the adventure begins.
She writes about her loneliness in the sand. She never married, since her boyfriend died in World War II.
Then she runs into some cute, red-haired, children. That's when the adventure begins.
March 24, 2010
To start of this book is a really really quick read. It's kind of amusing I think younger kids (5-8) would probably think it was hilarious! I loved Henny she was so quirky and funny. She definantly had a distinct persinality.(Sorry for all the misspellings) So anyway it's worth the read because it's really short and it passes the time.
July 31, 2010
I think I might've been a little old for this. This one was a little longer than A Mouse Called Wolf. But it wasn't exciting enough. You could kind of tell that she was going to win the lottery. That's a spoiler, by the way. I didn't like the little boy because he would ask for ice cream when he knew she didn't have enough money.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2023
Typical fun King-Smith fare: an elderly lady runs away from the old-folks' home where she is living and spontaneously spends all her money taking a train to the shore. Impractical but still sweet, although I can't quite condone the way this story for younger readers encourages them to play the lottery!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews