The Stray

by Betsy James Wyeth, Jamie Wyeth (Illustrator)

redhard cover with white dust jacket

Genres: Childrens

170 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I remeber my sister reading to me. She found a copy on amazon a few christmasses back for me. I think i fucking cryed when i saw it.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up at a library sale because of my interest in the Wyeth family and illustrated children's literature. Laid up sick and not wanting to read anything particularly heavy, I started reading The Stray. It turned out to be a quirky and semi-tragic story. Witty and silly with great illustrations it was an enjoyable read. Would make a great read outloud with the family book.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best children's books ever written. From when I first read it as a child, to any of the numerous times I've re-read it as an adult, I am always completely absorbed by the story and characters. Good times, tragedy, politics, mystery, and love are all here.

[Margo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What delightful little gem of a book! It might feel ab it dated, but it's a great read aloud chapter book for elementary aged kids. The hints at historical figures from the Brandywine Valley and abroad made the book equally enjoyable for an adult as well. Do not ignore the simple pen and ink drawings by Jamie Wyeth, they are integral to the telling of the story. In face I was tempted to copy the intricate map of the places where all the action happens and keep it as a bookmark, I found myself referring to it often. While I noted that the anthropomorphic animals kind of slide back and forth between human behavior and their animal behavior, eventually that became a part of the charm of the story. Don't hesitate to read this forgotten American gem.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I re-read this book from my childhood to see if it was as weird as I remembered. IT IS. Strangely compelling dream logic but doesn't make a whole hell of a lot of sense from an adult perspective and ends with a sudden completely unforeseen and unnecessary tragedy. The images will stick with a child for life, it seems, and comes with a side order of confused trauma. Kind of lyrical writing, though. Order for the unsuspecting child in your life today!

[Cheri Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites, I’ve read this book many times, and it never disappoints. Wild and whimsical, soulful and smart and sweet, I turn to The Stray whenever I’m feeling existentially tired or overwhelmed by responsibilities. As in a picture book or a graphic novel, Jamie Wyeth’s illustrations are as integral to telling the story as Betsy James Wyeth’s text.

[Bernard Voss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would describe this book in one line as "The poor man's Wind in the Willows." It's not a bad story, though I have to admit I didn't find it to be a great story. It's whimsical with madcap adventure. The best part of the book in my opinion is that it's filled with beautiful illustrations.

[Felix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good!but, the only thing wrong was that the dog died at the end.😥😥😥

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an unexpectedly entertaining tale with thievery, mischief, friendship, tragedy, and creativity. A quick read that will make its way onto our shelves immediately.

[Elstirling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story, you can just imagine each animal character and The Ford. I can’t wait to read it to my grandchildren.

[Landis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story: 2 stars
Art: 5 stars

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very odd book.

Maybe its because it was nearing midnight and I'd been feeling lonely, but I cried at the last chapter. Not sobbing, just some silent tears, and I had to go find the cat to comfort me.

My copy was given to me by two kids (aged 3 and 5) I used to take care of. The Stray is written by the wife of Andrew Wyeth (famous for the painting "Christina's World") and illustrated by their son, Jamie. It is a story about the animals (mostly dogs and pigs) living in the Ford, which is like a child's imaginary world, complete with a map. The book has the unpolished, light, fun & adventurous style of an improv story told at bedtime, which is why the final chapter was such a shock for me.

[Owen Curtsinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a talented family the Wyeths are. If I had read this when I was anywhere from 4 - 8 years old, it would have been my favorite book ever. It's an odd story that isn't very well written (who is the narrator?!), but the little world and the characters are so richly imagined that it's hard not to be both impressed and charmed, and all the ingredients for a good tale are here: adventure and mystery in an imagined place that feels intimate while still yielding to mystery and curiosity. While the prose is sparse, it's easily made up for by Jamie Wyeth's wonderful illustrations. I'm very glad to have a copy of this book.

[Emily Obrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a child and I remember taking a bit to get into it, but then absolutely falling in love with it- one of my very favorite books. I look forward to reading this to my kids soon.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful children's book.