Irish Red

Big Red #2

by Jim Kjelgaard

For all his champion Irish setter blood, Mike was a misfit. Danny Pickett and his father tried everything to train him, but it was the pup himself who finally proved that he was a champion.

Genres: Fiction, Animals, Young Adult, Dogs, Childrens, Classics, Adventure

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1951

About the author

an American author of young adult literature.

Born in New York City, New York, Jim Kjelgaard is the author of more than forty novels, the most famous of which is 1945's "Big Red." It sold 225,000 copies by 1956 and was made into a 1962 Walt Disney film with the same title, Big Red. His books were primarily about dogs and wild animals, often with animal protagonists and told from the animal's point of view.

Jim Kjelgaard committed suicide in 1959, after suffering for several years from chronic pain and depression.
- Wikipedia -

Reviews

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dec 7, 6pm ~~ Review asap.

Dec 9, 745pm ~~ This was the second book by Jim Kjelgaard for the Zapata Reading Club. One of the titles in our first pile of books to read aloud over the phone had been Big Red, so it seemed fitting that the story of Red's son Mike be part of our second group, and we were both excited about returning to the Wintapi wilderness to see what the author had in store for us this time around.

The focus here is on Mike, the wildest, most independent and exasperating of the litter of pups Danny and his father Ross have at their cabin in the woods. One thing nobody seems to be able to figure out is how Mike always escapes from the pen he and the other pups call home when they are not supposed to be out and about. Readers will find out later in the story but I don't think Danny or Ross ever did!

Mike always manages to cause trouble:
"He did what he wished when he wanted to do it, and defied the consequences. Mike had escaped death by a narrow margin half a dozen times, but he never hesitated to gallop headlong into new adventures, and it never seemed to occur to him even to think of what he was doing."

Now how was anyone supposed to make a properly trained bird dog out of such a pup? Danny gave up hope, but father Ross felt that Mike had something the other pups lacked. Not that he could explain what that something was, he just knew in his heart it was there. But was he right?

What has to happen before Mike understands that there is more to life than chasing the pig? Will he ever become what Ross believes he can be: the best partridge dog in the Wintapi?

Marco and I both enjoyed the story, although it was not quite as compelling as Big Red. I also was annoyed at the owner of the estate, who in the previous book was all gung-ho about Irish Setters but in this one allowed himself to be swayed by his nephew and a professional dog trainer, both of whom believed English Setters were better dogs.

The owner, Mr. Haggin, expected Danny and Ross to work at the main estate learning from this professional trainer, watching him turn the Irish Setter pups into 'real' dogs. And what does our Mike think about this idea? Will his independent but happy heart lead him to disaster or to his true destiny?

I liked the depiction of Mike; it was very easy to imagine this dog so full of joy for life, eager to Do Something Fun. I admit to losing my supposedly detached Reading Aloud voice at one point when a description of Mike wiggling up to greet Danny made me think of a certain stray dog down in Mexico that used to behave exactly the same way every time she would see me.

I think we enjoyed these two books but I also think that we have had enough of the Wintapi for now so we won't be reading Outlaw Red, which is about Mike's brother Sean and is also a great story. However, I do want Marco to hear more by this author, so someday in a future Zapata Reading Club pile I will add another Kjelgaard title, probably The Duck-Footed Hound. I would love to read that one again!

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, I do like Mike. That little puppy got into so much trouble, but I wanted him just the same. The second book in this series was as delightful as the first. It held excitement and wonderful characters. Well told, this story kept me reading from the first page until the last. There were a few minor words that I didn't care for, but they were few.

[Jeff Dickison · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was a grade-schooler I devoured Kjelgaard books as fast as I could find them. I believe they helped develop my lifetime love of dogs. I'm 76 now and have an Affenpincher and a Chihuahua who are adorable. In this story, Mike, a rambunctious, overactive puppy must prove his worth as he gets older. Recommended to youth everywhere and to adults who want to reminisce.

[Stephen Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the book. Maybe not as great as the first book, but still well written and a great book. Nice contrast in training styles. Would have liked to see more contrasting details between Irish Setters and English setter. Interesting contrast between our life now and what it would be like living off the land.
Some people may be triggered by hunting and trapping. Trapping is a pretty bad thing, but i am not one to judge a book by todays standards. If i were to read it to children it would be a topic of discussion.
Very good book, 5 star on its own merits i think, but giving it 4 just to separate it from others i really jump up and down over.

[Wendy]

I read this so, so long ago that I honestly don't remember whether I liked it or not. I don't even remember the plot--I just remember the dog's name was Mike this time, and Danny was his caretaker just like for his dad. I'd skim through it to jog my memory, but I read it at school and have never owned my own copy, so that's not really an option.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of those rare situations where the sequel outdoes the original - at least in some ways. There is something of a plot here, obstacles to overcome, character development to be had. In the latter arc, this one feels like a precursor to Snow Dog, which is a terrific book.

The problem for me is that Chiri has reasons to behave in the manner he does. Don't get me wrong: there are puppies like Mike. Having owned one, I'm well aware. However, it doesn't make for a sympathetic protago-dog.

To me, it also feels either like false hope or even irresponsible to portray that there will come a magic moment when your rebellious puppy will miraculously decide to obey with his whole heart, likely after being made to feel helpless in a dangerous situation. I wouldn't make this argument if it were only Mike, but it's foreshadowed with a similar "tale." (And yes, Chiri makes a sudden turn, but in his case, the change is because he would have given his whole heart had it not been for his need for final revenge. Once he gets it, that is when he becomes Link's dog.) It would have made for a better, more realistic narrative, in my opinion, had Danny continued relentlessly and patiently working with him until he achieved that final win.

All that said, I still enjoyed it; Kjelgaard is hard not to!

[Sara Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the books I read before I started keeping my book list. Even though it was years ago, I remember the story and how much I loved it.
The date is estimate.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't have to like dogs to enjoy this book. By the time you finish though, you will be not only a dog lover, but a lover of this author.

[Einar Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m sure my parents bought Jim Kjelgaard’s book Irish Red for me at an elementary school book fair. I finally read it. I started reading animal books when my daughters were younger and figured this book’s time had arrived. I wasn’t disappointed, mostly.

Kjelgaard blended human and animal points of view with a third-person narrative. I actually wanted more pooch perspectives, but had to wait for it. The first half of the book focused on a city mouse-country mouse/rich-poor conflict between humans and how they prefer to train dogs. The second half put that conflict in the rear view mirror and focused on the father son relationships of Ross and Danny (human) and Red and Mike (Irish Setter), as well as human-canine relationships, and the connections between the humans and their mountainous ecological context. The second half was my favorite half.

I was a bit disappointed that Kjelgaard spent so little time on Mike’s maturation during a trapping adventure. Danny and Mike ascended a mountain, found themselves trapped in a blizzard, and were hunted by a cougar. This most exciting part of the story deserved more pages and connections to the growth of both sons as they faced adversity, embraced vulnerability, and triumphed.

I don’t know that I’ll read other dog books by Kjelgaard, but I’m glad I read this one.

[Kivrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite childhood read that held up well. Simple story but well-written, and I love the setting and characters.

[Drew Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memorable sequel to Big Red. Read it 45 years ago and still recall many things, especially the warm feelings.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful walk down memory lane. It's just as good as I remembered.

[Diane Fuson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Kjelgaard spins a wonderful story about a boy and his dog. When I was 8, I read this book and have read it over again several times. The bonding that takes place between Danny and Mike make this a good feel story. It also illustrates the dangers of the weather, the wild, and ultimately, how to survive.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sequel to Big Red was much much more enjoyable to read. Again, this is probably because Kjelgaard focused more on the thoughts and adventures of the dog, Mike, than the humans. I like when he writes that way.

The dog names are admittedly...odd. Mike? Eileen? Weird names for dogs...

Overall, a great tale of a misfit dog coming out on top.

[Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sequel to Big Red. Mike is the runt of the litter of Big Red and Sheila's pups, and will never amount to anything-so Danny Pickett and everyone else but his dad, Ross, think. But it will take a combination of events to tame the rebel Irish red's heart, and cause him to prove to them all that a champion is inside.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Kjelgaard's Irish Setter books are the ultimate boy-and-his-dog adventure stories. Although it has been a very long time since I read them, I do remember that they completely enthralled me at the time, and captured my heart and imagination.

[Lisa James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike, what can you say about him? He may have been born a misfit, but in this sequel to Big Red, he proves he has the heart, courage, love & loyalty his father has. It is a heartwarming story of the underdog overcoming adversity to come out on top.

[Stephanie Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite dog books from childhood. Even though it's the sequel to "Big Red", I read this one first and I actually enjoy the story more. This book will make you fall in love with Irish Setters.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unruly headstrong Irish Setter runt gets a new start and makes the most of it. In the end, the carefree Irish Setter beats the stiffly trained robotic English Setter. No matter the bread, whipping and overly training a dog into submission is no way to raise a true and stylish hunter.

[SFrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catching up on a few classics I apparently missed before.

[Beka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as Big Red, but still an excellent book and a fast read. Another old friend.

[Larry Wegman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sequel to Big Red. Perhaps a bit more tug at the heart-strings because he's the runt of the litter. Enjoyable.

[Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike is awesome! I enjoyed reading very much!

[John Shore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I;m surprised to say that I like this book better than the original.

[Helen Robare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book that Jim Kjelgaard has written about Irish Setters. Again the main characters are a dog (this time named Mike), Danny and his father Ross. Big Red is the father of Mike (the Irish Setter puppy the book is about) which is why Danny and his father are taking care of the mom and 5 puppies and helping the hired trainer in training the puppies.

While four of the puppies are good and well-behaved there has to be one in every bunch. And that one is Mike. A disagreement between the hired trainer and Danny/Ross ensues and they quit. That's when Mike shows his rebellious nature by escaping and following them. While Danny despairs of Mike every coming into his own, his father (Ross) is of a different mindset. He believes there is potential for great good in Mike if a way to bring it out can be found.

This book is written for kids 8-12 years old but it can be enjoyed by those who are young at heart or going back into their childhood like myself. :)

[Shannon Rohrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

The first time I read this book, I had to be about nine years old. I fell in love with it instantly, and because of that, the version I had eventually crumbled apart after countless readings.

Years later, it still stands the test of time. You can tell the author really loved animals, especially dogs, and understood them in a way that allowed him to even write from their perspective.

This book, if nothing else, is a love letter to Irish Setters, hounds, and every dog that's wormed its way into someone's heart in the most unexpected of ways.

A book I know I will return to again.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

"For all his champion Irish setter blood, Mike was a misfit. Danny Pickett and his father tried everything to train him, but it was the pup himself who finally proved that he was a champion."
I have enjoyed reading this series. It is a feel good book.

[Maryalene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favorite Kjelgaard novel but a darn good dog book.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a but confusing at first, probably wouldn't have if I read the first one, but still enjoyable

[Ron Sanderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as a Kid