Old Yeller

For the 1957 film based on the book, see Old Yeller (1957 film).

Old Yeller is a 1956 children's novel by Fred Gipson, which received a Newbery Honor in 1957. It was illustrated by Carl Burger. The title is taken from the name of the big yellow dog who is the center of the book's story. In 1957 Walt Disney released a film adaptation starring Fess Parker, Dorothy McGuire, Tommy Kirk, Kevin Corcoran, Jeff York, and Beverly Washburn.

The father is away on a cattle drive to earn money. Soon a stray yellow dog visits the family. The mother reasons that the family could use a good dog. Though Travis (the older son) initially loathes the "rascal" and tries to get rid of it, Old Yeller eventually proves his worth, saving the family on several occasions. Travis grows to love Old Yeller.

The rightful owner of Yeller shows up looking for his dog. The owner recognizes that the family needs and has become attached to Yeller, and trades Yeller to Arliss (the younger son) for a home-cooked meal.

The book ends when Yeller becomes exposed to Rabies while defending the family from a rabid wolf and Travis is forced to shoot the dog. Old Yeller's puppy helps him get over Old Yeller's death. Yeller's puppy becomes the title character of the 1962 sequel, Savage Sam. There is also a third book, "Little Arliss", set after the first two and starring Travis's younger brother.^[1]

Notes

1. ^ "Old Yeller (1957 Film) Summary". http://www.bookrags.com/Old_Yeller_(1957_film). Retrieved 2007-11-08.