First published 1980
A nameless red dog wanders into a farm where a little red hen lives alone, different from all the other chickens. The hen cannot fly like the others and stays close to the ground, making her vulnerable to danger. The dog decides to stay and becomes her protector, watching over her day and night. Other farm animals notice this unlikely friendship between two outcasts who have found each other. The dog faces the challenge of proving his worth to the farmer while keeping the hen safe from predators and the harsh realities of farm life. Through their bond, both animals discover they are no longer alone in the world. This story reveals how friendship can emerge between the most unexpected companions and how caring for another gives meaning to life.
Genres: fiction, animals, family-life, friendship, 20th-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, unlikely-friendship
Setting: Farm
Period: 20th-Century
Paperback · HarperCollins Publishers