I am pretty sure I was supposed to read this book when I was in the fourth grade. At the time all I knew was that the movie was sad and would make the girls in my class cry. I had no idea who Wilson Rawls was or that he had written the book while living in my hometown. There was even a statue placed in front of our city library of Billy Colman with Old Dan and Little Ann.
Well, this weekend I was looking for a book to read over the three day break and I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book.
It is the kind of story that you want to read to your kids. It shows the excitement and thrill of a young boy hunting with his dogs. It shows the concern and love of a mother who has to let her son go out on adventures, even though she's scared he'll get hurt or lost. It tells of the hard working father who wants a better life for his kids, but wants them to enjoy life no matter what. Billy's grandpa adds the little bits of encouragement that Billy needs to see his dreams come true. There's Billy, who shows the foolishness of a young boy, but the absolute love that young boys can possess. Then there Old Dan and Little Ann, the dogs who are more like best friends and will never, NEVER abandon each other or their boy – Billy.
The story does make you cry, and that's okay - it's worth it.
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