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The Incredible Journey

The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford is a book about friendship and love, and has many adventurous events. It is about three animals who set out on a journey into the wilderness of Ontario, Canada to find their beloved owners. The animals include a siamese cat named Tao, a young labrador, Luath, and a bull terrier named Bodger. The animals were being looked after by John Longridge while their owner Jim Hunter was away, working in England. One day John Longridge decided to go on a hunting and fishing trip, so he leaves a note behind for the housekeeper. The animals however start a four hundred kilometer trek into the dangerous wilderness. The animals meet predators and must cross through rivers and other obstacles to eventually reunite with their owner. My favourite character is Luath, the labrador. Out of the three animals, he is the most determined to get home and he acts as the leader of the group. Luath has a gold coat, noble head, and is powerfully built. I admire his confidence in survival and the determination in his personality to find home again. I like to think that Tao and Bodger look up to Luath and feel safe around him. The main conflict in this book would be trying to stay alive in the Ontario wilderness. The three animals must fight off a bear, trek through rivers, and much more intense events. Nature is the antagonist in this book, and the friendship between all the animals helps them survive. They never left each other behind, or left one to starve. When Bodger was tired and hungry, they stopped until he was healthy again. The love these animals have for each other is very evident and this love is the reason they got home. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a heart for animals, adventure, and love. The theme in this story is always sticking together and not leaving anyone behind, so it’s a great read if you enjoy friendships. Loyalty of pets is shown miraculously throughout the book as well! The good thing about this book is that if you aren’t so into the friendship theme, there is also an adventurous, survival theme as well!

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The Incredible Journey

By sheila burnford illustrated by carl burger, by sheila burnford read by megan follows, category: children's middle grade action & adventure, category: children's classics | children's middle grade action & adventure | audiobooks.

Jan 22, 1997 | ISBN 9780440413240 | 5-3/16 x 7-5/8 --> | Middle Grade (8-12) | ISBN 9780440413240 --> Buy

Jan 05, 2011 | ISBN 9780307778345 | Middle Grade (8-12) | ISBN 9780307778345 --> Buy

Jul 05, 2000 | 187 Minutes | Middle Grade (8-12) | ISBN 9780553750386 --> Buy

Buy from Other Retailers:

The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford

Jan 22, 1997 | ISBN 9780440413240 | Middle Grade (8-12)

Jan 05, 2011 | ISBN 9780307778345 | Middle Grade (8-12)

Jul 05, 2000 | ISBN 9780553750386 | Middle Grade (8-12)

187 Minutes

Buy the Audiobook Download:

  • audiobooks.com

About The Incredible Journey

Fans of Old Yeller , Where the Red Fern Grows , and Shiloh will love this timeless classic about two dogs and a cat that embark on a journey to return to their owner and inspired the movie Homeward Bound .      An inquisitive Labrador retriever, friendly bull terrier, and courageous Siamese cat set out through the Canadian wilderness to find their owner in this truly “incredible” adventure.     Instinct tells them that the way home lies to the west and together the three house pets face hunger, the natural elements, and wild forest animals as they make their way home to the family they love.    This beloved classic that inspired the movie Homeward Bound has captured the hearts of generations of readers. The lengths to which these three animals will go for each other and for their owner make for a thrilling and thoroughly unforgettable tale.   “ Captivating! A tale of charm [and] high drama.”— The New York Times “ A classic. ”— The Atlantic “From the youngest child…to the oldest grown-up, there is something here for everyone .”— The Horn Book   “An incredible book! A beautiful story so moving that it stays in the mind constantly. It is a gem to be treasured.”— The St. Louis Post-Dispatch “I have read The Incredible Journey with much enjoyment. Obviously the author has a great knowledge of animals and a great love for them. “—Joy Adamson, author of Born Free   “ A clever story and evocative writing will keep animal lovers and adventure fans turning the pages.”— Common Sense Media   Pacific Northwest Young Reader’s Choice Award Winner   William Allen White Award Winner   Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award Winner

Fans of Old Yeller , Where the Red Fern Grows , and Shiloh will love this timeless classic about two dogs and a cat that embark on a journey to return to their owner and inspired the movie Homeward Bound .    An inquisitive Labrador retriever, friendly bull terrier, and courageous Siamese cat set out through the Canadian wilderness to find their owner in this truly “incredible” adventure.     Instinct tells them that the way home lies to the west and together the three house pets face hunger, the natural elements, and wild forest animals as they make their way home to the family they love.     This beloved classic that inspired the movie Homeward Bound has captured the hearts of generations of readers. The lengths to which these three animals will go for each other and for their owner make for a thrilling and thoroughly unforgettable tale.   “ Captivating! A tale of charm [and] high drama.”— The New York Times   “ A classic. ”— The Atlantic “From the youngest child…to the oldest grown-up, there is something here for everyone .”— The Horn Book   “An incredible book! A beautiful story so moving that it stays in the mind constantly. It is a gem to be treasured.”— The St. Louis Post-Dispatch “I have read The Incredible Journey with much enjoyment. Obviously the author has a great knowledge of animals and a great love for them. “—Joy Adamson, author of Born Free   “ A clever story and evocative writing will keep animal lovers and adventure fans turning the pages.”— Common Sense Media   Pacific Northwest Young Reader’s Choice Award Winner   William Allen White Award Winner   Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award Winner

About Sheila Burnford

Sheila Burnford (1918–1984), a Scottish-born Canadian author, wrote books of fiction and nonfiction for both children and adults. In World War II she was a volunteer ambulance driver. Her most famous work is the children’s classic The Incredible Journey, which was made… More about Sheila Burnford

About Carl Burger

Carl Burger (1888–1967) was an American artist and author of children’s books. He is best known for illustrating Sheila Burnford’s The Incredible Journey, as well as the Newbery Medal–winning novels Old Yeller and Little Rascal. Prior to publishing those works, Burger served as… More about Carl Burger

Product Details

Category: children’s middle grade action & adventure, category: children’s classics | children’s middle grade action & adventure | audiobooks, you may also like.

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“ Captivating! A tale of charm [and] high drama.”— The New York Times “ A classic. ”— The Atlantic “From the youngest child…to the oldest grown-up, there is something here for everyone .”— The Horn Book   “An incredible book! A beautiful story so moving that it stays in the mind constantly. It is a gem to be treasured.”— The St. Louis Post-Dispatch “I have read The Incredible Journey with much enjoyment. Obviously the author has a great knowledge of animals and a great love for them. “—Joy Adamson, author of Born Free   “ A clever story and evocative writing will keep animal lovers and adventure fans turning the pages.”— Common Sense Media   Pacific Northwest Young Reader’s Choice Award Winner   William Allen White Award Winner   Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award Winner

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The incredible journey, common sense media reviewers.

the incredible journey book summary

A clever story and evocative writing.

The Incredible Journey Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Loyalty, devotion, and the courage to undertake wh

Two dogs and a cat serve as examples of the power

Two fairly graphic wild-animal deaths. Animals att

Parents need to know that a clever story and evocative writing will keep animal lovers and adventure fans turning the pages.

Positive Messages

Loyalty, devotion, and the courage to undertake what seems impossible binds the three and ensures their survival.

Positive Role Models

Two dogs and a cat serve as examples of the power of love, devotion and faith.

Violence & Scariness

Two fairly graphic wild-animal deaths. Animals attack the pets several times. Constant possibility of death by starvation, predation, or other wilderness hazards.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Where to read, community reviews.

  • Parents say (1)
  • Kids say (3)

Based on 1 parent review

Tweens is Good

What's the story.

Two dogs and a cat trek through hundreds of miles of Canadian wilderness to rejoin their family after a caretaker misundertands her instructions and accidentally forsakes them, in this lovely, gentle, and understated tale.

Is It Any Good?

Kids love survival novels because they identify with the characters and feel powerful and independent right along with the protagonists; the treat here is that the characters are animals. And they act like real animals. These are not the usual talking animals in fetching outfits -- nothing in this book seem impossible for real-life cats and dogs.

The author, who knows animals intimately, conveys their wordless communication -- encouraging each other through eye contact and body language, mourning a companion who is assumed lost, or sharing the spoils of a hunt. There's plenty of action here, but like the animal's personalities, it's not over-the-top. Kids can easily imagine that they're crossing vast swaths of unpopulated land, and long stretches of quiet, forlorn beauty are punctuated by occasional terror, mishap, or joy. But readers who favor constant action over a story based on setting and mood may find the book slow going.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about loyalty. Do you think the story is realistic?

If you have pets, how do you feel toward them?

How do you think they feel toward you?

Book Details

  • Author : Sheila Burnford
  • Illustrator : Carl Burger
  • Genre : Adventure
  • Book type : Fiction
  • Publication date : January 1, 1961
  • Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
  • Number of pages : 148
  • Last updated : July 12, 2017

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  • Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre, 2011

The Incredible Journey

By Sheila Burnford   

Scholastic Canada Ltd | ISBN 9781443146197 Ebook 160 Pages | Ages 7 to 14

Scholastic Canada Ltd | ISBN 9781443100182 Paperback 160 Pages | 5.8" x 8.55" | Ages 7 to 14

A classic Canadian story of the bravery and ingenuity of three animals who find their way home.

First published in 1961, The Incredible Journey tells the story of three pets: a young Labrador retriever, an old bull terrier, and a Siamese cat. While their owners are away in England, they are being cared for by a family friend at his home in the country. But a miscommunication occurs between the friend and his housekeeper when he goes on a hunting trip, and the animals are left alone for a several hours, with a gnawing instinct that something has gone wrong. They soon set off on a journey to find home, which instinct tells them is to the west.

They travel 400 kilometres across the Northern Ontario wilderness, facing many obstacles along the way: swift-flowing rivers and the rugged landscape; wild animals and unsympathetic humans; starvation, injuries and sheer exhaustion. Separately they would not have survived, but together this disparate group prevails, and they find their way home to the family they love.

The Incredible Journey Characters

By sheila burnford, the incredible journey character list.

These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own.

Written by people who wish to remain anonymous

Longridge is an animal researcher and a close friend to the Hunters family. Longridge loves pets and other animal species. After learning that the Hunters family wants to relocate to England with their pets, he volunteers to take care of them till they return from their trip.

Longridge does his best to care for the pets. When Longridge goes on an animal expedition, the pets sneak from the compound to start a long journey to Canada to trace their home. When Longridge returns home, he feels sad and does not know what to tell the Hunter family when they finally return. Longridge also feels guilty because he does not know how to convince Mrs. Oaks it is not his fault for the disappearance of the pets.

Elizabeth is the daughter of James Hunter and the owner of Tao, the cat pet. Elizabeth is the most optimistic person in her family. After returning from England, Elizabeth is not shocked after learning that the pets ran away from Mr. Longridge, who was taking care of them. Elizabeth is optimistic they will reunite with their pets.

When Elizabeth assures Lonfridge that the pets will return, he reluctantly agrees because he does not want to kill her optimism. According to Longridge, the pets might not be alive because of the long distance and the dangers of predators in the forest where they are traversing to locate their home. At last, Elizabeth and her family reunite with their pets in the nearby forest.

Bodger is the eldest pet in James Hunter’s family. Bodger lives with his fellow pets, Tao and Luath. Bodger is well-built and the most protective in the family. However, Bodger is 11 years old, and his energy is declining. Bodger has a strong bond with Peter, his human friend. Peter started caring for Bodger when he was one year old. Therefore, the bond between Peter and Bodger is strong. When Peter and his family return from England and find the pets missing, Peter is the most hurt because he cannot imagine losing Bodger

Peter is the son of James Hunter and the elder brother of Elizabeth. Peter is the human friend of Bodger, the elderly pet in the family. Peter is 12 years old, and he started taking care of Bodger at the age of one.

Mr. James Hunters

James is Peter and Elizabeth’s father. James is a loving father who encourages his children to love pets and take good care of them because they are part of the family. James lives with his family in Ontario, Canada. When James gets an opportunity to teach in England, he relocates with his family but leaves the pets under the care of Longridge.

Mrs. Oaks is an affectionate woman who loves pets. Mrs. Oaks works for Longridge and often cares for the pets Luath, Bodger, and Tao. One day, Mrs. Oaks wakes up and finds the pets missing. She assumes Longridge went with them but later learns they sneaked at night.

Luath is the golden retriever pet belonging to James in Hunter’s family. Luath is the youngest and newest of the three pets. Luath has brown eyes and golden-brown fur. Luath is the most intelligent and fearless. Luath influences the other two pets to sneak out of Longridge’s compound to trace their home, which is 300 miles away. Luath leads others to pass through dangerous forests and landscapes. Luath’s strong sense of smell enables him to detect dangerous creatures from a distance. Fortunately, Luath leads his friends to their home, and they reunite with their human family.

Tao is the pet cat under the care of Elizabeth in the Hunter family. Tao loves hunting for her food, unlike Bodger and Luath. While crisscrossing the forest to locate their home, Tao plays a vital role in hunting for food to ensure the team is not hungry. In addition, Tao is protective and fearless because she scares any prey that attempts to attack them in the forest.

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The Incredible Journey Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Incredible Journey is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

The Incredible Journey

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44 pages • 1 hour read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

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Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

Bodger is the animal character who is most at home with and indiscriminately trusting of humans. Out of the three animals, he is the one who is most openly affectionate with Longridge. He also indiscriminately presents himself to the humans that the trio meets during their travels—because he has nothing but unending trust for them. Even when his trust is proven wrong and a human throws a bucket of water in his face rather than letting him in and feeding him, by the time Bodger encounters another human, that vicious reception has been forgotten and replaced by his default attitude of trust and love toward humans. Through this innocent and steadfast devotion, Burnford demonstrates the adage that dogs are man’s best friend. No matter what, Bodger’s loyalty, devotion, and comfort found in the company and care of humans is unshakeable. 

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Sheila Burnford

“The Incredible Journey,” a novel by Sheila Burnford, is a riveting tale of perseverance and friendship told through the journey of three brave pets. The story expertly employs literary devices such as vivid imagery , foreshadowing , and anthropomorphism . These techniques breathe life into the characters, making the readers feel as if they are embarking on the arduous, yet heartwarming, journey alongside the loyal animal companions.

1. Perseverance

In “The Incredible Journey,” one of the central themes is perseverance. The animals — Luath, Tao, and Bodger — despite facing numerous obstacles, never give up on their journey. Their determination to return home illustrates the power of resilience and determination.

2. Loyalty and Friendship

The three pets display unwavering loyalty to each other and their human family. Despite their differences, they depend on each other for survival, showcasing the importance of friendship and teamwork.

3. Survival and Adaptation

As the pets traverse through unfamiliar terrains, they must adapt to survive. This theme reflects the importance of adaptation in overcoming challenges. The animals rely on their instincts and learned skills to find food, avoid dangers, and navigate through the wilderness.

4. Man vs. Nature

The novel presents the classic theme of man (or in this case, pets) versus nature. The animals encounter various natural obstacles, such as rivers, wild animals, and harsh weather conditions. Their struggle emphasizes the indifference of nature and the struggle to survive against its odds.

5. The Bond Between Humans and Animals

The book explores the deep bond between humans and their pets. Despite the hardships, the animals are driven by their love and loyalty towards their human family. Their journey signifies the depth of attachment pets have with their owners.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

“The Incredible Journey” uses rich imagery to describe the landscapes and environments the animals traverse. This helps readers visualize the harsh conditions and beautiful wilderness that the animals encounter during their journey.

2. Anthropomorphism

The animals in the novel are portrayed with human-like thoughts, emotions, and traits. This device helps the reader empathize with the animals and understand their experiences more deeply.

3. Foreshadowing

The author uses foreshadowing to hint at potential dangers or difficulties the pets might face in their journey. This creates suspense and keeps the readers engaged.

4. Symbolism

The journey itself is a significant symbol in the novel. It represents perseverance, friendship, and loyalty, reinforcing the book’s central themes.

5. Metaphor

The novel uses metaphors to make comparisons and deepen the understanding of the characters and their experiences. For example, the harsh wilderness could be seen as a metaphor for life’s challenges.

6. Allusion

The story contains allusions to real-life places and cultural practices, grounding the fictional journey in a believable reality.

Similes are used to make comparisons that help readers better understand the animals’ experiences. For example, one might say that Tao moved “as silently as a shadow” to illustrate his stealth.

Irony is used in the novel to highlight the unexpected outcomes in the story. For instance, the domestic pets’ ability to survive in the wild challenges our usual perceptions of pets as dependent creatures.

9. Conflict

The story contains various types of conflict, including man vs. nature and man vs. self (as the animals grapple with their own limitations). These conflicts drive the plot forward.

10. Flashback

Flashbacks are used to provide background information about the animals and their bond with their human family, helping readers understand the motivations behind their journey.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

  • Foreshadowing
  • Personification

What is the role of imagery in “The Incredible Journey”?

Imagery in “The Incredible Journey” is primarily used to depict the diverse landscapes the pets traverse, from harsh, wild terrains to tranquil settings. This helps readers visualize the pets’ experiences, adding depth to their journey.

How does the novel use anthropomorphism?

Anthropomorphism is used to portray the pets with human-like emotions and thoughts. This enables readers to better relate to and understand the pets’ experiences, making their journey more engaging.

Can you explain how foreshadowing is used in the book?

Foreshadowing in “The Incredible Journey” often hints at potential dangers or challenges the pets will face. This creates a sense of suspense and anticipation, drawing readers further into the story.

How does symbolism enrich the narrative?

Symbolism is crucial in the narrative, with the journey itself being a key symbol. It represents core themes like loyalty, friendship, and perseverance, subtly reinforcing these themes throughout the novel.

Can you give examples of irony in “The Incredible Journey”?

Irony in “The Incredible Journey” often revolves around unexpected outcomes. For instance, despite being domestic pets, Luath, Tao, and Bodger display remarkable survival skills in the wild, contradicting conventional expectations of pets as dependent creatures.

the incredible journey book summary

  • Teen & Young Adult
  • Literature & Fiction

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The Incredible Journey

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Sheila Burnford

The Incredible Journey Hardcover – February 13, 2018

  • Print length 160 pages
  • Language English
  • Grade level 3 - 7
  • Lexile measure 1320L
  • Dimensions 5.81 x 0.63 x 8.56 inches
  • Publisher Delacorte Press
  • Publication date February 13, 2018
  • ISBN-10 0385322798
  • ISBN-13 978-0385322799
  • See all details

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  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Delacorte Press (February 13, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 160 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0385322798
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0385322799
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 11 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1320L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.81 x 0.63 x 8.56 inches
  • #373 in Science & Technology for Teens (Books)
  • #640 in Teen & Young Adult Survival Stories

About the authors

Sheila burnford.

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The incredible Journey: Chapter Review

I will rivew each chapter. This may spoil the book. I will also write in my tought on what happens. HAVE FUN!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

the incredible journey book summary

17 comments:

the incredible journey book summary

I feel so sorry for the cat. (SNIF) It made me cry. I like you're blog by the way!

No I am just kidding but i feel sorry for it

the incredible journey book summary

its beautiful 😂😂😂😂😂😂

omg luv this book so much!!!

this persons right the cat did not drown

the cat did not drown!!! Tao was later found by a girl named Helvi a little worth a ways down the river!!! :)

S P what does that mean

al of you are bots

NOO WE AREN'T its just that nobody reviews old books anymore

all of you are bots

wow you guys be trippen

ayo could u stop using fortnite quotes nobody cares about that

Why are you so friken rude

IMAGES

  1. The Incredible Journey, Book by Sheila Burnford (Paperback)

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  2. The Incredible Journey Novel Study Unit

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  3. The Incredible Journey

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  4. The Incredible Journey (1963)

    the incredible journey book summary

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VIDEO

  1. Journey book cover collage -back-

  2. my journey book 🥰🥰

  3. JOURNEY (ANIMATED) #readaloud

  4. Incredible journey Chapter 3

  5. The Incredible Journey

  6. Casa con Corazón

COMMENTS

  1. The Incredible Journey Summary and Study Guide

    The Incredible Journey was written by Sheila Burnford and published in 1960. It is a children's title—although Burnford has asserted that it was not meant for children exclusively. The novel began to enjoy cultural prominence when it was adapted into a Disney film in 1963. It was also re-made in a 1993 film.

  2. The Incredible Journey

    The Incredible Journey (1961), by Scottish author Sheila Burnford, is a children's book first published by Hodder & Stoughton, which tells the story of three pets as they travel 300 miles (480 km) through the Canadian wilderness searching for their beloved masters. It depicts the suffering and stress of an arduous journey, together with the ...

  3. The Incredible Journey Summary

    Written by Timothy Sexton. A Canadian family in Ontario named Hunter has decided to go on a trip to England so that the patriarch, James, can accept a temporary position. While away, the three beloved pets of the family are left in the care of a close family friend named John Longridge. The pets are Bodger, an aging bull terrier, Bodger's boon ...

  4. The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford

    The book was a modest success in 1961 but became a bestseller after it formed the basis of a successful Disney film. Although The Incredible Journey is marketed as a children's book, and in fact won the 1961 Canadian Children's Book of the Year award, Mrs Burnford has stated that it was not intended as a children's book.

  5. The Incredible Journey Study Guide: Analysis

    The Incredible Journey is a novel published by Sheila Burnford in 1961which has inspired two successful film adaptations as well as a sequel to the second adaptation. The story is the tale of two dogs and a cat making a journey of a few hundred miles across the Canadian wilderness in search of their lost masters.

  6. PDF Summary of The Incredible

    incredible odyssey that unfolds as you embark on this remarkable journey alongside these brave and determined animals. In the upcoming text, we will examine this book more closely by exploring its four parts. 1.Plot Summary 2.Character Analysis 3.Themes and Symbols Exploration 4.Review

  7. The Incredible Journey Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

    Chapter 1 Summary. The journey for which this novel is named occurs in northwest Ontario. The area is a gorgeous wilderness dotted with abandoned mines, undiscovered trails, and a few farms and towns that are located far away from one another. The main industries in the area are pulp and paper, and prospectors work the mines.

  8. The Incredible Journey

    The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford is a book about friendship and love, and has many adventurous events. It is about three animals who set out on a journey into the wilderness of Ontario ...

  9. The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford: 9780440413240

    About The Incredible Journey. Fans of Old Yeller, Where the Red Fern Grows, and Shiloh will love this timeless classic about two dogs and a cat that embark on a journey to return to their owner and inspired the movie Homeward Bound. An inquisitive Labrador retriever, friendly bull terrier, and courageous Siamese cat set out through the Canadian ...

  10. The Incredible Journey Themes

    Get unlimited access to SuperSummary. for only $0.70/week. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of "The Incredible Journey" by Sheila Burnford. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

  11. The Incredible Journey

    The Incredible Journey. Sheila Burnford. Scholastic Inc., May 1, 2015 - Juvenile Fiction - 160 pages. A classic Canadian story of the bravery and ingenuity of three animals who find their way home. First published in 1961, The Incredible Journey tells the story of three pets: a young Labrador retriever, an old bull terrier, and a Siamese cat.

  12. The Incredible Journey

    The Incredible Journey. Sheila Burnford. Scholastic Canada, 2010 - Juvenile Fiction - 151 pages. A classic Canadian story of the bravery and ingenuity of three animals who find their way home. First published in 1961, The Incredible Journey tells the story of three pets: a young Labrador retriever, an old bull terrier, and a Siamese cat.

  13. The Incredible Journey Book Review

    Kids love survival novels because they identify with the characters and feel powerful and independent right along with the protagonists; the treat here is that the characters are animals. And they act like real animals. These are not the usual talking animals in fetching outfits -- nothing in this book seem impossible for real-life cats and dogs.

  14. The Incredible Journey Symbols & Motifs

    The Lynx. Towards the end of the journey, the normally unflappable Tao encounters a lynx that pursues him and intends to catch, kill, and eat him. Burnford portrays the lynx as one-dimensionally and incurably evil—as well as strong, smart, and cunning. At first, Tao successfully evades the wild animal, and then becomes cornered in a burrow.

  15. The Incredible Journey

    First published in 1961, The Incredible Journey tells the story of three pets: a young Labrador retriever, an old bull terrier, and a Siamese cat. While their owners are away in England, they are being cared for by a family friend at his home in the country. But a miscommunication occurs between the friend and his housekeeper when he goes on a ...

  16. The Incredible Journey Characters

    Bodger. Bodger is the eldest pet in James Hunter's family. Bodger lives with his fellow pets, Tao and Luath. Bodger is well-built and the most protective in the family. However, Bodger is 11 years old, and his energy is declining. Bodger has a strong bond with Peter, his human friend. Peter started caring for Bodger when he was one year old.

  17. PDF The Incredible Journey

    The Incredible Journey By Sheila Burnford Chapter 1 Before you read the chapter: Our novel tells the tale of a most amazing trip taken by three pets - a cat and two dogs. Describe briefly the most incredible trip you have ever taken (or would like to take). Vocabulary: Choose a word from the list to complete each sentence.

  18. The Incredible Journey

    The Horn Book "An incredible book! A beautiful story so moving that it stays in the mind constantly. It is a gem to be treasured."—The St. Louis Post-Dispatch "I have read The Incredible Journey with much enjoyment. Obviously the author has a great knowledge of animals and a great love for them."—Joy Adamson, author of Born Free

  19. Study Guide: The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford (SuperSummary)

    Analyzing literature can be hard — we make it easy! This in-depth study guide offers summaries & analyses for all 11 chapters of The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford. Get more out of your reading experience and build confidence with study guides proven to: raise students' grades, save teachers time, and spark dynamic book discussions.

  20. The Incredible Journey Character Analysis

    Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of "The Incredible Journey" by Sheila Burnford. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

  21. Literary Devices in The Incredible Journey ️

    The Incredible Journey. Sheila Burnford. "The Incredible Journey," a novel by Sheila Burnford, is a riveting tale of perseverance and friendship told through the journey of three brave pets. The story expertly employs literary devices such as vivid imagery, foreshadowing, and anthropomorphism. These techniques breathe life into the ...

  22. The Incredible Journey

    The Incredible Journey. Hardcover - February 13, 2018. by Sheila Burnford (Author) 4.6 1,400 ratings. See all formats and editions. Fans of Old Yeller, Where the Red Fern Grows, and Shiloh will love this timeless classic about two dogs and a cat that embark on a journey to return to their owner and inspired the movie Homeward Bound.

  23. The incredible Journey: Chapter Review: Chapter 5

    Chapter 5. The Terriers wounds are almost all healed, and for now they are lucky its an Idian summer. Because the Terrier would not last long. But the old dog was growing somewhat of a winter coat, and the cat two. And the Labradore was growing quite think. Tao looked more heavy then he is already.