Books like 'Gentle Ben'
Readers who enjoyed Gentle Ben by Walt Morey also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical action / adventure animals classics historical-fiction anthropomorphism children outdoors realistic coming-of-age
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The Memory of an Elephant by Alex Lasker
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 16 ratings"The Memory of an Elephant" is an epic saga told by an aging African elephant as he makes a last, perilous journey to find the humans who rescued him as an orphan some fifty years ago...Categorized as:
animals historical-fiction anthropomorphism family fiction action-adventure literary-fiction epic -
![The Empty Pot by Demi]()
The Empty Pot by Demi
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAn IRA-CBC Children's Choice.An American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists."When Ping admits that he is the only child in China unable to grow a flower from the seeds distributed by the Emperor, he is rewarded for his honesty...Categorized as:
children classics family historical-fiction male-mc outdoors realistic action-adventure -
![The Circus Ship Big Book by Chris Van Dusen]()
The Circus Ship Big Book by Chris Van Dusen
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWith stunning artwork and a rhyming text, the illustrator of the Mercy Watson books tells a tale of human-animal connection full of humor and heart...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children friendship historical-fiction action-adventure audiobook book -
![Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall]()
Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA lavish new picture book from Caldecott-winner Sophie Blackall that will transport readers to the seaside in timeless, nautical splendor!Watch the days and seasons pass as the wind blows, the fog rolls in, and icebergs drift by. Outside, there is water all around...Categorized as:
children classics family friendship historical-fiction outdoors realistic action-adventure -
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![Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman]()
Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsAn international bestseller: Grace learns that she can be anything she wants...Categorized as:
children classics family friendship historical-fiction realistic action-adventure book -
![Man O' War by Walter Farley]()
Man O' War by Walter Farley
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsAn exciting, moving piece of fiction based on the facts about one of thegreatest horses of all time. The feeling for horses, horse breeding andtraining, and horse racing is masterfully handled. Thrilling, highlyrecommended."--(starred) "School Library Journal...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children classics historical-fiction realistic action-adventure book -
![Eleven by Tom Rogers]()
Eleven by Tom Rogers
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAlex Douglas always wanted to be a hero. But nothing heroic ever happened to Alex. Nothing, that is, until his eleventh birthday. When Alex rescues a stray dog as a birthday gift to himself, he doesn't think his life can get much better. Radar, his new dog, pretty much feels the same way. But this day has bigger things in store for both of them. This is a story about bullies and heroes...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship historical-fiction realistic action-adventure book -
![A Waltz for Matilda by Jackie French]()
A Waltz for Matilda by Jackie French
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratings'Once a jolly swagman camped by a Billabong Under the shade of a Coolibah tree And he sang as he watched and waited till his Billy boiled You'll come a‐waltzing Matilda with me...' In 1894, twelve-year-old Matilda flees the city slums to find her unknown father and his farm. But drought grips the land, and the shearers are on strike. Her father has turned swaggie and he's wanted by the troopers...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age friendship historical-fiction action-adventure audiobook book fiction -
![Madeline and the Bad Hat by Ludwig Bemelmans]()
Madeline and the Bad Hat by Ludwig Bemelmans
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe Spanish Ambassador has moved next door, and Madeline knows right away that his son, Pepito, is bad news...Categorized as:
animals children classics family friendship historical-fiction realistic 20th-century -
![The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton]()
The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 44 ratingsThe little house first stood in the country, but gradually the city moved closer and closer. This picture book about the changes that come to a little house is beautiful and timeless...Categorized as:
children classics family historical-fiction outdoors realistic action-adventure audiobook -
![Old Bones the Wonder Horse by Mildred Mastin Pace, Wesley Dennis]()
Old Bones the Wonder Horse by Mildred Mastin Pace, Wesley Dennis
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThis is the true, rags-to-riches story of Exterminator, one of the best-loved American horses. Old Bones, as he was affectionately called, came out of nowhere to win a Kentucky Derby and to run a hundred races before his retirement...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children classics historical-fiction action-adventure book children-books -
![Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann]()
Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 30 ratings"Good night, Gorilla," says the zookeeper. But mischievous Gorilla isn't quite ready to go to sleep. He'd rather follow the zookeeper on his rounds and let all of the other animals out of their cages. Little night owls can sneak along with Gorilla and see who gets the last laugh in this riotous goodnight romp...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children classics family friendship 20th-century action-adventure -
![The Black Stallion by Walter Farley]()
The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsAlec Ramsay is the sole human survivor of a devastating shipwreck. Trapped on a deserted island, Alec finds his only companion is a horse, beautiful, unbroken, and savage . . . a horse whose beauty matches his wild spirit.This first classic story of the Black Stallion, full of action, excitement, and suspense, has set the pace for horse stories for sixty years . .Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children classics coming-of-age family friendship historical-fiction -
![Paddle-to-the-Sea by Holling Clancy Holling]()
Paddle-to-the-Sea by Holling Clancy Holling
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA 1942 Caldecott Honor Book A young Indian boy carves a little canoe with a figure inside and names him Paddle-to-the-Sea. Paddle's journey, in text and pictures, through the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean provides an excellent geographic and historical picture of the region...Categorized as:
animals children classics historical-fiction outdoors realistic action-adventure audiobook -
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![Then There Were Five by Elizabeth Enright]()
Then There Were Five by Elizabeth Enright
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsWith Father in Washington and Cuffy, their housekeeper, away visiting a sick cousin, almost anything might happen to the Melendy kids left behind at the Four-Story Mistake. In the Melendy family, adventures are inevitable: Mr...Categorized as:
children classics family friendship historical-fiction realistic 20th-century action-adventure -
![Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton]()
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsA modern classic that no child should miss. Since it was first published in 1939, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel has delighted generations of children. Mike and his trusty steam shovel, Mary Anne, dig deep canals for boats to travel through, cut mountain passes for trains, and hollow out cellars for city skyscrapers -- the very symbol of industrial America...Categorized as:
children classics friendship historical-fiction male-mc realistic 20th-century action-adventure -
![Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion]()
Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsThere's never been another dog as delightful–or dirty–as Harry.This lovable white dog with black spots (or black dog with white spots) has charmed children for fifty years, and we are celebrating with an anniversary edition. This childhood favourite is perfect for reading aloud before going to bed or avoiding a bath... -
![A Story Like the Wind by Laurens van der Post]()
A Story Like the Wind by Laurens van der Post
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsVan der Post’s incomparable knowledge of Africa illuminates this epic novel, set near the Kalahari Desert, about a boy on the verge of manhood, his experiences with the wonder and mystery of a still-primitive land, and his secret friendship with the Bushman whose life he saves. The narrative of A Story like the Wind continues in A Far-Off Place...Categorized as:
animals children classics coming-of-age historical-fiction outdoors action-adventure bildungsroman -
![Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson]()
Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsSent in 1910 to live with distant relatives who own a rubber plantation along the Amazon River, English orphan Maia is excited. She believes she is in for brightly colored macaws, enormous butterflies, and "curtains of sweetly scented orchids trailing from the trees." Her British classmates warn her of man-eating alligators and wild, murderous Indians...Categorized as:
animals children classics coming-of-age family friendship historical-fiction outdoors -
![King of the Wind: The Story of the Godolphin Arabian by Marguerite Henry]()
King of the Wind: The Story of the Godolphin Arabian by Marguerite Henry
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsHe was named "Sham" for the sun, this golden red stallion born in the Sultan of Morocco's stone stables. Upon his heel was a small white spot, the symbol of speed. But on his chest was the symbol of misfortune. Although he was as swift as the desert winds, Sham's proud pedigree would be scorned all his life by cruel masters and owners...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children classics family friendship historical-fiction male-mc -
![The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle]()
The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsA VERY classic from Eric Carle, creator of The Very Hungry CaterpillarEarly one morning a little spider spins her web on a fence post. One by one, the animals of the nearby farm try to distract her, yet the busy little spider keeps diligently at her work... -
![Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards]()
Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsThe magic of finding a home Mandy, a ten-year-old orphan, dreams of a place to call her own. Escaping over the orphanage wall to explore the outside world, Mandy discovers a tiny deserted cottage in the woods. All through the spring, summer, and fall, Mandy works to make it truly hers. Sometimes she "borrows" things she needs from the orphanage. Sometimes, to guard her secret, she even lies...Categorized as:
children classics coming-of-age family friendship historical-fiction outdoors realistic -
![Bambi by Bob Grant]()
Bambi by Bob Grant
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsDisney...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children classics coming-of-age family 20th-century action-adventure -
![Be Still the Water by Karen Emilson]()
Be Still the Water by Karen Emilson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFinalist 2019 Canadian Book Club AwardsShortlisted for the 2017 Margaret Laurence Award for Fiction2017 IPPY Silver Medal WinnerSet in 1906 along the unspoiled shores of Lake Manitoba, Be Still the Water brings us into the fold of the Gudmundsson Family—immigrants determined to begin life anew in the Icelandic farming and fishing community of Siglunes...Categorized as:
historical-fiction outdoors family coming-of-age friendship fiction historical literary-fiction -
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![The Story About Ping by Marjorie Flack]()
The Story About Ping by Marjorie Flack
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsPing was an adventurous duck who lived on a beautiful wise-eyed boat on the Yangtze River. He liked his life on the riverboat just and liked his large family and his kind master. He didn't like to be the last in line to board the boat at night, for that unlucky duck got a loud spank...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children classics family historical-fiction outdoors 20th-century -
![Togo by Kate Klimo]()
Togo by Kate Klimo
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSmall, feisty Siberian husky Togo—the overlooked sled-dog hero of the 1925 serum run to Nome—sets the record straight in Dog Diaries #4! When a diptheria epidemic breaks out in isolated Nome, Alaska, in January 1925, the only way to get life-saving serum to the town is by using dog-sled relay teams...Categorized as:
animals children historical-fiction action-adventure book children-books dogs fiction -
![Two Little Savages: Being the Adventures of Two Boys Who Lived as Indians and What They Learned by Ernest Thompson Seton]()
Two Little Savages: Being the Adventures of Two Boys Who Lived as Indians and What They Learned by Ernest Thompson Seton
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process...Categorized as:
children classics historical-fiction outdoors action-adventure book children-books fiction -
![My Friend Flicka by Mary O'Hara]()
My Friend Flicka by Mary O'Hara
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsIt seems Ken can't do anything right. He loses saddle blankets and breaks reins...but then comes the worst news yet: a report card so bad that he has to repeat a grade. How can you tame the dreamy mind of a boy who stares out of the window instead of taking an exam? Enter Flicka, the chestnut filly with a wild spirit...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children classics coming-of-age family historical-fiction realistic -
![Ginger by Kate Klimo]()
Ginger by Kate Klimo
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGinger the golden retriever narrates the story of her life, from her birth in a puppy mill through the various people who have ''owned'' her...Title: .Ginger..Author: .Klimo, Kate/ Jessell, Tim (ILT)..Publisher: .Random House Childrens Books..Publication Date: .2013/01/08..Number of Pages: .147..Binding Type: .PAPERBACK..Library of Congress:...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family historical-fiction realistic action-adventure book -
![The Velvet Room by Zilpha Keatley Snyder]()
The Velvet Room by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsRobin was always wandering off (her mother's words) to get away from the confusion she felt inside her. It was not until Robin's father found a permanent job at the McCurdy ranch, after three years as a migrant worker, that Robin had a place to wander to...Categorized as:
children classics coming-of-age family historical-fiction realistic 20th-century action-adventure -
![The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco]()
The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen Mary Ellen gets bored with her reading, Grandpa knows a hunt for a bee tree is just what she needs. Half the town joins the exciting chase, but it's not until everyone returns home that Mary Ellen makes a discovery of her own: Sometimes, even the sweetest of things must be worked for...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship historical-fiction outdoors realistic action-adventure -
![That Book Woman by Heather Henson]()
That Book Woman by Heather Henson
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCal is not the readin' type. Living way high up in the Appalachian Mountains, he'd rather help Pap plow or go out after wandering sheep than try some book learning. Nope. Cal does not want to sit stoney-still reading some chicken scratch. But that Book Woman keeps coming just the same. She comes in the rain. She comes in the snow...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age family friendship historical-fiction realistic action-adventure book -
![Sweet Home Alaska by Carole Estby Dagg]()
Sweet Home Alaska by Carole Estby Dagg
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThis exciting pioneering story, based on actual events, introduces readers to a fascinating chapter in American history, when FDR set up a New Deal colony in Alaska to give loans and land to families struggling during the Great Depression. Terpsichore can’t wait to follow in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s footsteps . . . now she just has to convince her mom...Categorized as:
historical-fiction family children friendship realistic middle-grade fiction children-books -
![I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011 by Lauren Tarshis]()
I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011 by Lauren Tarshis
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsEleven-year-old Dexter has always wanted to see a tornado. So when he gets the incredible opportunity to go storm chasing with the famous Dr. Norman Rays, he has to say yes! Dr. Rays is the host of Tornado Mysteries, the show that Dex and his older brother, Jeremy, watched every night until Jeremy joined the U.S. Navy SEALs and left Joplin...Categorized as:
children family friendship historical-fiction outdoors realistic action-adventure audiobook -
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![Running Wild by Michael Morpurgo]()
Running Wild by Michael Morpurgo
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAn epic and heart-rending jungle adventure from the bestselling author of Kaspar and Born to Run. For Will and his mother, going to Indonesia isn't just a holiday. It's an escape, a new start, a chance to put things behind them - things like the death of Will's father. And to begin with, it seems to be just what they both needed...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship outdoors realistic action-adventure -
![I Survived the Children's Blizzard, 1888 by Lauren Tarshis]()
I Survived the Children's Blizzard, 1888 by Lauren Tarshis
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe Schoolhouse Blizzard, also known as the Children's Blizzard or the Great Blizzard of 1888, caught people completely by surprise and resulted in 235 fatalities, including several children in one-room schoolhouses. What made the storm so deadly was the timing, the suddenness, and the brief spell of warmer weather that preceded it...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship historical-fiction outdoors realistic action-adventure -
![The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey]()
The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsOne of the original 12 Little Golden Books, The Poky Little Puppy has sold nearly 15 million copies since 1942, making it one of the most popular children’s books of all time. Now this curious little puppy is ready to win the hearts and minds of a new generation of kids...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children classics family realistic 20th-century action-adventure -
![Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters by Lesley M.M. Blume]()
Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters by Lesley M.M. Blume
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsEleven-year-old Cornelia is the daughter of two world-famous pianists—a legacy that should feel fabulous, but instead feels just plain lonely. She surrounds herself with dictionaries and other books to isolate herself from the outside world...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship historical-fiction realistic action-adventure book -
![The Explorer by Katherine Rundell]()
The Explorer by Katherine Rundell
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFred, Con, Lila, and Max are on their way back to England from Manaus when the plane they’re on crashes and the pilot dies upon landing. For days they survive alone, until Fred finds a map that leads them to a ruined city, and to a secret...Categorized as:
animals children coming-of-age family friendship historical-fiction outdoors realistic -
![An Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo]()
An Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWith Lizzie’s father fighting in World War II, her mother takes on the job of a zoo keeper to provide for her family. Lizzie, her mother, and her eight-year-old brother Karli have become especially attached to an orphaned elephant named Marlene...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children coming-of-age family friendship historical-fiction realistic -
![Black Gold by Marguerite Henry]()
Black Gold by Marguerite Henry
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsNo one thinks much of Black Gold because he is so small. But Jaydee sees something special in his eyes. He knows Black Gold would be great if he was his rider! Finally, Jaydee gets his wish. And Black Gold grows strong and fast under his careful hands. Soon it would be time for the most important race in America... -
![Harris and Me: A Summer Remembered by Gary Paulsen]()
Harris and Me: A Summer Remembered by Gary Paulsen
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA young boy spends his tenth summer on his aunt and uncle s farm, where he is constantly involved in crazy escapades with his cousin Harris. On the Larson farm, readers will experience hearts as large as farmers appetites, humor as broad as the country landscape and adventures as wild as boyhood imaginations. All this adds up to a hearty helping of old-fashioned, rip-roaring entertainment...Categorized as:
animals children classics coming-of-age family friendship historical-fiction male-mc -
![Riding Freedom by Pam Muñoz Ryan, Brian Selznick]()
Riding Freedom by Pam Muñoz Ryan, Brian Selznick
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsCharlotte Parkhurst is raised in an orphanage for boys, which suits her just fine. She doesn’t like playing with dolls, she can hold her own in a fight, and she loves to work in the stables. Charlotte has a way with horses and wants to spend her life training and riding them on a ranch of her own...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children classics coming-of-age family friendship historical-fiction -
![The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson, Paul Howard]()
The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson, Paul Howard
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsPlop is a baby Barn Owl.He is the same as every baby Barn Owl there has ever been - except for one thing ...- He is afraid of the dark... -
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![I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis]()
I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsBased on true events! It's the summer of 1916 and the Jersey shore is being terrorized by a Great White shark. Can 10-year-old Chet and his friends survive a swim in the local creek?Chet Roscow is finally feeling at home in Elm Hills, New Jersey. He has a job with his uncle Jerry at the local diner, three great friends, and the perfect summertime destination: cool, refreshing Matawan Creek...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship historical-fiction realistic action-adventure audiobook -
![The Box-Car Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner]()
The Box-Car Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsThe Boxcar Children is a children's literary franchise originally created and written by American writer and first-grade school teacher,[1] Gertrude Chandler Warner. Today, the series includes well over 100 titles. The series is aimed at readers in grades 2-6...Categorized as:
animals children classics coming-of-age family friendship historical-fiction realistic -
![Big Red by Jim Kjelgaard]()
Big Red by Jim Kjelgaard
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsBefore Old Yeller or Where the Red Fern Grows, there was Big Red, the classic boy-and-dog story of adventure and friendship in the wild mountains of Pennsylvania...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children classics historical-fiction outdoors realistic 20th-century -
![Rascal: A Memoir of a Better Era by Sterling North]()
Rascal: A Memoir of a Better Era by Sterling North
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe author recalls his carefree life in a small midwestern town at the close of World War I, and his adventures with his pet raccoon, Rascal...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children classics coming-of-age family friendship historical-fiction -
![Verdi by Janell Cannon]()
Verdi by Janell Cannon
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsYoung Verdi doesn’t want to grow up big and green. He likes his bright yellow skin and sporty stripes. Besides, all the green snakes he meets are lazy, boring, and rude. When Verdi finds a pale green stripe stretching along his whole body, he tries every trick he can think of to get rid of it--and ends up in a heap of trouble...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children classics coming-of-age male-mc outdoors 20th-century -
![Bambi by Felix Salten]()
Bambi by Felix Salten
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsThe Prince of the ForestBambi's life in the woods begins happily. There are forest animals to play with -- Friend Hare, the chattery squirrel, the noisy screech owl, and Bambi's twin cousins, frail Gobo and beautiful Faline.But winter comes, and Bambi learns that the woods hold danger -- and things he doesn't understand. The first snowfall makes food hard to find...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children classics coming-of-age family historical-fiction outdoors
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