The Trippertrots and the Hand-Organ Man
The story follows the Trippertrot children—Mary, Tommy, and Johnny—as they chase after their dog, Fido, who is pursuing a cat. The children are lost, but they remain optimistic about finding their way home. During their chase, they encounter a lady with a basket of bread, which Tommy accidentally knocks over. The lady kindly allows them to continue their pursuit of Fido. Eventually, the cat climbs a tree, and Fido stops at the base, allowing the children to catch up. The children decide to befriend the cat, naming her Ivy Vine. As they try to find their way back to a policeman's wagon for help, they hear a hand-organ playing a cheerful tune. They meet the hand-organ man, who is tired and has not earned any money for supper. The children offer to help by singing and performing with their animals, attracting a crowd and collecting pennies for the man. While performing, Mr. Johnson, a neighbor, arrives in his automobile and offers to take the children home. The Trippertrots insist on bringing Fido, Ivy Vine, the hand-organ man, and his monkey, Fuzzo, along. Mr. Johnson agrees, and they all ride home together, with the hand-organ man playing tunes along the way. The story concludes with the children safely returning home, having made new friends and helped someone in need.
By Howard R. Garis · First published 1906 · Genre: Children's Literature, Adventure, Humor · 2,266 words
First lines
"Oh, do you s'pose we'll ever catch that dog? " asked Mary Trippertrot of her two brothers, as they raced along after Fido, and Fido was chasing after the cat.
"Of course we will," answered Tommy.
What this Textopian page supports
The Trippertrots and the Hand-Organ Man is listed on Textopian as a short story by Howard R. Garis, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Howard R. Garis
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Adventure, Humor, Fantasy, Animal Fiction
- Length: 2,266 words
- Structure: 1 section, 54 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Trippertrots and the Hand-Organ Man by Howard R. Garis
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Trippertrots and the Hand-Organ Man?
- How does this short story by Howard R. Garis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative centers on the adventures of young protagonists with a playful tone and simple moral lessons, making it quintessential children’s literature.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a chase and journey with elements of getting lost and recovering, emphasizing an adventurous spirit.
- Humor — The story employs light, situational comedy and playful dialogue, creating a humorous atmosphere throughout.
- Fantasy — Anthropomorphic animals and whimsical scenarios lend the narrative an element of fantasy despite its realistic setting.
Tags
children's literature · humorous · adventure · fantasy · quirky · whimsical · imaginative · surreal · fable · nonsense · illustrated · storybook
More by Howard R. Garis
- The Second Adventures of Uncle Wiggily (1914)
- Uncle Wiggily on the Farm (1903)
- Uncle Wiggily's Silk Hat (1923)
- Uncle Wiggily's Fishing Trip (1902)
- Uncle Wiggily's Rolling Hoop (1918)
- Uncle Wiggily and Baby Bunty (1918)
- Uncle Wiggily and Bunty's Skates (1902)
- Uncle Wiggily and Bunty's Ride (1918)
- All works by Howard R. Garis