The Trippertrots and the Kind Policeman
The story follows the Trippertrot children—Mary, Johnny, and Tommy—who find themselves lost in the city. They encounter a kind policeman who offers to help them find their way home. However, the children cannot remember their address, leading to a humorous and endearing interaction with the officer. The policeman decides to take them to the police station, hoping someone there might recognize them or know their home. As they wait for a wagon to take them to the station, a friendly, lost dog named Fido approaches the children. They quickly adopt him, insisting he is now their dog. The policeman reluctantly agrees to let Fido accompany them in the wagon. During the ride, Fido spots a cat and leaps out of the wagon to chase it, prompting the children to jump out and follow him. Despite the policeman's protests, the children are determined to retrieve Fido, leading to a chaotic chase through the streets. The narrative captures the innocence and adventurous spirit of the children, their trust in the policeman, and their immediate bond with Fido. The story highlights themes of kindness, the innocence of childhood, and the unexpected friendships formed in moments of confusion and adventure.
By Howard R. Garis · First published 1918 · Genre: Children's Literature, Adventure, Comedy · 2,132 words
First lines
"Are you going to take us home right away, Mr. Policeman? " asked Mary, as she and her brothers walked along beside the big man.
"Of course I am," he answered kindly. "But you must first tell me where your home is, and then I can go there by the shortest way. Where is your home?"
What this Textopian page supports
The Trippertrots and the Kind Policeman is listed on Textopian as a short story by Howard R. Garis, dated 1918 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: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Adventure, Comedy, Fiction, Animal Fiction
- Length: 2,132 words
- Structure: 1 section, 54 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Trippertrots and the Kind Policeman 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Trippertrots and the Kind Policeman?
- 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 young protagonists, uses simple language and themes that resonate with a child audience.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey with lost children, unexpected twists, and a pursuit to return home, embodying adventurous elements.
- Comedy — Humorous dialogues, playful interactions, and absurd situations drive the narrative in a fun, lighthearted manner.
- Fiction — The work is a fabricated narrative that utilizes imaginative scenarios and characters beyond everyday realism.
Tags
children's literature · adventure · whimsical · fantasy · moral tale · humor · kindness · community · police narrative · vintage · allegorical · imaginative
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