The Trippertrots and the Lame Bird
The Trippertrot children, Mary, Tommy, and Johnny, are returning from kindergarten when they encounter a lame bird. Each child shares what they learned in class: Tommy made a paper lantern, Johnny crafted a paper chain, and Mary created a pin-wheel. As they walk home, they notice the injured bird and decide to help it. Despite their attempts to entice the bird with their paper creations, it continues to flutter away. Eventually, Mary gently captures the bird, and they decide to take it to a doctor for help. While following the bird, the children realize they are lost. They meet a kind man who directs them to a doctor's office near a candy store. After buying candy, they visit the doctor, who, although not a bird specialist, tends to the bird's injuries. The doctor applies salve and gives the bird warm milk, eventually healing it. The children release the bird, which happily flies away. The Trippertrots then ask the doctor to help them find their way home. The doctor, unsure of their address, enlists the help of his cook, Bridget, who recognizes the children and offers to escort them home. As they set off with Bridget, another adventure awaits them.
By Howard R. Garis · First published 1917 · Genre: Children's Literature, Adventure, Realistic Fiction · 2,339 words
First lines
Mary and Tommy and Johnny Trippertrot were coming home from school early one day when something strange happened to them. You see, the Trippertrot children were in the kindergarten class.
"What did you learn to-day? " asked Mary of Tommy, as all three of them came along the street together.
What this Textopian page supports
The Trippertrots and the Lame Bird is listed on Textopian as a short story by Howard R. Garis, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Adventure, Realistic Fiction, Humor, Educational Fiction
- Length: 2,339 words
- Structure: 1 section, 70 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Trippertrots and the Lame Bird 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 Lame Bird?
- 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 is crafted for a young audience with simple language and relatable school and home settings.
- Adventure — The plot follows the children's unexpected journey as they pursue a bird, get lost, and interact with various characters.
- Realistic Fiction — The story is grounded in everyday life, depicting plausible scenes such as school lessons, neighborhood walks, and doctor visits.
- Humor — The text employs playful dialogue and amusing situations that enhance its lighthearted tone.
Tags
children · adventure · whimsical · fantasy · animal characters · fable · quirky · storybook · imaginative · humor · classic · vintage
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