The Trippertrots and the Old Fisherman

Name: The Trippertrots and the Old Fisherman
Author: Howard R. Garis

The Trippertrot children, Mary, Johnny, and Tommy, embark on whimsical adventures with their pets, Ivy Vine the cat and Fido the dog. While riding their peculiar horses, they encounter an old fisherman on a hill. The fisherman, who never catches fish, uses a hammock-hook to reel in unusual items like rubber boots, a coat, and an umbrella. As rain begins to pour, the fisherman helps the children use these items to stay dry. They run through the rain, eventually reaching a house in the woods belonging to the false-face man, curious about what awaits them inside.

By Howard R. Garis · First published 1918 · Genre: Children's Literature, Adventure, Fantasy · 2,238 words

First lines

All of a sudden, as the Trippertrot children were riding along on their funny horses, which had just galloped up out of the water to the dry land -- all of a sudden, I say -- Mary happened to look behind her, and there was Ivy Vine, the cat, running after them as fast as she could run, and her tail was sticking straight up in the air, like a clothes-post.

"Oh, look! " cried Mary. "Ivy Vine is coming, and she may get lost!"

What this Textopian page supports

The Trippertrots and the Old Fisherman 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, Fantasy, Humor
Length: 2,238 words
Structure: 1 section, 65 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Genres

Children's Literature — The narrative centers on child protagonists with simple language, age-appropriate humor, and themes that resonate with young readers.
Adventure — The plot follows the children on an unexpected journey filled with misadventures and discoveries, emphasizing exploration and movement.
Fantasy — The work features whimsical elements such as eccentric characters, talking animals, and improbable events that create a sense of magic.
Humor — The story employs playful, absurd scenarios and witty dialogue to engage readers through lighthearted comedy.