Lange, Willem

An eight-year-old boy learns about hunting and the outdoors from his father, and when they discover a shivering mouse sharing the warmth of their camp stove, the boy reminds his dad of a lesson he was taught.

Favor Johnson, who lives alone on a small farm with his dog, Hercules, in the hills of Vermont, delivers treats to the people in the village as Christmas approaches, and one night, after he accepts the kindness of Doctor Jennings, who saves Hercules from a dangerous gunshot wound, he opens up to a new pattern of neighborliness and generosity.

When John has an accident while cutting logs in the Vermont woods, Tom, the Morgan horse who is his work partner and friend, uses intelligence and strength to rescue him.