Stig of the Dump

By Clive King

Book Overview

Puffin Classics: the definitive collection of timeless stories, for every child.

The Thing sitting in the corner seemed to be interested. It got up and moved towards Barney, into the light. Barney was glad to see it was Somebody after all. Funny way to dress though, he thought, rabbit-skins round the middle and no shoes or socks.

Barney spends a lot of time by himself, and often goes wandering off alone. One day he is exploring by the edge of an old chalk-pit, when it gives way. Finding himself in some sort of cave, Barney is astonished to discover a 'somebody' living there: somebody with a lot of shaggy hair and two bright black eyes, wearing a rabbit skin and speaking in grunts.

Barney names him Stig, and the two quickly become best friends. Of course nobody believes Barney when he tells his family all about Stig. But Barney doesn't care. He and Stig are far too busy having a brilliant series of unforgettable adventures.

Much-beloved by children for generations, Stig of the Dump is the ultimate story about the joyful freedom of mucking around outdoors, having fun away from the grown-ups . . .

"This lovely story about the unlikely friendship between Barney and stone-age Stig has stood the test of time . . . contemporary children will love reading about the pair's lively adventures" - Booktrust

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0141354852
• ISBN13: 9780141354859
• Release Date: August 2014
• Publisher: Puffin
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.8" x 0.8" x 5.0"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Original and very readable

I first read this book in school and really loved it. The story is about a small boy who goes to play in a chalk quarry near his grandmother's house and befriends a cave-man 'Stig' who lives there. They make a home for Stig about of sticks, stones and bottles and have various adventures. It really fascinated me then, and it's still interesting and funny today. I also loved the pen illustrations by Edward Ardizzone who was a gifted prize-winning illustrator of many childrens' books. Well worth reading.

Stig of the Dump

In England, it was required of us to read Stig of the Dump at school. I am very glad of this because if it had not been required reading, I may not have had the pleasure of reading such a great story. Being a girl I always wanted to read typical girl books, and this book(at least from the title) would seem more for boys, but let me assure you it is a wonderful book for children of all ages. I am now reading it to my 6 year old daughter and she is loving it.

A teacher's view of this children's classic

I first read this book as a seven year old in 1960. Through 20 years of teaching primary age pupils (7-11 years of age) I have read this to my class every year. It never fails to please. Easily split up into 'bedtime' or 'classtime' chunks, Stig, and his friend Barney will hold reader, and 'read-to' spellbound. Although English in style, it is translatable into other cultures easily...and the last chapter is truly magical. I give it 10 out of 10.!!

Couldn't put it down!

My 9 year old son is a good reader but doesn't usually choose books over sport. However, he loved Stig of the Dump and spent every possible minute reading. He finished it in a week. It's a classic from my childhood and I've now re-read it. We both recommend it to your children.

Sitg of the Dump is a great kids' book

This is one of those children's books that is well known in one country but not another. In England it's a children's classic and in the US it's out of print! Stig of the Dump is the story of a little boy who discovers an Early Briton living in the chalk quarry on his grandmother's farm. They have lots of adventures together and each learns something from the other. Even the little boy's sister gets some time with his cro-magnon pal. In the end, they play an important role in Stig's Midsummer's Eve ceremony. Very sweet, lots of fun and terribly British.