Son of a Mile-Long Mother - A Story of Friendship and Adventure

Sep 29, 2026

Son of a Mile-Long Mother is a poignant and imaginative children's narrative by Alonzo Gibbs, illustrated by Mary Frank. The story follows the Old Square, a boulder that has separated from its mother, the mile-long cliff, to live in a cove among an eclectic group of friends, including a schooner, a crab, and a fortune-telling woman. When the Old Square is forcibly removed to be used as construction material for a jetty, his companions organize a clever rescue mission. This beautifully written work explores themes of belonging, the longing for travel, and the enduring power of community. It serves as a sensitive exploration of an inanimate object's life, capturing a sense of wonder and emotional depth suitable for readers aged ten and up. Originally published in 1970, this book remains a notable example of lyrical storytelling in children's literature, enhanced by the artistic contributions of Mary Frank.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryStory & Novel

FormatPDF

Pages88

Reading Time2 h 16 min

AccessFree to download

Plot Summary

The Life of the Old Square

The Journey and Rescue

FAQs

Who is the protagonist of the story?

The protagonist is the Old Square, a boulder that lives in a cove apart from its mother, the mile-long cliff.

Why is the Old Square taken away from the cove?

The Old Square is removed by a barge crew to be used in the construction of a jetty.

What is the central theme of the story?

The story centers on the themes of friendship and loyalty, as the Old Square's companions conspire to bring him home after he is taken away.

Sep 29, 2026

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