The Woodcutter's Dog

"The Woodcutter's Dog" by Charles Nodier, originally written in French and translated into English, is a moving children's tale set in the Forest of Lions, where a woodcutter's family lives in constant fear of wolves. The story focuses on Brisquet, his wife Brisquette, their children Biscotin and Biscotine, and their dog Bichonne. As winter brings hunger, Brisquet cautions his family about the nearby wolves. When Brisquet is late returning home, the children leave their home, resulting in Bichonne heroically protecting them from a wolf attack. Bichonne is killed while alerting Brisquet, who saves his children. The family deeply mourns Bichonne, erecting a gravestone in her memory, establishing the legend of "Brisquet's dog" to promote the themes of love, sacrifice and bravery in their community.