Big Red, Jim Kjelgaard’s third novel, first captivated readers in April 1945, published by Holiday House and beautifully illustrated by Bob Kuhn. Drawing from his rich experiences as a woodsman and his affection for Irish setters, Kjelgaard crafted a narrative that resonated with audiences for decades. The book's popularity endured well beyond its initial release, with a paperback version published by Scholastic Book Services becoming a staple in schools during the 1960s. By the 1990s, the enduring appeal of Big Red was evident as the hardcover edition remained in print, and Bantam's trade paperback had reached over twenty-five printings. The novel’s impact was further recognized with an award from the Boys Club of America, solidifying Kjelgaard’s place in the canon of beloved children's literature.

Alongside Big Red, Kjelgaard expanded his literary universe with additional tales about the offspring of Red, the titular Irish setter. Irish Red, published in 1951, explores the uncertain future of characters Danny and Ross, hinging on the fate of the least likely pup from Red and another setter, Sheilah. Following this, Kjelgaard's 1953 novel, Outlaw Red, delves into the life of a troubled young man who forges a deep connection with a different descendant of Red and Sheilah, only to find themselves ensnared in legal troubles.

The captivating story of Big Red found new life on screen in 1962 when Disney Studios adapted it into a film directed by Norman Tokar. Penned by Louis Pelletier, the film offers a fresh narrative angle, setting the story in Quebec and centering on Red’s dramatic escape and journey back to the boy he adores. Although the plot deviates from the source material, the cinematic adaptation retains the spirit of adventure and the deep bond between human and animal that Kjelgaard so vividly portrayed in his writing.