Publisher's Synopsis
The major lesson learnt from this story is that, one shouldn't be stubborn and too adventurous. From what we have read, these two qualities of Sammy are always getting him into problem despite his wittiness. It was Sammy's stubbornness and adventurous tendency that led him to hide in the back of the car. This resulted in the confusion he threw the whole family into. also, what would have been his fate, if not for the timely intervention of the housemaster who saved him from the jaw of the vicious dog.These same traits led him to leave school in search of his dog. despite the warning from his friend, Tobi, he went in company of another friend. Again by this action, he threw the whole school and his family into confusion. And had it been that the strange man succeeded in getting him and his friend, it would have been a disaster for their families and even the school.There are some other lessons learnt in this story. One of them is to always take action promptly in the appropriate manner.Had Sammy's Auntie delayed her call to the school when Sammy was not found at home, only God would have saved him from the jaws of the dog.Also, had the headmaster tarried a little in his duty, who could say what might have become of Sammy and Deolu, his friend in the hand of the strange man.One other lesson learnt is that one should not beat with anger as this might lead to something else. This was what the (s)headmaster and Mr Akinola seem to be preaching when they effectively prevented Mrs Akinola from beating Sammy for his act, in following them to Tade's school without anybody's knowledge. This does not mean that an erring child should not be punished for his or her wrong doing(s). For the saying goes thus "spare the rod and spoil the child."Also parents are the first point of contact of the child to the society. So they should endeavour to discharge their duties to the children, they should not leave everything to the teachers. Mrs Akinola is a typical example of good parents who cares for her child's educational and moral upbringing.
