The Story of the Little Black Dog

by J. B. Spooner, Terre Lamb Seeley (Illustrator)

Overview

The Black Dog’s proud profile can be found on T-shirts and hats across the country, but few people know the true story of this seafaring dog and her adventures on the Martha’s Vineyard schooner the Shenandoah. When his friend Eddie gave him an orphaned puppy, Captain Bob Douglas did not expect to keep her for more than a night. Instead she became his longtime companion and a symbol of the island. Children and adults will love this heartwarming story about a crusty Yankee sea captain and the little black puppy who won his heart and became a New England legend.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781611450019
Publisher:	Arcade
Publication date:	04/01/2011
Series:	Little Black Dog Series
Edition description:	Arcade Kids
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	668,818
Product dimensions:	10.20(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	3 - 6 Years

About the Author

J. B. Spooner is the author of The Little Black Dog childrens' book series. She works for Martha’s Vineyard Magazine and lives with her two children, Emily and Matthew, on Merry Farm in West Tisbury, Martha’s Vineyard.

Terre Lamb Seeley is an artist and illustrator. She lives in West Falmouth, Massachusetts.

Editorial Reviews

When a nor'easter blasts an island harbor, an orphaned black puppy finds shelter with the reluctant Captain Douglas, who vows, ``This berth is only for tonight.'' But when a neighbor promises to find a permanent owner, the captain agrees to foster the dog. As Captain Douglas prepares his topsail schooner for a six-month voyage, the unnamed dog wreaks havoc at home--shredding sails, knocking down a scrimshaw, chewing up charts and ``piddling'' on the oriental rug. At last the frustrated captain brings the dog to the harbor, where she proves herself an able sea-goer: ``She knew where to go when the boat was coming about. She knew which side was to leeward.'' The bond is set, but not without last-minute complications. Although the story is thoroughly predictable and even clumsy in spots, this picture book debut rings true, and the ``little black dog'' seems entirely real. A rich visual ambience (antique furniture, sailing accoutrements, a prow figurehead) flavors the meat-and-potatoes theme. Tourists and residents of Martha's Vineyard will be especially interested to learn that the canine heroine profiled here became the mascot for the renowned Black Dog restaurant and bakery. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly