John Muir and Stickeen: An Icy Adventure with a No-Good Dog [Hardcover]

Julie Dunlap (Author), Marybeth Lorbiecki (Author), Bill Farnsworth (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Muir is best known for his work to establish and conserve America's national parks, but he was also a farmer, inventor, explorer and writer. Muir loved all things wild, and felt that tame animals and livestock had lost their wildness, and therefore much of their intelligence and spirit. On an expedition to Alaska, a friend's dog changed Muir's mind. John Muir and Stickeen tells the thrilling adventure of how Muir set off to explore a glacier one day, with the unwelcome accompaniment of Stickeen, and ran into a storm. What happened on that terrifying day made Muir see domestic animals in a new light.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4–Although not the first picture-book version of this story about a harrowing 1880 expedition to Glacier Bay, this excellent rendition is the best treatment so far. As the explorers set off, Muir expresses his disdain for his companion's dog, an animal that he believes should not be taken on the journey. When Muir and Stickeen are both lost on a glacier during a frightening storm, the dog behaves bravely, and the man reluctantly accepts him as a companion. The only flaw in the text is that the authors overplay the naturalist's disdain for dogs in general. While Muir's own Stickeen (Houghton, 1909) does confirm that he thought Sitckeen to be "small and worthless" and likely to "require care like a baby," he also states plainly that he did generally like dogs. Apart from this minor mischaracterization, they do a fine job of conveying the wonder that inspired the man's life work and the peril of this particular exploit. While some portions are condensed and others drawn out, they generally remain faithful to Muir's own accounts. Farnsworth's illustrations are as majestic as the setting and as personable as the characters. The oil paintings depict Muir and Stickeen with glowing realism against the intimidating landscape. Fictionalized diary entries enhance some spreads, and the endpapers feature a map of Alaska and sketches of totem poles. An absolute necessity for libraries in western states, this is a good introduction to an important American naturalist and a great adventure tale.–Sean George, Memphis-Shelby County Public Library & Information Center, Memphis, TN
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. Lewis and Clark had their trusty Newfoundland, Seaman; naturalist John Muir evidently had a strong bond with a dog, too. Muir initially scoffed at Stickeen, a furry bundle of "extra baggage" brought along on a trip to Alaska by a traveling companion. But the dog's show of courage during one of Muir's hazardous solo treks left an impression on the naturalist that inspired him to pen the account upon which this story is based. Dunlap and Lorbiecki, coauthors of Louisa May and Mr. Thoreau's Flute (2002), smoothly blend dialogue and vibrant narrative, extending the main text with parchment-hued panels styled as pages from Muir's travel journal. A clearer distinction between Muir's own words and the authors' contributions would have been welcome, and Farnsworth's painterly oils capture the grandeur of the landscape more effectively than they elucidate the hair-raising action. Still, this is a kid-friendly introduction to a charismatic conservationist, and it should be especially well received in the Western states, where Muir's activism is most ingrained in the regional lore. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Cooper Square Publishing Llc (October 31, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559719036
• ISBN-13: 978-1559719032
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,462,827 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The amazing true story adventure of John Muir, December 7, 2004

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: John Muir and Stickeen: An Icy Adventure with a No-Good Dog (Hardcover)

John Muir and Stickeen: An Icy Adventure With A No-Good Dog is the amazing true story adventure of John Muir, who is best known for his tireless work to establish and conserve America's national parks, and a "no-good" dog named Stickeen. As one who loved wild things, Muir felt that tame animals had lost much of their spirit and intelligence along with their wildness. A friend's dog would change his mind forever during one of his expeditions to Alaska; John Muir and Stickeen recounts the dramatic tale with captivating color illustrations of man, dog and icy wilderness.

4.0 out of 5 stars Stickeen for Young 'uns, April 6, 2010

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R. Muir "tree" (Southern US) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: John Muir and Stickeen: An Icy Adventure with a No-Good Dog (Hardcover)

This book is well done ... and the illustrations are great to go along with it. I just wish more was actually quoted from "Stickeen." John Muir has done some fantastic writing. Really good book to share with a kid (or an adult who's a "kid at heart").

5.0 out of 5 stars Never too young to learn about John Muir, November 17, 2009

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Renee C. Ozer (Colorado Springs, CO USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: John Muir and Stickeen: An Icy Adventure with a No-Good Dog (Hardcover)

Beautiful illustrations. It is a simplified, but not dumbed-down, version of Muir's famous essay. Perfect for any child who has - or wants - a dog.