Sirius, the Dog Star [Hardcover]

Angeli Perrow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2002 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

In this story, Nathan, a young Black crew member on a coastal schooner, forms a friendship with a huge Newfoundland dog named Sirius. Newfies are water dogs, strong swimmers famed for their instinctive ability to rescue foundering swimmers and even small boats. When Nathan's schooner is wrecked on ledges near Maine's infamous Boon Island light one dark, windy night, the dog's bravery and loyalty are put to the test. The lifeboat full of exhausted sailors must somehow cross the raging surf to reach the safety of the lighthouse keeper's home, and only Sirius can get them safely through.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Angeli Perrow is a children's author who teaches art in a Maine elementary school. Emily Harris is a graphic artist living in Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Down East Books (January 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892725451
• ISBN-13: 978-0892725458
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #456,639 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Hello! This is Maine children's author, Angeli Perrow. Three of my picture books, published by Down East Books, are based on true events that happened on the coast of Maine and are perfect for dog-lovers and lighthouse-lovers of every age.
Why do dogs figure so often in stories of rescue and adventure? Whether it be little Spot who learned to ring the fogbell at Owls Head Light or Sirius who braved the stormy sea to pull a shipwrecked crew to safety on Boon Island, dogs are truly man's (and woman's!) best friend. Dogs are loyal, courageous, and highly intelligent. Some, like the Newfoundland, are born with an instinct to rescue anyone (or anything!)they think is in distress in the water. Dogs were a natural choice as companions to lighthouse families.
My newest picture book, also published by Down East Books, is Many Hands, the tale of a Penobscot Indian girl who dreams of being a master basket maker and the discovery she makes about the importance of community. It features real words from the Penobscot language and the fascinating process of basket materials being prepared the Native American way.
I have also published two chapter books. The Lightkeeper's Key, for 8-12 year olds, is a fast-paced mystery set at a Maine lighthouse. Celtic Thunder, my first book for teens, is the action-packed adventure of two girls who travel in Ireland on a horseback riding tour.
Besides visiting lighthouses and riding horses, I enjoy hiking, biking and kayaking in the beautiful state of Maine. Instead of watching t.v. to relax, you will find me reading a good book, especially mysteries and adventure stories. I also enjoy gardening and Irish dancing. My day job is fun and inspirational -- I am an elementary art teacher. You can find out more about me and my books at www.angeliperrow.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Brave Dog, November 21, 2004

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Sirius, the Dog Star (Hardcover)

"Abandon ship" yells the capitain. Sirius the dog star leaps into the water. The poor dog is freaseing cold. This poor dog tries to get on a lifeboat but the boat starts to lean over so the capitain hits his paw...

The men beacome num can they make it? Will the lighthouse onwer

get the men before they die? Will it happen?What will be the fate of this dog and the passengers?

Read Sirius the dog star to find out.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A heartwarming story for all young dog lovers, November 14, 2002

By 

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

This review is from: Sirius, the Dog Star (Hardcover)

Set in 1897, Sirius The Dog Star is an engaging picture book for young readers ages 5 to 8 about Nathan, a teenaged black sailor, and his loyal friend Sirius, a big black Newfoundland dog. But one windy night off the coast of Maine, Nathan learns what makes Newfoundland dogs truly special - they swim well and have a powerful instinct for rescuing people in trouble. Superbly illustrated by Emily Harris, Sirius The Dog Star is recommended as an adventurous and heartwarming story for all young dog lovers.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sirius, the Dog Star, June 4, 2009

By 

Ruth R. King "Bookish Ruth" (Spring City, PA , USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sirius, the Dog Star (Hardcover)

During the winter of 1897, young Nathan and his loyal Newfoundland dog, Sirius, are aboard the Goldhunter. The book begins with the young ship crewman pointing out the constellation that the dog was named for -- Sirius, the Dog Star.

When the Goldhunter strikes a ledge during a storm, the sailors abandon ship. After rowing for more than six hours, the men in the lifeboat are exhausted. As they approach Maine's Boon Island Light, Nathan asks Sirius to help. The strong Newfie takes the bow line and swims to the waiting lighthouse keeper, delivering his friend Nathan and his shipmates to safety.

This is another beautifully illustrated book by Angeli Perrow and Emily Harris. The storm scenes in particular are quite eye-catching. Sirius, the Dog Star will delight both dog lovers and lighthouse enthusiasts.