Stickeen: John Muir and the Brave Little Dog [Paperback]

John Muir (Author), Donnell Rubay (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

This true tale actually happened in Alaska to the famous naturalist, John Muir, and it became what he called the most memorable of all his wild days. One day, Muir set out to explore a huge glacier during a blizzard. Stickeen--an aloof little dog belonging to a fellow traveler--insisted on going along. They become stranded on the glacier. The only way out was over a precarious ice bridge, dangerous for a man and almost impossible for a dog. When, amazingly, they both escape, Stickeen's aloofness is replaced by rapturous adoration for Muir. The author skillfully weaves Muir's own words, the illustrations are extraordinary, and the result is a classic.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...Canyon’s illustrations capture all the drama and desolation of the Alaskan landscape, conveying in breathtaking imagery the tremendous courage..." -- Bloomsbury Review, September/October 2005

Stickeen is one of those classic man-and-his-faithful-companion stories that easily win children's hearts. This is a captivating introduction to the life and values of John Muir. The text is adapted from Muir's original account and the grand illustrations evoke the glacial wilderness of southeastern Alaska in hauntingly windswept icy blues. Even upper elementary age children will be pulled in by this dramatic story. -- Center for Environmental Education - Antioch

This little story is involving, well told, and captivating. The illustrations are wonderful; the drawings of the glaciers and of Muir seem larger than life. The book is altogether delightful, with a little biographical information at the end, as well as the history of the story. Muir apparently actually had this experience with a little dog. -- Children's Book & Play Review - Brigham Young University

Winner of the 1999 Publisher's Marketing Assoication Benjamin Franklin Gold Award (Nature category) --

About the Author

Donnell Rubay discovered the adventure of Muir and Stickeen during a visit to Muir's home in Martinez, California. Believing that today's children would like to meet Muir and his small friend, she retold the story for a modern audience. Rubay formerly taught high school English and Social Studies. Before teaching, she practiced law. She lives in Benicia, California with her husband and daughter.

Christopher Canyon is the illustrator of four books for children. When he isn't in his studio, Christopher enjoys traveling and providing educational and entertaining programs for schools, libraries, and conferences. Christopher received his formal art education at the Columbus College of Art & Design in Columbus, Ohio. His work as been selected for many exhibits and publications including the Society of Illustrators, the Mazza Collection at the university of Findlay, Ohio, and the Natural History magazine. Two of his books for Dawn Publications, The Tree in the Ancient Forest and Stickeen, have won the Ben Franklin Award for best children's picture book of the year. Christopher is also the illustrator of Wonderful Nature, Wonderful You. Christopher lives with his wife and cat in central Ohio.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dawn Pubns (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883220785
• ISBN-13: 978-1883220785
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #263,048 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #27 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Action & Adventure
  • #41 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Animals > Dogs > Nonfiction

More About the Author

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent adventure!, July 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Stickeen: John Muir and the Brave Little Dog (Paperback)

Besides being a beautiful book to look at, this lively account of John Muir's glacial wanderings with his loyal four-legged companion, Stickeen, is an artfully presented, exciting read! Dog lovers, nature lovers, and all adventurers at heart are sure to enjoy following these two on their perilous journey across the ice.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great read - again, and again, and again.., April 19, 2000

By 

Susie (Mississippi, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stickeen: John Muir and the Brave Little Dog (Sharing Nature With Children Book) (Hardcover)

My 4 1/2 year old son loves this story. He seems to feel the same tension and then exuberance experienced by the little dog facing a daunting maneuver. I love the story and pictures as well,especially as a change from the fire truck, dinosaur and baseball books that we usually read. It is one of the longest stories he listens to intently. Highly recommended

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, December 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Stickeen: John Muir and the Brave Little Dog (Paperback)

I love this book. It is very educational,too. The best part was when Stickeen crosses the ice bridge.The way Donnell Rubay puts the words together,leaves you in suspense.