The Story of the Little Black Dog [Hardcover]

J B Spooner (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

Recounts the story of the real Black Dog, the symbol of the famous tavern on Martha's Vineyard, a canine reluctantly adopted by the captain of the Shenandoah who soon discovers that his new pet is a true seafaring dog.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

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.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Arcade Publishing; 1st edition (April 7, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559702397
• ISBN-13: 978-1559702393
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 10.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,047,858 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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