THE STORY OF THE LITTLE BLACK DOG

Spooner, J B

ISBN 10: 1559702397 / ISBN 13: 9781559702393

Published by Arcade, NY, 1994

About this Item

1st ed, 1st prt. Children and adults will love this heartwarming story about a crusty Yankee sea captain and the little black puppy who won his heart, and went on to become a New England legend.

Seller Inventory # 013309

Bibliographic Details

• Title: THE STORY OF THE LITTLE BLACK DOG
• Publisher: Arcade, NY
• Publication Date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1559702397
• ISBN 13: 9781559702393
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Seeley, Terre Lamb
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Printing: 1st Printing
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine

About this title

Synopsis

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.

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.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.