Sirius, the Dog Star

By Angeli Perrow

Book Overview

Building on the success of her two previous children's books (Lighthouse Dog to the Rescue and Captain's Castaway, Angeli Perrow once again provides a creative retelling of a heartwarming true story that features a young person, a remarkable dog, and a lonely lighthouse setting. 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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0892725451
• ISBN13: 9780892725458
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Down East Books
• Length: 1 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.7" x 11.3"
• Age Range: 5 years and up
• Grade Range: Preschool and higher

Customer Reviews

Sirius, the Dog Star

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.

A Brave Dog

"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.

A heartwarming story for all young dog lovers

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.