Captain's Castaway

Life as a sea captain's dog means protecting your owner's ship, but there is little that a dog can do against a dangerous winter storm. When the ship hits the rocks near Maine's Great Duck Island Lighthouse, the sailors must abandon ship. As the captain's dog tries to climb into the safety of the lifeboat, one of the men panics. Fearing that the dog's weight will cause the lifeboat to capsize, the man strikes the dog with an oar. The sailors are helped to safety by the lighthouse keeper, but the dog is presumed to have drowned. Life as a lighthouse keeper's daughter can be lonely. Young Sarah wishes for a friend. While exploring the island the day after the sailors were rescued, Sarah finds the dog washed up on the shore. Her father helps her bring the dog to the house, and Sarah nurses him back to health. She names the dog Seaboy and the two become constant companions. When the sea captain returns to the lighthouse months later to say thank you, will he take Sarah's best friend away from her? This pleasant picture book is based on true events. The addition of rhyming verses to the main narrative seems awkward, but this is only a small detraction from an otherwise excellent book.

My parents bought Great Duck Island in 1949. I lived there half the year to 1981. In 1949, the lighthouse was still there and our first summer, we lived with the lighthouse family, who had a dog like Seaboy. After I read "Captain's Castaway" I was amazed at how much fact was included in the story and how well the authors presented the story in picture-book form. This book is outstanding. I bought it for all my nieces and nephews.

For anyone who loves dogs, life by the sea, or just beautifully written & illustrated children's books, CAPTAIN'S CASTAWAY is a treat. We enjoyed it very much..and would recommend it for all readers.

Perrow has taken a tale with a real-life basis and woven a story that will capture young minds. For teachers using "Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie," this might be a good companion piece. Makes you want to find out more about Great Duck Island Lighhouse!