Lighthouse Dog to the Rescue

by Angeli Perrow, Emily Harris (Illustrator)

Pauline, the lighthouse keeper's daughter, is proud of her pet spaniel because he is helpful and clever and a friend to all. But even Pauline does not realize just how brave and loyal Spot is until the night a terrible blizzard hits and a boat is missing out in the storm. Based on a true story from Maine's maritime history.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this book to Mr. H many times in his 6 yrs and now I get to read it to Miss S. I still have trouble getting through it without tears for the bravery of the Lighthouse Dog. I have a huge soft spot for brave animals. They selflessly face danger to protect their owners. Soo beautiful! So if you want a wonderful book to share with some children choose this one. (Just be prepared to choke up a bit at its beauty)

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pauline Hamor’s springer spaniel, Spot, loves life as a lighthouse dog. Whenever ships pass by the Owl’s Head Lighthouse, Spot eagerly rings the fog bell in greeting. Stuart Ames, captain of the local mail boat, is especially fond of the spaniel. He passes Owl’s Head Light twice a day and always blows his whistle in response to Spot.

When the mail boat becomes lost during a winter storm, Keeper Hamor is distressed to find the fog bell frozen solid. There is no way to signal Captain Ames – until Spot begins to bark. Captain Ames hears the barking and is able to return home safely thanks to the brave dog.

Based on true events that took place in Maine’s Penobscot Bay during the 1930’s, this beautifully illustrated picture book is a fitting tribute to a courageous lighthouse dog.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on real people, location, and dog, this has been an annual favorite as a read aloud for our fourth graders as they study Maine. I've used this as an example of how an author takes a real event and makes it into a story. I've even used Edward Rowe Snow's book about lighthouses to read the excerpt about this family.

[Cana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read while on vacation on Maine. The morning after we read this book, we went to the very lighthouse (Owl's Head) where Spot saved the day and was buried.

[Mary Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids loved this book. Based on a true story of a dog who would bark at all the boats as they come by the lighthouse.

[Ellyn Erickson]

❤️❤️❤️beautiful illustrations and story. Well told! Proud of that Lighthouse Keepers historic role.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful book about a lighthouse dog in Maine. He teaches himself the "job," and he is so helpful to his humans!

[Caryn Reveling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute read for children