Available:*
Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... Stillwater Public Library | E 333.72092 DUN | Searching... Unknown |
Bound With These Titles
On Order
Summary
Summary
by Julie Dunlap and Marybeth Lorbiecki illustrations by Bill Farnsworth Come along on a trip to Alaska! This is the true adventure story about John Muir and a 'no-good' dog named Stickeen.
Reviews (4)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-4-Although not the first picture-book version of this story about a harrowing 1880 expedition to Glacier Bay, this excellent rendition is the best treatment so far. As the explorers set off, Muir expresses his disdain for his companion's dog, an animal that he believes should not be taken on the journey. When Muir and Stickeen are both lost on a glacier during a frightening storm, the dog behaves bravely, and the man reluctantly accepts him as a companion. The only flaw in the text is that the authors overplay the naturalist's disdain for dogs in general. While Muir's own Stickeen (Houghton, 1909) does confirm that he thought Sitckeen to be "small and worthless" and likely to "require care like a baby," he also states plainly that he did generally like dogs. Apart from this minor mischaracterization, they do a fine job of conveying the wonder that inspired the man's life work and the peril of this particular exploit. While some portions are condensed and others drawn out, they generally remain faithful to Muir's own accounts. Farnsworth's illustrations are as majestic as the setting and as personable as the characters. The oil paintings depict Muir and Stickeen with glowing realism against the intimidating landscape. Fictionalized diary entries enhance some spreads, and the endpapers feature a map of Alaska and sketches of totem poles. An absolute necessity for libraries in western states, this is a good introduction to an important American naturalist and a great adventure tale.-Sean George, Memphis-Shelby County Public Library & Information Center, Memphis, TN (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Horn Book Review
This is the true story of John Muir, his friend Hall Young, their crew, and Young's dog, as they explore Alaska. Muir sets off with dog in tow in the numbing cold and snow to map glaciers and is surprised at the dog's courage. Dramatic landscapes and endearing images of the dog enhance a story that is more about man and dog than about Muir's extraordinary accomplishments. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
A cover illustration draws the reader into the historical setting in the Alaskan wilderness of 1880: three men row desperately in an open boat as a dog clings precariously to the prow. That dog is Stickeen, who was part of an expedition headed by John Muir to map Alaska's glaciers. He initially resented the dog's inclusion in the group, but after the harrowing experience of being lost together in a storm, Muir developed great respect and affection for him. This story is based on Muir's own journals from his trip and his other writings and sketches, and the volume's format includes journal pages written in first person. An explanatory note indicates that these journal entries are "not meant to be reproductions of Muir's journals," leaving the reader unclear as to the parameters of fact and fiction. Nonetheless, the story has an engaging main character and striking illustrations that capture the majesty of Alaska's wilderness. An afterword gives more information on Muir and his legacy, and sepia-toned endpapers provide a map of Alaska and sketches of a Tlingit dancer and totem poles. (Nonfiction. 6-10) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. Lewis and Clark had their trusty Newfoundland, Seaman; naturalist John Muir evidently had a strong bond with a dog, too. Muir initially scoffed at Stickeen, a furry bundle of "extra baggage" brought along on a trip to Alaska by a traveling companion. But the dog's show of courage during one of Muir's hazardous solo treks left an impression on the naturalist that inspired him to pen the account upon which this story is based. Dunlap and Lorbiecki, coauthors of Louisa May and Mr. Thoreau's Flute 0 (2002) ,0 smoothly blend dialogue and vibrant narrative, extending the main text with parchment-hued panels styled as pages from Muir's travel journal. A clearer distinction between Muir's own words and the authors' contributions would have been welcome, and Farnsworth's painterly oils capture the grandeur of the landscape more effectively than they elucidate the hair-raising action. Still, this is a kid-friendly introduction to a charismatic conservationist, and it should be especially well received in the Western states, where Muir's activism is most ingrained in the regional lore. --Jennifer Mattson Copyright 2004 Booklist
