How a dog who loved the water became a hero. Riptide may be an unusual name for a dog, but it is one that suits this one well. Rip is drawn to the salty ocean breeze, and the crash of the waves, and he simply cannot be discouraged—even in summer when he is forbidden to follow his instincts and race miles along the coast. “No Dogs on Nauset Beach!” the sign reads, and the guards protest, calling for his young owner Zach to come retrieve him daily.
Yet Rip will not be deterred, and after one summer storm, it is lucky that he is not. Rip is desperately needed for a rescue, and is forever after known as the nineteenth guard on the beach. Illustrated with stunning oil paintings, this is a treat for parents and kids who love dogs — and heroes.
Weller’s poetic text, intensified by Blake’s dramatic paintings, memorializes a beloved dog renowned along the Cape Cod shore. —Booklist, starred review
This moving tale, based on a true story, is deftly told and illustrated . . . more than just an exciting dog story. —Publishers Weekly