Stickeen: John Muir and the Brave little Dog

By John Muir, as retold by Donnell Rubay. Illustrated by Christopher Canyon.

( from the book's dust jacket )

Stickeen Picture Book Cover Stickeen: John Muir and the Brave Little Dog
By John Muir, as retold by Donnell Rubay. Illustrated by Christopher Canyon.
for ages 4 to 12

$16.95 hardcover; $7.95 paperback - U.S.
$24.50 hardcover; $11.50 paperback - Canada

Surrounded by deep canyons of ice, John Muir and a little black dog named Stickeen wonder -- are they doomed?

Why Stickeen wished to come along on this trek over a glacier in the first place, Muir did not know. He had never offered Muir friendship or asked for any affection. Would this little pup now become Muir's last companion? How Muir and Stickeen handle this challenge together, and are changed by it, creates a classic story. Muir later wrote of this adventure, in Alaska in the summer of 1880, as "the most memorable of all my wild days."

Near the beginning of the Twentieth Century, both children and adults alike implored Muir to tell this favorite story. Muir's written version is difficult for present day children to understand, however. Therefore it is now retold using many of Muir's original words, thoughts and images.

Ages 4 - 12.

John Muir's deep love for the natural world helped inspire the present-day environmental movement. Millions of people today have a deeper connection with nature as a result of Muir's passionate writings and intense adventures.

Donnell Rubay discovered the adventure of Muir and Stickeen during a visit to Muir's home in Martinez, California. Believing that today's children would like to meet them, she retold the story for a modern audience. Donnell formerly taught high school English and Social Studies. Before teaching, she practiced law. She lives in Benicia, California with her husband and daughter. Donnell Rubay is available for school presentations.

In his research for this book, Christopher Canyon traveled much of John Muir's Alaskan route of 1880. Christopher is the illustrator of several children's books, including two published by Dawn Publications: The Tree in the Ancient Forest, which won the 1996 Benjamin Franklin Award as best children's picture book of the year, and Wonderful Nature, Wonderful You . He also frequently travels to share his enthusiasm for art and nature with children, their families and teachers. Christopher lives with his wife, Jeanette and their cat, Goppy in historic German Village in Columbus, Ohio.

Dawn Publications
14618 Tyler Foote Road
Nevada City, CA 95959

1-800-545-7454

The publisher's press release for this book is also available.

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