STINKY SPIKE THE PIRATE DOG

A pungent pup must prove his worth to a bumbling piratical crew.

Any owner of a rambunctious pup will instantly recognize a kindred spirit in shipyard pup Spike’s predilection for noxious smells. He’s the proud owner of the world’s most powerful proboscis, and any stink stunning to the olfactory centers is his delight. Employed to protect the cargo of incoming ships, Spike gets more than he bargained for when his pursuit of a colony of sea gulls lands him in the briny deep. A bucket of rotting fish bits proves his salvation but does his personal hygiene little good. Rescued by human Fishbeard and his scurvy buccaneers, Spike promises them that he can sniff out some treasure in exchange for a ride home. Unfortunately, what dogs consider treasure and what people consider treasure are two entirely different things. Though pirate animals sniffing out treasure are hardly new characters (viz. Cornelia Funke's The Pirate Pig, 2015), there’s a jaunty joie de vivre to Spike’s love of all that reeks. A true transitional book, the text is perfect for children working their way up to full chapter books. Paul Meisel’s full-color illustrations help liven up son Peter Meisel’s short chapters, and the story will keep readers guessing. Sequel Stinky Spike and the Royal Rescue publishes simultaneously.

Cast off, me hearties, and meet a dog that brings both the yo ho hos and the nose.