Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Seadogs: An Epic Ocean Operetta
Illustrator: Mark Siegel
Picture Book
For ages 7 to 9
Simon and Schuster, 2006 ISBN: 978-1416941033
A young dog is going to the theatre with her mother and she looks forward to seeing the performance of "Seadogs: An Epic Ocean Operetta." She looks at the program, looks at the other theatre goers around her, and waits to hear the opening overture. Then the music begins, the curtain goes up and the performance commences.
This is the story of an old seadog who is looking for a ship so that he can have one last adventure on the high seas. He finds a ship, the Beauty, and soon he and his crew are off. We get to meet the crew of the Beauty; there is Seadog who had a lost love many years ago, brave Beagle who is beautiful and clever, and Dachshund who wants to be more than just the "short-order cook."
Then a terrible thing happens, the Beauty is boarded by pirates. Captain Jacques Fifi and his dreadful crew are looting the ship and Seadog, Beagle and Dachshund are powerless to stop them. When they return to their ship the pirates leave behind two things on Beauty: a small cabin boy puppy, and a treasure map.
Not surprisingly Old Seadog and his crew decide to find the treasure, battling though storms until at last they arrive on the treasure island. Thankfully the map is not too complicated and the four adventurers soon have the treasure chest in their possession. But then the Mongrel Horde led by Captain Jacques Fifi arrives and a dreadful fight breaks out. Will our four brave adventurers be able to save themselves from the pirates?
This unique picture book has something for everyone. Presented in the form of a comic strip in bright and vivid color, young and older readers will find humor which will appeal to both groups. Clever word play will entertain the adults while a gripping story full of adventure, love, and good and evil will keep the younger reader entertained.
