The Story of the Little Black Dog

When a nor'easter blasts an island harbor, an orphaned black puppy finds shelter with the reluctant Captain Douglas, who vows, ``This berth is only for tonight.'' But when a neighbor promises to find a permanent owner, the captain agrees to foster the dog. As Captain Douglas prepares his topsail schooner for a six-month voyage, the unnamed dog wreaks havoc at home--shredding sails, knocking down a scrimshaw, chewing up charts and ``piddling'' on the oriental rug. At last the frustrated captain brings the dog to the harbor, where she proves herself an able sea-goer: ``She knew where to go when the boat was coming about. She knew which side was to leeward.'' The bond is set, but not without last-minute complications. Although the story is thoroughly predictable and even clumsy in spots, this picture book debut rings true, and the ``little black dog'' seems entirely real. A rich visual ambience (antique furniture, sailing accoutrements, a prow figurehead) flavors the meat-and-potatoes theme. Tourists and residents of Martha's Vineyard will be especially interested to learn that the canine heroine profiled here became the mascot for the renowned Black Dog restaurant and bakery. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)