Riptide

by Frances Ward Weller, Robert J. Blake (Contributor)

Riptide may be an unusual name for a dog, but it is one that
suits this one well. Rip is resolutely drawn to the salty ocean
breeze, and the crash of the waves, and he simply cannot be
discouragedeven 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. Based on a real
heroic dog, Frances Weller creates a legend in Riptide, weaving
this canine's tale with Robert Blake's stunning oil illustrations.
Riptide is captured in all his joyful energy amidst vivid panoramas
of Cape Cod scenery, his story immortalized in this classic
picture book that children will love and adults will love to read
aloud for years to come.

Genres: Picture Books, Dogs, Fiction, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Stephen Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short book. Great illustrations. It could lead to some good conversations with children in later readings. First time just enjoy. Later, is it good to let a dog run off on his own for hours? If there are sign posting no dogs on the beach, and the lifeguards keep having to call you to get the dog...
Nice addition to my collection, but you could quickly tead the book if you saw it somewhere.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story of a somewhat mischievous, heroic, beach-loving dog. It sounds like it’s based on a true story, and my two kids who were listening in today were riveted. We do have a soft spot for Golden Retriever stories here, but this one was well-written and the painted illustrations are simply beautiful.

[Alyssa Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book I read because my 7-year-old son told me it was one of his favorites, and quite possibly his MOST favorite 😉 I know why. It’s a well-written and wonderful story and I’m so happy he shared it with me 💛

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book to read about the spirit of a dog.

[Tweller83 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story of a sweet dog written by someone with the same last name, even if I don't know them.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alissa was so afraid when Rip was drawn out to sea and so relieved when he swam back.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story, loved the illustrations

[B.J. Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about an extraordinary dog that made me cry. The artwork is beautiful!
Based on a true story.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice dog story. Great illustrations.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love dogs and the beach and Cape Cod. The boy and the others in this book are heartwarming, and the illustrations are magical. I usually get a lump in my throat as I read this one to my kids. A lovely, lovely book.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riptide is a dog who loves the beach. He loves running on the sand and swimming in the waves. When the current is strong, Riptide is fearless and saves a young girl from drowning. Who doesn't love a good dog hero?

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

gorgeous paintings hightlight this story about a dog that lives on the seashore.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Riptide (Riptide Windjammer) lives up to his name and saves a life at the beach. While he was previously unwelcomed, he now becomes the nineteenth guard and welcomed.

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes:
very pretty art
sweet story of a dog at home on the beach
great for ocean-lovers

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting tale of a sea-loving dog who saves a life. Wonderful illustrations.

My three-year-old son really enjoyed this story.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously cannot read this book without tearing up - I mean EVERYTIME I read it.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet, loving story about a heroic wonderful dog ! It's based on a true story! The art work is gorgeous. Robert j Blake is one of my favorite artists.

[Peggy Hess Greenawalt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful children's book about a remarkable dog.

[Godine Publisher & Black Sparrow Press]

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