Salty Dogs

Boat/US Magazine, Nov, 2000

A boating safety-savvy family pet shows a new dog the ropes in Emily Chetkowski's new book for children, Mabel Takes a Sail (J.N. Townsend Publishing). BoatU.S. member Chetkowski, who summers on Isleboro, ME, is an avid sailor and sets this delightful tale on Penobscot Bay.

The story revolves around Mabel, a seasoned sailor who knows how to behave on a boat, and Maxine, an impetuous pup who goes overboard more than once because she doesn't. Fortunately, the skipper has both dogs, as well as kids and crew, in life jackets aboard the family sloop Off Call.

But Mabel still has her paws full with Maxine on this Isleboro circumnavigation, a sequel to Mabel Takes the Ferry. This charming book, illustrated by Dawn Peterson, is perfect for younger children to reinforce shipboard safety and the importance of life jackets.