Alaska’s Dog Heroes: True Stories of Remarkable Canines

Gill keeps to the Alaskan theme of several of her previous picture books as she tells the stories of 19 dogs with ties to the 49th state. Some are loyal companions and protectors, while others are trained service and rescue dogs; historical events and figures are woven into the short narratives. While exploring Glacier Bay, John Muir and his crew were accompanied by an eager and adventure-loving dog named Stickeen (after the Stickeen tribe); another dog, King David, was named the National Dog Hero of the Year for rescuing a six-year-old who became lost in the snow in 1986. James’s handsome artwork captures the individuality of each dog as Gill describes the animals and their contributions to Alaskan history in crisp, clean prose. Ages 6–9. (Feb.)