Whether or not a band of pirates is a bunch of salty dogs (and in this case they literally are), one thing is for sure: pirates are selfish! Augusta Garrick is a good-natured, helpful spaniel pup and the daughter of a bad-natured, horrible pirate captain. As he endlessly reminds her (while she does things like rescue small dogs who have walked off the plank), she must be saucy, bold, and selfish if she wants to be a "good" pirate. But when a storm hits and the sails are torn, it may be better if everyone aboard is selfless instead. Winters spreads loads of drama and humor throughout, and Griffith's expert illustrations are vibrantly colored and posed. Each breed of dog, fairly realistically drawn, is delightfully depicted in pirate garb with expressions that heighten the tension when the seas get rough. Landlubbers will discover fun details upon multiple readings, which will be welcome as this charming moral turnaround tale is accomplished without a sugar coating. These are despicable sea dogs after all!

PreS-Gr 2 Among the sea dogs (literally dogs in pirate clothing) on her father's ship, August Garrick is a very bad pirate. Her kind, polite, and helpful actions win her a lecture. "To be a good pirate, yez gots to be saucy," says Captain Garrick. "And yez gots to be bold. But most important, me sea pup, yez gots to be SELFISH!" Scully, a bull terrier with a wood leg, will see to it, or the Captain will feed him to the fish. So Augusta throws Scully's peg-leg out a porthole while he's sleeping, hoping this selfish act will make her father proud. That night a terrible storm comes up and rips the sails. The ship lists and takes on water. Just as the crew is ready to abandon ship, Augusta climbs the rigging and takes charge. "Less speed!" she calls. "Lads, help me reef the sails!" They obey her, and the ship is saved. Her proud father hugs her. "Augusta, yez be the best pirate I'z ever knownsaucy, bold, and SELFLESS!" This book with its nautical terms and pirate speak is a delight to read aloud. The full color artwork is rich in detail, and the expressive canine faces of captain and crew will bring smiles. VERDICT This seagoing tale with its endearing heroine will be a sure hit with youngsters. Mary Jean Smith, formerly at Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN