SIRIUS THE DOG STAR, by Angeli Perrow, pictures by Emily Harris, Down East Books, Camden, 2002, $15.95.

“Four below zero, and it was a thick vapor, and blowing a gale of wind from the northwest … we were all awakened by the barking of a dog of all things … getting out our lanterns … we shouted to the men to follow the light around the rocks to the lee of the island…”

On Dec. 3, 1897, the schooner Goldhunter was shattered on a ledge about three miles away from Boon Island Light, which is off the southern Maine coast and is one of the nation’s most dangerous and isolated stations. Later, when lightkeeper William Williams was roused from slumber, he was confronted by a heart-rending sight. Surviving crew members had been rowing to safety, battling the elements for six hours. It would be a miracle if these cold, fatigued men reached the shore without their lifeboat falling victim to towering waves and jagged rocks.

Hampden’s Angeli Perrow, author of “Captain’s Castaway” and “Lighthouse Dog to the Rescue,” read of that dramatic incident in Edward Rowe Snow’s “Fantastic Folklore and Fact.” Her curiosity was piqued. Research into the events of the night, the Williams family, and the nature of the Newfoundland dog (a likely breed of the real-life canine hero) resulted in “Sirius the Dog Star.”

Sirius is the constant companion of Nathan, a young sailor on the Goldhunter. The schooner becomes trapped in a fierce storm. The captain gives the order to abandon ship. Nathan has tied Sirius to him so he can protect his beloved dog till the end.

When the lifeboat they are in nears land, Nathan faces a terrible dilemma. The men are too weary to navigate around the treacherous rocks to safety. Sirius is their only hope. But can Nathan send his treasured friend into the frigid, cruel ocean?

Perrow believes that young readers will relate to the relationship between boy and dog.

“Dogs are such fun, warm companions,” she said, “They’re intuitively tuned in to the feelings and emotions of their people. Nathan had to risk losing the one being he loved more than anything else in the world.”

Not surprisingly, Perrow has her own canine chum, a cocker spaniel named Rascal, who enjoys walking in the woods and just being outside. The dog has been an important member of her family for about five years. This relationship helped her to appreciate the heroism of both Nathan and Sirius.

“He was so brave,” she said, “He acted so quickly, jumping into the water to rescue the crew.”

Emily Harris’ paintings beautifully capture the mood and drama of Perrow’s suspenseful story. The somber hues and bold, sweeping lines of the tempest-tossed sea contrast vividly with the soft tones and peaceful order of the keeper’s home. Sirius springs robustly to life.

Perrow was delighted with Harris’ illustrations.

“When I first saw them, I was just stunned by the glowing quality of her colors,” she said, “They are so vibrant. And she does such a great job on the expressions on the faces of the human characters and the dog.”

A distinctive holiday present to give a dog lover of any age would be an autographed copy of “Sirius the Dog Star.” Perrow will be signing books 1-2 p.m. Dec. 21 at Bucksport’s Bookstacks.

Perrow is exploring new territory with the story she’s currently working on. It’s the story of the Battle of Bunker Hill told from the perspective of a 7-year-old girl who lives nearby. And this time she wants to do her own illustrations. “I am an art teacher,” she said, “This is the direction I want to go in.”