School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3-- Zach's dog is no ordinary dog. He's strong, energertic, in constant motion, and loves the ocean, thus living up to his name, Riptide. He's a terror on the beach, a pest to sunbathers, and an annoyance to the beach patrol. He's a year-round beach bum, and a nuisance to all but Zach--until he saves the life of a little girl who's caught in a real riptide. This is a good, solid story, with terse, rhythmic writing. The oil paintings are majestic in their sweeping, panoramic views of the ocean and beaches and countryside of Cape Cod. Riptide almost leaps off every page, so expertly captured are his vitality and love of his turf. This is a book that must be read aloud and savored, so that young listeners can hear the rich text and imagery that resounds like the rolling sea. A rip-roaring good adventure story starring a memorable canine character who's neither sentimentalized nor anthropomorphized. --Trev Jones, School Library Journal (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Based on a true story, this ``deftly told and illustrated'' account of an ocean-loving, life-saving Cape Cod canine, said PW , ``is more than just an exciting dog story.'' Ages 4-8. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
Perhaps more a short story extended and enhanced by magnificent illustrations than a conventional picture book, this tale of an indomitable sea-loving dog is a pet lover's dream come true. Weller delineates a memorable canine personality as she recounts the adventures of Riptide Windjammer. From HORN BOOK 1990, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
From the time he's a pup, Riptide--Zach's golden retriever--adores the beach: despite local ordinances and the efforts of his family, he turns up daily to explore, patrol, and watch out for swimmers near his Cape Cod territory. In time, the lifeguards' supervisor, Nick, mellows toward him; and after Rip saves a child caught in an especially persistent riptide, Nick relents altogether, calling Rip his ""nineteenth lifeguard."" Weller gives the story, which is based on true events, a graceful, literate telling. Blake's illustrations, apparently oil paintings, are outstanding: though people are clearly not his forte, he is a master of the deep hues and infinite variety of sea and sky, while Rip is remarkably well observed. Fine fare both for dog-lovers and beach-lovers. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
