When a trained artist writes a book, the imagery that is painted on every page, comes to life in the minds of the readers. Stebbing beautifully gives life to a painting through the art of storytelling. True to the author’s background, art is portrayed throughout, in the talents of a young girl and the patrons who believe in her ability. Cedric, our furry hero, showcases the selfless nature of sacrifice as time and time again he plucks lost souls from the grasp of the consuming sea. Like some of the hard-hearted characters will experience, it is hard not to fall in love with Cedirc as he teaches a whole village the love and provision of God. This book can easily become a family favorite. Chapters are many, but chapters are short, making this a perfect read aloud option. You may find yourself and your students reading this over and over again. 370 pgs, pb. ~Rebecca
Cedric - Footprints in the Sand is
an epoch dog tale. Inspired by the true story of a shipwrecked
Newfoundland dog who wandered into a small coastal village. Finding his
way to the end of a pier, he would spend the remainder of his years
rescuing twenty-three people from other shipwrecks.
During
the Victorian Era, the great English painter, Sir Edwin Landseer, did a
portrayal of the dog with the sea and gulls behind him. However, it was
painted thirty years after the dog had died and there is little known
about this remarkable creature. With a spark of creative industry, Barry
Stebbing began filling in many of the blanks in this masterful tale of
historical fiction believing it is a true classic in the making.
Cedric is a delightful read for all ages. Written with a touch of prose, it allows the reader's imagination to wander into a wonderful era. Along with following Cedric as he fights his way through tumultuous seas to rescue shipwrecked souls, the reader follows the life of a young aspiring artist and that of many other intriguing Dickens-like characters, traveling through various chapters with a soft flow of faith and romance.
