A puppy rescued from the Milwaukee River by crew of the lighthouse tender Hyacinth in 1914 became more than a mascot: He was a friend to the men on the boat. Named Sport, the dog spent 12 years attached to the Hyacinth as it traveled up and down Lake Michigan, marking channels and bringing supplies to lighthouses. Sport became well known at every port and lighthouse on the Hyacinth’s route, sometimes playing with lighthouse keepers’ children, sometimes exploring on his own. Sport was so well known that when he was mistaken for a stray after wandering too far, a crew member from another ship recognized him and helped him hitch a ride on another boat back to the Hyacinth. This captivating account is fictionalized, but based on fact. More about the real Sport follows the story. (Ages 5–8)

In 1914 crew members of the lighthouse tender Hyacinth rescued a stray puppy from the Milwaukee River and named him Sport. For the next twelve years, this charming Newfoundland-retriever mix lived the life of a ship dog, helping the Hyacinth crew as they carried supplies to lighthouses and maintained the buoys and other safety features around Lake Michigan. Sport quickly became a valued companion to his crew and a recognizable mascot of the lake—making friends in every port.

In this beautifully illustrated children’s book based on historical documents and photographs, readers share in Sport’s adventures while discovering the various ways lighthouse tender ships helped keep the lake safe for others. Helpful diagrams, a map, and a historical note supplement this engaging story for young readers.

2020 Wisconsin Library Association Outstanding Children’s Book of the Year

2020 Midwest Book Award Gold Medal

2020 Library of Michigan Notable Book Award

2019 Historical Society of Michigan State History Award

2019 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award