Spike surfs by Robert Lorenzon

This is a true story about Spike, a Kelpie cross Rhodesian Ridgeback, rescued from a The Lost Dog’s Home by the author Robert Lorenzon, who is a lifelong surfer. This 22cm x 18cm hardcover book is a photographic record of Spike’s journey from the dog’s home to becoming a surfing champion. Named Spike for the spiky hair on his back, Spike tells his story in the first person (or dog!). Each page is a full-sized photograph with simple text in either black or white depending on the colour in the background. Spike begins his story with Rob choosing him at the dog’s home and introducing him to the beach. While surfing, Rob leaves Spike on the shore but after days of waiting patiently for Rob to return, Spike swims out to him. Fearing he might be in trouble another surfer puts him on his board and they surf back to shore. Rob then sources a new board with special grip for Spike’s four paws and they surf together. Rob and Spike enter the Vetshop Australia Dog Surfing Competition in Noosa and do well.

This book is about a devoted friendship between a man and his dog. Children will enjoy looking at the appealing photographs and following the story of Spike.  Fifty percent of royalties from the sale of Spike Surfs will go to the Lost Dog’s Home.

Themes: Dogs, Surfing, Friendship.

Kathryn Beilby