About the Book

​When Quiet Pup is smuggled to a remote island by a lighthouse keeper named Joe, he learns there are NO DOGS ALLOWED on the island, and he must earn his keep or lose his home. The pup can chase seagulls up and down ten flights of stairs. He can be good company for the crew and make them laugh. He can even help in the kitchen . . . sort of. 

But one night, Joe is swept into the stormy water, and Quiet Pup must jump to action and risk everything for the human he loves.

Based on real events in the twentieth century, Rocky’s Lighthouse Adventure is set in the middle of Lake Superior at Rock of Ages Lighthouse, which is part of Isle Royale National Park. The story captures the bond between a lighthouse keeper, the crew, and a dog—who discovers his value.

About the Author

​Deborah Winchell was inspired to write about Rocky while interviewing a former lighthouse keeper for an article in Lake Superior Magazine. The man revealed that a dog lived on Rock of Ages in the 1970s. Deborah has camped, paddled, and hiked all along the North Shore and Keweenaw Peninsula of Lake Superior, including Isle Royale National Park. She retired from Cornell University and serves on the board of Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society. She’s been a freelance writer for over 20 years, writes for Boreal Community Media out of Grand Marais, MN, and runs women’s retreats. Her most valuable contribution to society is her children and grandchildren. She lives on a lake in northern Minnesota.

About the Illustrator

​Renée Andriani’s illustrations have appeared in numerous picture books and on cards for Hallmark’s Shoebox Greetings line. An avid Isle Royal National Park hiker and backpacker, she been fortunate to have been a part of the Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society’s restoration teams and has worked on the lighthouse for two seasons - her specialties are scraping paint and stripping wood! Having worked on (and slept in) the lighthouse itself was not only a unique and exciting experience, but invaluable inspiration for creating images that depict the lighthouse, its interiors, and “The Big Lake.”

A native of Connecticut, she lives in Kansas with her husband and two big dogs and tries to visit the Lake Superior region whenever possible.

Local Bookstores Selling Rocky!

Drury Lane Books - Grand Marais, Minnesota - Book Signing Summer 2025
Split Rock Lighthouse (Museum Store) - Two Harbors, Minnesota - Book Signing Spring 2025
N.P. Junction Books - Carlton, MN - Book Signing October 2024
Lake Superior Trading Post - Grand Marais, Minnesota

Media

Boreal Community Media - November 26, 2024 
"Deborah’s journey is a measure of the power of passion and patience that storytelling requires.  Through Rocky’s Lighthouse Adventure, she has created a legacy for Rock of Ages Lighthouse, and has created a tangible connection to its history."
---Sammie Garrity, Contributing Writer
Lake Superior Magazine - December '24/January '25
"The book is a great way to introduce an interest in Lake Superior history and heritage...The pleasing story and witty illustrations will keep young and old happily reading along...
and maybe dream of their own visit to the Big Lake and one of its lighthouses."   
---Konnie LeMay, Editor 
​

Reviews

Stay tuned to see more of what people are saying about Rocky's Lighthouse Adventure! 
"This is a great children's story filled with adventure and hope!"    
​--Grandparent

"The story is well written and a good read!"
Teacher
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