Books in The Little Black Box Series series

The Black Dog’s proud profile can be found on T-shirts and hats across the country, but few people know the true story of this seafaring dog and her adventures on the Martha’s Vineyard schooner the Shenandoah. When his friend Eddie gave him an orphaned puppy, Captain Bob Douglas did not expect to keep her for more than a night. Instead she became his longtime companion and a symbol of the island. Children and adults will love this heartwarming story about a crusty Yankee sea captain and the little black puppy who won his heart and became a New England legend.

Very Little Sleeping Beauty is adorably re-cast as a very little precocious toddler in this modern retelling of the classic tale. Once upon a bedtime, a certain little girl isn't very sleepy at all—tomorrow is her birthday, and she is reeling with excitement. From lullaby to stories to tickles to dancing, Daddy tries just about everything to get this little toddler to go to bed. Will Very Little Sleeping Beauty finally fall asleep to rest up for her big day? Look for all three books in this must-have read-aloud series: Very Little Red Riding Hood, Very Little Cinderella, and Very Little Sleeping Beauty.

Anyone who’s been to the island of Martha’s Vineyard knows the Black Dog. A stray that was adopted by Captain Bob Douglas, skipper of the beautiful topsail schooner Shenandoah, she became one of the greatest sea dogs in New England history. Today her profile can be found on T-shirts, hats, and umbrellas across the country. Now comes a third book about the Black Dog and her many exploits. From finding treasure to rescuing baby kittens, stories about the Black Dog have always entertained us. Her latest adventure is her best one yet, as the captain discovers that his faithful companion is expecting puppies! And not just any puppies, but a new, special island breed to become known as the Vineyard Whitefoot. It’s a heartwarming tale for all those who fell in love with the Black Dog.

Little Shot is a star with a nearly impossible dream! She wants to become a Big Shot, a shooting star, to give hope to the people below. Initially, she experiences both ridicule by her peers, who don’t share her vision, and setbacks when she seemingly fails at first. However, with her mentor's guidance and a courageous spirit, she perseveres until she achieves her big dream.

Very Little Cinderella is adorably recast as a very little precocious toddler in this modern retelling of the classic tale. Very Little Cinderella is upset when her ugly Sisters are off to a party without her. But her Fairy Godmother (the babysitter) comes to the rescue and takes her to the ball in her favorite blue dress. When the clock strikes midnight, she discovers she's lost her favorite "lello" boot. A happy playdate ensues when a young prince shows up the next day. Look for all three books in this must-have read-aloud series: Very Little Red Riding Hood, Very Little Cinderella, and Very Little Sleeping Beauty (Fall 2016).

With 100,000 books already sold in the little black book series, author and youth minister Blaine Bartel now introduces five more titles to this growing book trend. Teens and adults alike love the short, simple lists and bullet points filled with humor and hard-hitting truths. These quick and powerful books are perfect for teens on-the-go and have sound scriptural advice that will help them succeed in life. Blaine Bartel is youth pastor of Oneighty®, one of America’s largest local church youth ministries, reaching more than 2,500 youth weekly.

Named for the pirate in Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, the Black Dog doesn’t know how to stay out of trouble. True to her name, she can’t resist treasure hunting. Every port call Shenandoah makes affords new possibilities for a dog with unquenchable curiosity and a spirit for adventure. And every time she comes home she has some new trophy to offer the captain no matter how much he scolds her. Just when everyone thinks she’s given up her pirating ways, the Black Dog finds something that makes even Captain Douglas happy he’s adopted a true buccaneer.