Jeanne Marie lived with her mother and father on a little island off the coast of Alaska, close to the big island of Baranof.

She loved her home, and it was never lonely on the island because she had nine frolicking, funny playmates.

Meet the dachshunds:

Herr-Und-Frau—the two grownups of the Dachshund crowd, dignified, sweet, cuddly, and always together

Fairy—shining, lightfooted, and dainty

Maedehen—Fairy's twin, who was very special to Jeanne Marie

Oliver Twist—dark red, plump, and always eager to be fed

Tiny Tim—Once the runt, but now almost as roly-poly as Oliver Twist

Crumpet—the clown, a little extra long with very short legs

Seal—quiet and thoughtful

And

Jack the Giant Killer—the loudest and the loudest of the Dachshunds, an adopted member of the family.

From the dust jacket