Two Pups. Two Worlds. Endless Adventures.
Meet Dahlia & Trixie—the real-life pups behind two children's book series filled with mystery, imagination, friendship, and heart.
Sail the seas with Pirate Pups Treasure Adventures
Solve mysteries through historic St. Augustine with Barkside
Our books
Explore two exciting worlds of adventure with Dahlia & Trixie! From treasure-filled journeys across mysterious seas to curious cases through historic St. Augustine, these lovable pups are always ready for their next adventure. Filled with mystery, friendship, courage, and plenty of tail-wagging fun, each story is created to spark young imaginations and inspire a love of reading.
Pirate Pups Book 1: Boneyard Sea's Treasure Adventure
Set sail on the first Pirate Pups adventure! Captain Dahlia and Captain Trixie Blue Eyes embark on a swashbuckling quest across mysterious seas to uncover buried treasure. This beautifully illustrated Florida children's picture book blends pirate fun with heartwarming lessons about friendship, bravery, and teamwork — perfect for young readers ages 4–6.
BARKSIDE — A ST. AUGUSTINE TAIL SERIES
Barkside: The Case of the Missing Squirrel
The Barkside detective duo is back! When a beloved squirrel vanishes from a St. Augustine park, Dahlia and Trixie team up to crack the case, following clues through the charm of the Nation's Oldest City. A richly illustrated children's mystery blending real Florida landmarks with humor, heart, and teamwork — perfect for grades K–3.
Pirate Pups Book 2: Bark to Atlantis
The Pirate Pups are back for their second tail-wagging adventure! Captain Dahlia and Trixie dive into a world of shimmering underwater kingdoms as they explore the legendary Barklantis. Full of vibrant illustrations and positive messages about courage and curiosity, this children's picture book is ideal for young dog lovers and aspiring adventurers.
BARKSIDE — A ST. AUGUSTINE TAIL SERIES
Barkside: Ghostly Growls at the Lighthouse
On a deeply foggy night in St. Augustine — the Nation's Oldest City — the Barkside detective duo sets out to solve a spooky mystery at the iconic St. Augustine Lighthouse. Dahlia, a sleek and clever rescue dog, and her partner search for the missing Captain Whiskers while ghostly growls echo through the mist. A beautifully illustrated children's mystery book set in a real Florida landmark, perfect for grades K–3.
Pirate Pups Book 3: Siren's Song of Barklantis
Captain Dahlia and Trixie return to the enchanted depths of Barklantis in this third Pirate Pups adventure! New friends, magical sirens, and even bigger discoveries await in this vibrant children's picture book. A perfect read-aloud for families who love imaginative stories filled with heart, humor, and high-seas wonder.
BARKSIDE — A ST. AUGUSTINE TAIL SERIES
Barkside: The Rhythm of the Matanzas
Dahlia and Trixie are back on the cobblestone streets of St. Augustine! In this second Barkside mystery, the detective duo navigates the fog along the Matanzas River in search of answers, courage, and a badge of honor. Set against the backdrop of real St. Augustine landmarks including the Castillo de San Marcos, this richly illustrated children's picture book blends local history with heart-pounding adventure for grades K–3. Created lovingly with dyslexia friendly fonts.
Pirate Pups Book 4: Grinstripe and the Golden Acorn of Howlpango Isle
Adventure leads to Howlpango Isle in the fourth Pirate Pups tale! Captain Dahlia and Trixie face their most thrilling quest yet alongside the mysterious Grinstripe. This action-packed children's picture book is packed with imaginative illustrations and unforgettable characters — a treasure for every young adventurer's bookshelf.
BARKSIDE — A ST. AUGUSTINE TAIL SERIES
Barkside: The Case of the Cookie Crumbs
It's Nights of Lights in Palencia, and No Shelf Control is throwing open its doors for one extra-special evening! Dahlia and Trixie trade their usual detective work for cozy cider and cookies — but a trail of sparkly ribbon and a suspiciously still bookshop cat named Edgar prove that trouble (and mischief) is never far behind. A festive, giggle-worthy addition to the Barkside series, blending real St. Augustine holiday charm with a cookie-crumb mystery perfect for grades K–3.
Pirate Pups Book 4 Coloring Adventure: Grinstripe and the Golden Acorn of Howlpango Isle
Part storybook, part creative canvas — this one-of-a-kind coloring adventure lets young readers bring the magic of Howlpango Isle to life in their own colors! Revisit the beloved Grinstripe tale while developing creativity and fine motor skills. A wonderful activity book for kids who love the Pirate Pups series.
About the author
Trish Crouse writes from St. Augustine, Florida — the Nation's Oldest City, and the real backdrop for every Barkside mystery. Her stories started the way the best ones usually do: with a walk. Most weeks, you'll find her downtown with her husband Scott and two dogs, Dahlia (a fluffy black rescue) and Trixie (Pomsky with striking blue eyes), tracing the same cobblestone streets, lighthouse grounds, and riverside paths that Dahlia and Trixie Blue Eyes explore in the books.
Dahlia and Trixie aren't just characters — they're the real dogs beside her, and their adventures (ghostly lighthouse mysteries, treasure hunts, a missing town squirrel) grew out of actual days spent together in this small coastal city. Real shops, real friends, and real landmarks all find their way into the pages, which is why so many young St. Augustine readers recognize their own hometown in these stories.
Trish is a self-published author-illustrator, writing and illustrating every book herself. Beyond the page, she's active in her community, bringing the same spirit of adventure, kindness, and teamwork that runs through every Pirate Pups and Barkside tale.
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"My kids absolutely love the Pirate Pups Treasure Adventures series! The stories are engaging, and the illustrations are fantastic. We can't wait for the next book!"
Sarah M.
"As a teacher, I highly recommend these books for young readers. They're filled with positive messages and encourage imagination and creativity. A great addition to any classroom library!"
Mr. Henderson
"My son is obsessed with pirates, so these books were a huge hit! He loves following the Pirate Pups on their treasure hunts and learning about teamwork and friendship along the way."
Jessica L.
