The Adventures of Mo follows a curious dog who finds a key in the forest and decides to go on an adventure, traveling across all 50 US states to try to return it to its owner, making new friends along the way. What sparked the idea for Mo and his cross-country adventure?

The original inspiration behind The Adventures of Mo was to honor our beloved family dog, Mozart, after we lost him to cancer. As a retired journalist/writer, I used my skills to convert my grief into a playful adventure for kids, one that turns discovery about the US–its land, people, and places–into smart fun. Mo’s focus is on learning US geography through stories, not memorization.

The book has laugh-out-loud moments alongside quieter, thoughtful ones. How did you strike that balance?

I had to unfocus so I could focus. I unfocused by talking long walks, swimming, and even vacuuming! This is when I developed story ideas along with balanced laugh-out-loud and thoughtful moments. My mind had to be clear to make room for fresh, funny ideas.

How did you decide which facts to include without making it feel like a lesson?

I dug deep into every state to uncover fun facts that kids may not learn in the classroom. That research became the backdrop for each story, creating learning opportunities for readers without them realizing it. Mo complements classroom lessons about US geography and can also prompt fun conversations around the dinner table. 

What kind of curiosity do you hope this story sparks in young readers?

To encourage readers–regardless of age–to wonder about the different people who live in this country, where they live, how they live, or simply to learn more facts about US states that might surprise them. Mo can help them imagine a world beyond their own backyard or neighborhood.  
 
 
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