Houdini Saves the Farm follows a magical dog who, after the farmer is injured and animals begin vanishing, sets out to find the cause. What was the inspiration for your story?

The inspiration for this story comes from our real dog, Houdini. My fiancé adopted him when he was just ten weeks old after seeing a video showcasing his engaging and playful nature. Since joining our family, Houdini has certainly lived up to his name. One moment, he’s right by your side, and the next, he seems to have vanished. We once bought him a lightweight pop-up dog house, but instead of using it to sleep, he would flip it over and roll through the house like a hamster in a wheel. Houdini also enjoys quietly watching the neighbors, other dogs, and people passing by, never barking or revealing his spot, simply observing the world around him. With his adorable looks and vibrant personality, Houdini truly feels magical to us. I wanted to share that sense of magic—the “larger than life” quality—with young readers in a colorful, educational, and entertaining way. Being from the Midwest, it felt natural to set the first story in the series on a farm.

Houdini’s early trait becomes key to solving the mystery. How important is it for you to show children how actions and abilities connect to outcomes?

By paying attention to the world around you, it’s possible to discover ways your own talents can help others. In Houdini’s case, he cleverly disguised himself by covering himself in mud and then shorn wool, allowing him to blend in with the sheep in anticipation of their abduction. Through this clever camouflage, he was able to locate the missing animals and escape to alert the farmer and rancher. His actions led directly to the safe return of the animals and the capture of the outlaws responsible for their disappearance.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

The book explores several important themes, including the value of observation, the significance of using your unique strengths to help others, and the importance of resourcefulness and courage when facing challenges.

At its heart, the story is about a dog protecting his home. What message did you most want children to take away?

The message I hope children take away is that everyone has something special to offer, and by using your abilities thoughtfully and bravely, you can make a meaningful difference in the world around you.