Dirt Dog Invites Prissy Poodle to the Prom is a sweet tale of a little dog who runs into one messy obstacle after another on his way to impress his Paw Party prom date. Where did the idea behind this story come from?

The idea originated with my husband and our silver Lab. One evening, they came home from hunting and tracked mud and dirt all over my freshly cleaned floors. Being a bit of a clean freak, I fussed about it—lightheartedly, of course. My husband laughed and said, “I guess we’re just Dirt Dog and the Nasty.”

We both laughed, and I immediately thought, There’s a story here. A few days later, I sat down to write Dirt Dog Invites Prissy Poodle to the Prom, and the story flowed faster than I could type.

What makes it even more interesting is that I had never planned to write children’s books. At the time, I was working on several other writing projects. Those have now been put on hold while I focus on the Dirt Dog and Friends series, along with activity books and audiobooks that will be available in Fall 2026.

What do you think children will identify with most in Dirt Dog’s experience?

I think many children will identify with the fear of rejection or being called names. At the same time, I hope they see the value of kindness, helping others, and persevering through challenges while always doing their best.

Most of all, I hope children come away understanding that their worth is not based on their appearance. Through the lesson included at the end of the book, I hope they learn that God sees their value through the kindness and love they show to others.

How do you approach incorporating faith into a children’s story in a way that feels natural and accessible?

I believe it’s important to let children first enjoy the story and connect with the characters. Afterward, parents, teachers, or caregivers can use the discussion questions and lessons to help reinforce the book’s themes. In some cases, questions can even be asked before reading to encourage children to think about their own experiences related to the story.

I never want my books to feel preachy or pushy. My goal is for Dirt Dog and Friends to help build godly character through stories that children can relate to. In books three and four, planned for 2027, I will again include Scripture and lessons that support themes such as welcoming others, teamwork, humility, and sharing.

What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?

Tiny Tot Tiger Says Happy Birthday, America! is the second book in the Dirt Dog and Friends series and was released in June. In this book, I introduce young readers to the meaning of patriotism, the branches of the U.S. military, and the freedoms Americans enjoy. The story also reflects the belief that our freedoms are God-given and that America is “one nation under God.”

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