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What did we get ourselves into?
A Dog in my Yard follows a boy who must convince his parents to let him keep his dog after she causes some problems around the house. What motivated you to write a follow-up book to “No Dog in my Yard”?
Like many new puppy owners, we had no idea how much work a puppy would be. So, when Millie, our Golden Doodle, came home it was a matter of days before we said, “What did we get ourselves into?” Millie was an 8-pound tornado swirling around the house and getting into trouble. As we shared “Millie stories” with family and friends, we found everyone laughing at us, not with us. It became obvious that I had some good material for a second book. I do admit, the threat to rehome her was real, but I’m so glad we hung in there…barely.
What are some life lessons that you wanted to build into your story?
I love this question because although this is a children’s book, many lessons can apply to children and adults alike. Jonathan, the boy in the book, puts his negotiating skills to the test in his attempt to save Millie from being rehomed. He looks for the positive when things get difficult and sees the good in something he loves so much. With patience and not giving up so quickly, the parents recognize that in time, their new addition is the definition of unconditional love.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun creating?
The scene that was the most fun to create with my illustrator, Jim Pearson, was when Jonathan questions if Millie has put his parents under a spell. On one page, the parents are in a comical trance which signifies a transformation. They’ve gone from frustration and threatening to rehome to the next page – talking so sweetly to Millie and sneaking her treats. Jim was so creative in bringing the entire story to life, but these pages in particular were fun to develop.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I hope readers not only consider the lessons mentioned earlier (look for the positive, see the good in others, have patience, and don’t give up) if they own a pet, but apply the same life lessons with classmates, neighbors, and/or siblings.
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Millie has turned the house upside down!! She chews holes in Jonathan’s undies, interrupts meetings, leaves “surprises” around the house, and so much more! When there is talk of re-homing Millie, Jonathan puts his problem-solving skills to the test and builds a case to keep her. Can he convince his parents to see the good in something he loves unconditionally?
A Dog in my Yard is a follow-up to the heartwarming and hilarious children’s book, No Dog in my Yard. Whether you have a dog or not, both books in the series are a fun read for children, parents, and teachers and promote skills that will be used for a lifetime!
A Dog in my Yard
Johnathan loves having his dog Millie around, but when she starts chewing up things, potty’s on the floor, and interrupts meetings, his parents think about finding the golden doodle a new home. Johnathan sets out to build a case for keeping the puppy. Through his efforts, readers learn that there is so much value and love that comes from having a dog in the house.
A Dog in my Yard is a vibrant and amusing children’s book that educates readers on the challenges of owning a puppy, like needing to take them for a walk, rain or shine. It also shows them all the wonderful things that come with having a dog in the family, like health, friends, and love. Young readers will learn all the little quirks puppies have, and Millie specifically, through fun and flowing rhyme.
Each page is beautifully illustrated with vibrant artwork that will capture every child’s attention. This will be a great picture book to read to toddlers or kindergarteners because they will love seeing Millie on the page as the story is read to them. I surely loved seeing all the different adorable dogs throughout the book, and I especially loved seeing Millie in different funny situations. And if you own a puppy, you’ll find this story relatable.
A Dog in my Yard follows a charming little boy and his rambunctious puppy and teaches valuable life skills along the way. This entertaining kids’ book is highly recommended as a fun bedtime story or as a teaching tool to inspire conversation about the responsibilities that come with having a puppy in the family.
Pages: 40 | ASIN: B0BLFKCM3C
LITERARY TITAN 