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Connections to Real-World Experiences
No Dog Food, Please! follows a Labrador Retriever as he transitions from city life to a rural farm, aiming to adapt to his new environment while navigating the challenges of family dynamics and seeking acceptance. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for this story was our dog Chipper, a Maltese Poodle (Malti-doodle) who preferred what we were eating to dog food. We learned how to balance what he wanted with what was good for him. No Dog Food, Please! began as a poem about his dietary preferences. It evolved into a book over a period of years.
What inspired you to choose a Labrador Retriever as the protagonist in No Dog Food, Please!?
I have been intrigued by the ability of various dogs to work with humans for many years – as police dogs and guide dogs for the blind, for example. It’s incredible but true that some dogs can even be trained to smell certain types of cancer in humans. Besides being increasingly amazed by what dogs can be taught to do, I have always enjoyed being around animals. My husband is an animal lover as well, and we took our son to visit several farms when he was younger. Getting back to your question…Labrador Retrievers are intelligent, friendly animals. I knew that a Lab would fit in nicely with a story revolving around active farm children and the adults in their lives. The more I worked on the book, the more I found humorous ways to contrast the boisterous nature of the dog with Grumpy Grandpa’s old-fashioned ways.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
When I was a kid, I liked reading funny stories that also had connections to real-world experiences. As an adult, I enjoy writing books that are humorous and can potentially help children solve problems in their lives. In the case of this book, the problems centered around differences of opinion in a multigenerational family. Also, in No Dog Food, Please! I enjoyed creating parallel adoption stories focusing on Jack and the youngest child, Ben, who developed a strong bond, and exploring how the rest of the family had to adjust their lives following the adoptions. I worked on this book in my spare time for a few years, adding scenes as I thought of them, and then weaving everything together.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have completed my first children’s picture book, which I expect to publish later this year. The protagonist is also an animal, but one that is much smaller than a dog. In addition to pursuing my writing interests, I’m fortunate to be part of a great group of writers called Author Reader Connection. We have begun to do virtual author visits at schools. In February of this year, we spent a week with some talented students and their teacher in Maui, Hawaii. Working in groups or individually, the students were given the choice to write and publish a picture book, a comic book, or a poetry book. Here’s a link to a poetry book created by a group of those students. Rising From the Ashes: Our Stories of Lahaina – A Poetry Collection. All of the poets and artists featured in this book are from Lahaina, several of whom were displaced by the Lahai…
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No Dog Food, Please!
Linda Costarella’s No Dog Food, Please! is a charming children’s novel that explores themes of adjustment, family dynamics, and the special bond between animals and humans. The story, seen through the eyes of Jack, a Labrador Retriever, transitions from city life to rural farm living, offering an engaging contrast for young readers.
The opening chapter, “I’ve Been Moved,” skillfully introduces readers to the family dynamics, highlighting the differing attitudes of the stern grandfather and the more understanding grandmother. As the story progresses, the focus shifts to Jack’s day-to-day farm experiences, presenting a thoughtful exploration of his adjustment process and the family’s life, including their market activities and the grandfather’s traditional views on animals. This portion of the book paints a vivid picture of Jack’s world, lending authenticity to the setting.
The narrative then moves to explore Jack’s interactions with the children, offering a delightful contrast to the grandfather’s views and underscoring the generational differences in perceiving pets. These episodes are particularly effective in showcasing the growing bond between Jack and the children, infusing the story with warmth. The novel revisits Jack’s past, giving readers a poignant glimpse into the events that led to his relocation. This backstory enriches the narrative by providing deeper insight into Jack’s character and emotions.
One thing I particularly enjoyed about this book is the depiction of a family birthday party, which serves as a pivotal moment in illustrating the family dynamics and the affectionate relationship between the children and Jack. This festive element adds wonderful depth to the narrative. The novel culminates in a storyline focused on Jack’s distaste for dog food and his connection with Ben, a child who sympathizes with him. This aspect not only adds a touch of relatability for young readers but also underscores themes of understanding and acceptance within the family amidst adult apprehensions.
No Dog Food, Please! is a delightful and heartwarming tale that expertly captures the nuances of change and the sense of belonging. Costarella’s storytelling has a particular resonance with children, reflecting their experiences of adapting to new environments. The book’s accessible narrative and relatable themes make it an appealing choice for young readers, especially those fond of animal stories.
Pages: 333 | ASIN: B0CJR3G4FM
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