Blog Archives
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.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
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
The New Addition To Our Family
No Dog in my Yard follows a young boy who wants a dog more than anything and does what he has to in order to prove to his parents he is ready for a pet. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for No Dog in my Yard was my son, Jonathan. He begged and begged for a dog for ten years. He reminded us daily of dogs in every yard but his own. Though my husband and I love animals, with both of us working, our son in school, we enjoy traveling, etc., there never seemed to be an ideal time to get a pet and give it the time and attention it deserves. We hoped Jonathan would get his “dog fix” by playing with all the neighborhood dogs. It only made his desire to have one of his own even greater. We also repeatedly said no to a dog because Jonathan needed to take his responsibilities at home and school more seriously and prove he was ready to care for a pet. When the pandemic hit, I started to work from home, Jonathan was learning from home and doing well with his chores. Every excuse I had for not getting a dog went out the window. So, Millie is the new addition to our family. The transition from no dog to a dog led me to write a second book – A Dog in my Yard.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Jim Pearson?
I couldn’t agree more that the art is fantastic! Jim is an absolute pro with an impressive background. He worked at Pixar Studios on the movies Toy Story 2, Finding Nemo, and The Ant Bully and went on to work at the Cartoon Network. Though No Dog in my Yard is Jim’s first children’s book, his experiences and talent truly brought the story to life. I gave Jim the story, pictures of all ten dogs, Jonathan, and a handful of adults, and the sketching began. His creativity, level of detail, and humor are apparent on every page of the book. Throughout the project, we found a really nice balance. Jim did what he does best, but he always asked my opinion and was open to suggestions. I knew it was important to him that I be completely happy with every illustration. With No Dog in my Yard my first book too, we learned a tremendous amount from each other and ultimately formed a great partnership and friendship.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
What’s most important for me to share in No Dog in my Yard are important life lessons told in a comical way that any child, parent, or educator can relate to and enjoy. I want readers to substitute a dog for anything children are asking for like video games, phones, toys, etc. The lessons for children include working hard for what they want, persevering, being responsible, making good decisions, and saving money they’ve earned. I want to share adorable characters and playful illustrations, so children laugh, learn, and want to read more.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next book is A Dog in my Yard and will be available on November 6, 2022. The adventures of Jonathan, Millie, and more neighborhood dogs continue. Who knew having a puppy would turn our house upside down? So, the many discussions to re-home Millie and Jonathan’s plea to save her were real. I applied the same principles of laughter and learning and hope all readers will enjoy the next book in the series. And I’m happy to say that Jim was back for book #2 with more stunning illustrations!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook
This playfully illustrated and comical story follows Jonathan and his nine furry friends around the neighborhood as they plan and scheme to get Jonathan a dog of his own. But it is more than a story about a boy wanting a dog. Told from Jonathan’s perspective, children, parents, and teachers alike will laugh aloud as Jonathan’s plans shift from relentless begging to taking initiative, setting goals, persevering through challenges, and proving he is responsible.
No Dog in my Yard
What is the one question parents dread to hear the most? The answer is, can we get a dog? No Dog in my Yard by Tricia DellAnno follows a young boy on his quest to prove to his parents he is deserving of a dog.
It begins with him showing how much love and attention he spends on the neighbor’s dogs, dropping hints left and right to his parents about how awesome they are in hopes that his parents will come to the realization that getting a dog is a perfect idea. His insistence is shut down in one failed swoop leaving the boy with no other choice; he knows what he must do. That is to begin by cleaning his room.
This is a sweet rhyming story about this young boy who goes above and beyond to get his parent’s approval to finally own a dog. I felt his desperation with every turn of the page. I love how the author was able to encapsulate the feeling of the time when we were all children and the longing for a furry companion. At first, I was worried the main character would only clean his room once, and his parents would get the dog, but in fact, they had him prove himself time and time again to show true consistency, maturity, and responsibility. All the key ingredients to a good dog owner.
No Dog in my Yard is a beautifully written children’s picture book that teaches kids about responsibility and honoring their promises. This is the perfect book for any family going through this phase to educate children on what animals require to live happy and healthy lives.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B09XTMY77Y
LITERARY TITAN 