Join authors as they answer kids' questions about the book 'Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion.' Discover the inspiration behind the story, the characters, and the message of inclusion. Dive into a world where every creature belongs and celebrates together.

Introduction

Welcome back to "Kids Ask, Authors Answer," a delightful series where we bring together curious kids and talented children's book authors for a fun and engaging session. In each episode, children who have read a specific book send in their questions for the author, who answers them on the spot, without prior knowledge of what the questions are. This creates a spontaneous and often entertaining interaction that reveals more about the creative minds behind beloved children's books.  Your kids can join in on the next episode too! There is information on how to participate at the end.  

Meet the Authors

Amy Doslich and Samantha (Sam) Howard-Els

The show is hosted by Amy Doslich and Sam Howard-Els, both accomplished children's book authors. Amy Doslich is known for the "Hannah Banana and Mary Berry" series, while Samantha Howard-Els is recognized for her "Mungo" series and "Tiny Boo Halloween" book. Together, they create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where authors share insights and anecdotes, answering the questions sent in by their young fans.

Rita Reed

Joining Amy and Sam in this episode is Rita Reed, the author of Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion which is part of the Dogfish tales.  Rita was inspired by her dad as well as a dream that she had which is where Dogfish came to life.

Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion

Rita Reed introduces her book, "Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion," which revolves around the theme of inclusion and belonging. The story is about Dogfish, who meets different friends in the ocean and swims to Wally the whale shark's birthday party in Los Cabos, Mexico. Among the partygoers is Ollie the octopus, who is very shy. Despite his initial hesitation, Ollie eventually joins the fun, exemplifying the book's theme that everyone belongs.

Engaging with Curious Minds

The heart of the episode lies in the array of questions posed by kids who have read the book. Their inquiries range from the whimsical to the profound, often providing a glimpse into their creative and inquisitive minds.

Hannah, Age 7

Hannah asks why the house in the book is so small and lacks a kitchen. Rita responds that the characters prioritize the environment and have snacks tucked under their beds, possibly hinting at a communal kitchen area.

Tilly, Age 7

Tilly wonders why mermaids weren't invited to the party. Rita humorously assures her that mermaids are magical and are always around, even if they are not always visible. They might appear in future books.

Ethan, Age 8

Ethan's curiosity leads him to ask why the story focuses on sea animals. Rita reveals that her inspiration came from her father, an accomplished scuba diver. His captivating stories about ocean life sparked her imagination and influenced her writing.

Mary, Age 3

Mary is curious about Dogfish's birthday. Rita shares that Dogfish’s birthday is on March 26th, which coincidentally is also her son's birthday.

Edison, Age 8

Edison asks why a snail was chosen as the mailman. Rita explains that it's a clever nod to "snail mail," signifying slow delivery. She highlights the fun and creativity involved in her story development.

Charlotte, Age 7

Charlotte is interested in how the angelfish's hearing aids work underwater. Rita attributes it to fish technology and a bit of magic, reflecting the whimsical nature of her stories.

Lorna, Age 7

Lorna queries about food being prepared underwater, which leads to an amusing exchange about the magical elements of cooking in the Dogfish world.

Rapid Fire Fun

To add a playful twist, Amy and Sam introduce a rapid-fire segment where Rita answers questions about sea creatures. This light-hearted interlude allows Rita to showcase her knowledge of ocean life in a lively manner.

Back to the Kids Quesitons

After the quick rapid fire round, the authors get back to the kids questions.

Grace, Age 6

Grace asks if Rita ever felt left out as a child. Rita shares her experiences of being different and how it taught her resilience and self-confidence. This candid response underscores the importance of the themes in her book.

Edison, Age 8

Edison wonders what Rita’s favorite food is and whether she would eat the snacks in the book. Rita humorously discusses how the bugs in the story would need to be candy for her to enjoy them.

Lorna, Age 7

Lorna questions the absence of parents at the party. Rita assures her that parents are always around, just not always in the frame, ensuring safety and supervision..

Edison, Age 8

Edison asks why Wally's birthday present is his friends. Rita beautifully explains that true friends are the best gift anyone can have, emphasizing the book’s message of inclusion.

The Future of Dogfish

Before concluding, Rita discusses her future plans.

Upcoming Books

Rita hints at an upcoming Dogfish book set in Hawaii, where Dogfish visits his cousin, a monk seal. This teaser leaves young readers eager for more adventures.

Conclusion 

In summary, "Kids Ask Authors Answer" is a wonderful initiative that connects young readers with the creative minds behind their favorite stories. Through humorous, heartfelt, and insightful exchanges, authors like Amy Doslich, Sam Howard-Els, and Rita Reed inspire a new generation of readers and writers, emphasizing the values of inclusion, friendship, and the magic of storytelling.

Want to grab a copy of Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion?  You can find it here*: https://amzn.to/4lwJaH2

Want to watch a read aloud of Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion?  Watch it here! https://youtu.be/UiN8ibJVR-Y&list=PLTquYiEn6uVq6zQLQPjx-C-cd3fHoeS10

You can also find Amy and Sam's books here:

Amy - Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series*: https://amzn.to/4eLoZ3G

Sam - Mungo series & Tiny Boo*: https://amzn.to/3CBx9OF

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Want your kid to participate in the next episode? Make sure you are subscribed to our YouTube channel to see who the next author coming soon is, read their book (always a free option!), and then send your questions to KidsAskAuthors@yahoo.com.

*These are affiliate links. If you happen to buy anything on Amazon through this link, it won't cost you any extra, and I will get a small amount! Thank you for your support! :D