Doggie Detectives: Kids Interview Author Papa Paws
Doggie Detectives: Kids Interview Author Papa Paws
Join the fun with The Every Day Adventures of Papa & Paws' Doggie Detectives! Kids read the story, ask questions, and learn about the author, his dogs, and the mystery behind the toys.
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, we have a read aloud of the book, and then children who have read the book in advance have sent in their questions for the author. The author then answers these questions 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.
Joining Amy and Sam in this episode is Nick the author behind the Doggie Detectives series—though you might know him better as Papa Paws! This is one of the books in the series, and there are 11 other books in the series to enjoy. Nick is joined by his wife Ellen (Mama Paws), who helps edit each story and brainstorm new ideas to keep the pups clever, the clues fun, and the readers guessing.
The adventure begins with a relatable dilemma: another toy has gone missing, making it the fifth toy to disappear that week. For the puppy protagonist, this is a crisis—how can a puppy sleep without their favorite toy? The stage is set for a classic whodunit, but with a canine twist.
The puppy and their friends don their detective hats, determined to solve the mystery. The suspects? Everyone from the mysterious "butler" (who turns out to be Mama) to Robbie the Cardinal, Sally the racoon, and even Timmy the squirrel. Clues are gathered—a pile of peanuts, a squeaky toy, and the scent of guilt. The investigation is filled with humor, teamwork, and the kind of logic only a group of determined dogs could muster.
After following the trail of clues, the doggie detectives discover that Timmy the squirrel is behind the missing toys. Timmy confesses: she was lonely and the toys looked like fun. Instead of anger, the dogs respond with kindness, offering to teach Timmy how to share. The mystery is solved, a new friend is made, and the day ends with a sense of accomplishment and joy.
The story is more than just a mystery; it’s a lesson in empathy, forgiveness, and the importance of friendship. The dogs’ willingness to forgive Timmy and include her in their playtime is a gentle reminder to young readers about the value of understanding and kindness.
The characters in the books are inspired by the couple’s own dogs—each with their own personalities and favorite toys. The stories are rooted in real-life experiences, from the dogs’ playful antics to their interactions with neighborhood animals like squirrels and birds.
Nick and Ellen’s home is a haven for rescue dogs, and their love for their pets shines through in every page of their books. The fictional town of Poochieville, where the stories are set, is a playful nod to their real-life home in Ohio.
One of the most delightful aspects of the event is the segment where kids get to ask the author their questions. The questions range from practical to imaginative, and Nick’s answers offer a window into the creative process behind the books.
Q: Which toy is the favorite of all the dogs?
Nick explains that each dog has a favorite toy, both in the books and in real life. Macy loves her unicorn, Harley has a pink ducky, Marley cherishes a little bear, Mia adores her pengy, and Molly’s favorite is a stuffed wolf. In reality, the dogs’ preferences can change daily, and sometimes all the dogs want the same toy, leading to playful squabbles.
Q: How do the dogs know about detectives?
The answer is simple: the dogs’ human family loves mystery stories, especially classics like Scooby-Doo. The influence of these stories seeps into the dogs’ imaginary world, inspiring their detective adventures.
Music, Snacks, and Detective Skills
Q: If the dogs had a theme song, what would it sound like?
While there isn’t an official theme song, Nick shares a playful tune they sing when it’s time for the dogs to "guard the house." The song is whimsical and sets the mood for adventure.
Q: Do you like peanuts? What’s your favorite snack?
Nick admits that peanuts aren’t his favorite—he prefers Doritos or chocolate chip cookies. The dogs, however, are big fans of peanut butter and string cheese.
Q: Could the dogs solve a mystery without using their noses?
Nick is quick to point out that a dog’s nose is essential for detective work. Without their sense of smell, solving mysteries would be much harder, though a magnifying glass and detective hat might help!
Real-Life Connections
Q: Is the story based on real life and your pets?
Absolutely. The stories are inspired by the real dogs in Nick and Ellen’s life, their love of mysteries, and even specific events—like a memorable encounter between Marley and a squirrel on the patio.
Q: How many dogs do you have?
Over the years, they’ve had seven dogs, though currently, they have two. Each dog has left a paw print on their hearts and in the pages of their books.
Imagination and Teamwork
Q: What would happen if the pups didn’t work together?
Teamwork is essential. Each dog brings unique skills—some are better sniffers, others have sharper ears. Solving mysteries requires communication and collaboration, a lesson that resonates beyond the pages of the book.
Q: What if a cat joined the detective team?
Nick welcomes the idea, saying a cat would fit right in and become part of the family. The detective crew is always open to new members, especially if a new mystery arises.
To add a dash of excitement, the author participates in a rapid-fire round of detective-themed questions. From naming tools of the trade (magnifying glass) to making the classic "Aha!" sound when a clue is found, the segment is both educational and entertaining. It’s a playful reminder that detective work is as much about curiosity and observation as it is about having fun.
Nick emphasizes the importance of writing about what you love and know. As lifelong dog lovers, he and Ellen find endless inspiration in their pets’ daily adventures. Their stories are a celebration of the joy, chaos, and love that dogs bring into a home.
The couple’s commitment to pet rescue is woven into their lives and stories. Many of their dogs were adopted from local rescues, and they encourage others to support these organizations. The message is clear: every dog deserves a loving home, and every home is richer for having a dog.
At its heart, "Doggie Detectives" is about working together, embracing differences, and welcoming new friends. Whether it’s forgiving a lonely squirrel or imagining a cat joining the detective team, the stories model empathy, inclusion, and the belief that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
"Doggie Detectives" is more than a charming mystery—it’s a celebration of family, friendship, and the boundless imagination of children and their pets. Through the eyes of the doggie detectives, readers learn about empathy, teamwork, and the joy of solving problems together.
The event’s unique format, blending storytime with interactive Q&A, brings the world of children’s literature to life in a way that is engaging, educational, and deeply human. It’s a reminder that stories are not just something we read—they are something we live, share, and create together.
So, whether you’re a young reader, a parent, or an aspiring author, take a page from the doggie detectives: put on your detective hat, follow the clues, and never stop asking questions. The next great adventure might be just around the corner—or waiting for you in the pages of a book.
Happy reading, and may your next mystery be as delightful as a day spent with doggie detectives!
Want to grab a copy of "Doggie Detectives?" You can find it here: https://amzn.to/456YoLk
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Sam - Mungo series & Tiny Boo*: https://amzn.to/3CBx9OF
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