Best Dog Books for Kids welcomes Rob Sayegh Jr.! Our blog features interviews with authors who’ve written a canine story for kids or young adults. Rob Sayegh Jr. is here to talk about LOVE TAILS which is a picture book published by Cameron Kids for kids aged 3-5.
About your Best Dog Book
Who is your key dog character(s) and what kind of dog is he/she?
LOVE TAILS celebrates all dogs, so there is not one individual protagonist but a variety of dogs shown throughout the book.
What is your dog book about?
LOVE TAILS takes the silliness of how dogs introduce themselves to one another by sniffing each other’s behind to show that every dog or human has their own take when you see them. Everyone’s tale may be different, but every “tail” is capable and full of love, no matter the tale.
About the Writing Process
What was the biggest challenge you had writing your dog book? How did you overcome it?
While writing the manuscript, the biggest challenge was bringing the words and pictures to be as simple as possible. LOVE TAILS is a book for a very young reader, and with any manuscript, I think simplifying your text is one of the most important jobs of an author for children’s picture books.
What kind of story can readers expect next from you? Is it about a dog? If so, what can you tell us about it?
The next book that I worked on is ARLO DRAWS AN OCTOPUS, written by Lori Mortensen and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers. It debuts on May 4, 2021
Can you remember the first book that made an impact on you? Why?
BUNNICULA by Deborah and James Howe. I just thought it was the funniest story, but I also loved the Harold the dog and Chester the cat really made the book special due to their animal point of view.
What is your favorite dog book? Why?
HARRY THE DIRTY DOG by Gene Zion. I always find it to be so charming whenever I read it. I personally think that when authors take something that everyone knows about (i.e., dogs hating bath time) and turn that concept around to a humorous one-of-a-kind story, it makes that story not only immediately relatable but also that much more memorable to the reader.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Simplifying manuscripts is crucial, but it does not mean dumbing down your story. Simplifying is taking the complex and making it as straightforward as possible. Children understand complex things, but it is how we as authors explain and write about concepts that leave a lasting impression.
About the Author
If you’d like to learn more about Rob Sayegh Jr., you can check out the author’s website or follow the author on Facebook or twitter or instagram . You can also find book reviews from KIRKUS.
Thank you Rob Sayegh Jr. for joining us at Best Dog Books. We look forward to reading your dog book!
Dog Book Resources
For other great books about dogs, check out 101 Best Dog Books for Kids.
For traditionally published authors, check out our Best Dog Book Medal writing contest.
