Join authors as they answer kids' questions about rescue dogs, aviation, and creative storytelling. Discover the heartwarming tales behind this week's special guest's books and the inspiration drawn from real-life adventures with their beloved dogs Dexter and Zeke.

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.

Erin Murphy

Our special guest this week is Erin Murphy.  She is the author of two aviation-meets-animal-rescue books: Daring Dexter and Halfway Home. Erin introduces her books and talks about how her rescue dogs, Zeke and Dexter, inspired her writings.

Erin's books revolve around her real-life experiences with her adopted dogs. Halfway Home narrates the journey of a nervous dog rescued by airplane to an animal shelter, struggling to find the right home. Daring Dexter tells the story of a street dog adamantly refusing rescue, believing that street life is superior until he meets his new owner

An Intimate Look at Dexter

Curtis (age 5) and Noah (age 7) kick off the questions, inquiring about Dexter's past and any lasting injuries. Erin reveals that Dexter had indeed been in an accident, evident from a vivid scar on his chest and a missing toe, resulting in a limp, especially in the snow. She likens his discomfort to a brain freeze from ice cream, a relatable analogy for the young audience.

Tristan (age 6) asks about adoption, to which Erin explains the process of adopting dogs from shelters, emphasizing the responsibility that follows and how adopted pets become family members.

Laughter and Serious Discussions

Mary (age 3) lightens the mood by asking about dog toots, to which Erin confirms humorously that both her dogs are guilty, often leaving a stinky surprise. Ethan (age 8) gets a serious answer about dogs flying in airplanes: though they don't fly the plane, well-behaved dogs may step out of their crates for a peek.

Questions from the Tiger Class in the UK bring more depth. They learn that Dexter was three years old and rescued in Pennsylvania. Dexter is now five, while Zeke is seven and a half, akin to Dexter's big brother. Erin shares that vets estimate their age through dental exams, explaining the saying "long in the tooth" as an indicator of age.

Edison (age 8) asks about Dexter’s wardrobe. Erin admits dressing her dogs in clothes is more for her pleasure, supporting small businesses, even though her dogs prefer being au naturel. Snowball, another pet, seems to share this sartorial fate.

The Creative Side of Dexter

Hannah (age 7) and Ethan (age 8) pose a joint question about why Erin chose to write a book featuring her dogs. Erin recounts how her first visit to the airport for an animal rescue flight sparked her curiosity and desire to share the experience, thus integrating it into Halfway Home and later Daring Dexter.

Tristan (age 6) and Noah (age 7) inquire about Dexter's distinctive Swagger. Erin explains Swagger as a blend of appearance and confidence, likened to how kids feel in new clothes. For Dexter, his Swagger also stems from his artistic spirit and love for urban fashion.

A rapid-fire round on dog and aviation trivia follows, where Erin scores eight but misses identifying the Chow Chow as the dog with a black tongue. What matters more than her score is the enthusiastic participation and learning.

The Artistic and Piloting Journey

Mary (age 3) and Hannah (age 7) ask about Dexter’s artistic side. Erin describes "Eco art," art created using elements from nature. She relates Dexter’s creativity to this concept, as his art symbolizes his vibrant spirit.

Ethan (age 8), curious about Erin’s piloting career, learns that she started flying at 14 and got her pilot’s license at an aviation college. Her dual passion for flying and writing seamlessly interweaves through her career and books.

Balancing Roles

The Tiger Class asks about Erin’s writing timeline. She penned Halfway Home in 2022 while she was not flying, and then Daring Dexter when she was back to her usual pilot responsibilities. Edison (age 5) and Lily (age 5) ask why Dexter loves bones. Erin succinctly connects this to dogs’ ancestral wild nature and survival instincts. She humorously contrasts Dexter's voracious appetite with Zeke's picky eating habits.

Mary (age 3) queries about Zeke’s bubble-blowing habit. Erin explains the unique physical traits of boxers and Zeke’s tendency to produce bubbles when anxious or excited.

Pets on Planes and Future Plans

George wonders if he can take his dog on a plane. Erin advises on the requirements, emphasizing size and the comfort of the pet.

Hannah and Mary (age 3) ask about the multitude of cats in the rescue setups in her story. Erin explains that cats, like dogs, often end up homeless and tend to perch on elevated surfaces in urban environments.

Lorna (age 7) and her cat, Malfie, inquire about shelter cats. Erin confirms their prevalence, especially during kitten season in spring, often leading to cat-specific rescue flights.

The Tiger Class questions Erin about future pets. For now, small, joyful foster trips suffice, giving dogs a "shelter skip day" for brief yet enriching escapes.

Erin beautifully balances her roles as a pilot, an author, and a pet owner. She reveals plans for a young adult book focusing on three girls' intertwined lives, touching on aviation and animal rescue.

Conclusion 

Through this heartwarming and educational exchange, Erin Murphy, guided by Amy Doslich and Sam Howard-Els, provides valuable insights into the world of animal rescue, aviation, and the profound bond between pets and their owners.

Want to grab a copy of Daring Dexter?  You can find it here*: https://amzn.to/4bGstVe

Want to watch a read aloud of Daring Dexter?  Watch it here! https://youtu.be/aqMYWaI3HtM?si=vUiiwZoaa8PsPEYU&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