Bedtime Book
Local Author to Sign Pup-themed Story that Delights Children and Pets Alike
By Amy Morgan
Many families hold cherished memories of sharing bedtime stories with their children. But have you ever thought of tucking in your pup with a tale? Good Night Cookies, written by Texas author John J. O’Reilly, grew out of his experience telling a nightly story to his Golden Retriever, Grace Kelly, and her trusty sidekick, Mr. Mischief, a dapper black and white cat.
Based on the true adventures of Grace Kelly as a pup, Good Night Cookies delights both children and pets alike. John recounts how Grace Kelly figured out how to unzip her kennel and cruise the house on a mid-night hunt for her favorite cookie treats. Grace’s human mom, Susan, was surprised in the morning to find the cuddly pup snuggled up in a ball in her bed rather than in the kennel where she had been left.
“Good Night Cookies is a true story that celebrates the special connection between a family and their furry companions. Reading to pets and other animals, even favorite toy ones, can be a delightful experience for both readers and their fluffy dedicated listeners,” John wrote.
Although Grace Kelly has now passed over the rainbow bridge, John still enjoys reading about her antics to his current dog, Annabella, who has had her own share of puppy adventures. John will be signing Good Night Cookies in person at the Twig book shop at the Pearl on December 20 from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. It will be a great time to meet John and stock up on some personally autographed copies. Who doesn’t love a signed book to add to a special collection?
If you are unable to meet John, you can order signed books online through his account, https://authorjohnjoreillybookstore.com/. Make sure to order by December 12 to ensure delivery before Christmas.
John describes himself as “a kid at heart” who enjoys children’s books and reading. He began making up stories to tell his son, Connor, and daughter, Siobhan, when they were small. When the now 20-somethings no longer needed dad’s narratives to help them sleep at night, John naturally turned his efforts toward his beloved pets. His kids urged him to write down his stories and encouraged him to publish. John said he was inspired by the venerable Dr. Seuss, who grew up just around the corner from John on Mulberry Street in Springfield, Massachusetts.
When John decided to make his tales more permanent, he sought advice from Susan (who founded Silverlight Press) as well as experienced educators and friends who helped him make sure the wording and style were age appropriate. Susan connected him with illustrator Daryn Rowley, who took special care to convey John, Susan, Mr. Mischief and especially Grace Kelly’s facial expressions and match their actual physical appearance. John sent Daryn hundreds of pup pictures to ensure Grace’s golden hair feathered just right. “I think the kids deserve to ‘feel Gracie’s fur’ wafting in the breeze,” Daryn said.
John also learned how valuable the experience of reading
aloud is to children who are developing their skills. Many find reading to a dog to be the key that removes anxiety and unlocks a life-long love of learning. The first organization to recognize the power and benefits of children reading to dogs was the Reading Assistance Dog Program (READ) founded in Salt Lake City. The program has grown since 1999 to include more than 3500 registered therapy dog teams serving as literacy mentors worldwide.
“Good Night Cookies is more than a bedtime story perfect for a pre-sleep ritual or family tradition of love. The author hopes it also encourages and supports reading therapy dog programs that help children overcome personal, developmental, and educational challenges - all through furry camaraderie!” John has pledged to donate 10% of the proceeds of Good Night Cookies to therapy dog reading programs across the country in honor of his mother, an avid reader who taught children with learning disabilities.
“Reading can be done by a child to a loving pet not only for the joy of companionship, but also for the improvement in oral reading skills. As the mantra for school reading states…’Good Readers Reread.’ A pet, whether living or stuffed, is a safe listener and a constant encouragement to the child to just sound out that word and there is no rush. It’s great confidence building with a devoted listener…a loving pet!” said Maureen Winseck, Ed.D. a school psychologist and teacher with more than four decades of experience.
Patricia Clark, a 25-year library media specialist, also endorsed Good Night Cookies, saying, “Shared stories and experiences are vital to a child’s emotional development. A bedtime routine can be reassuring and self-affirming.” She donated a copy to her elementary school in Somers, Connecticut, for the students to enjoy. Why not emulate her generous gesture and gift one to your local elementary school library!
