By Connect Staff • Photos Courtesy Donna Drehmann
You know the phrase about teaching an old dog a new trick, yet in the new children’s book “Things Lady Likes,” a senior dog named Lady teaches young readers a variety of concepts, all through sharing what she likes.
The interactive design of the book shares something that Lady likes, encouraging the reader to engage the child by asking a series of questions about what they just learned.
An example that introduces diversity and inclusion is an illustration of dogs playing at a dog park. We learn that Lady likes to play with all kinds of dogs, even ones that don’t look like her. A question then prompts the child to think about people they know that don’t look like them.
The book also addresses adoption when Lady is introducing herself as a former shelter dog who was adopted by her mom.
The book is filled with playful illustrations, sometimes silly, but always intentional. A couple of favorites are Lady enjoying the sunshine and watching her favorite hockey team. The back of the book has several activity pages including coloring pages that elevates this from a typical read-aloud book. A nice surprise toward the back is a photo collage of the ‘real’ Lady.
Author Donna Drehmann, 2021 Ally Award winner, shares that the creation of this book was her passion project. She explains the concept of the book as a way for young readers to get exposure to topics that otherwise may be difficult to discuss, all through the eyes of a senior dog named Lady. She’s especially proud of the philanthropic aspect – Lady Likes to Give Back – where she partners with local nonprofits by donating books or a portion of book proceeds.
Connect was fortunate enough to speak with Donna and learn more about her book.
What is your inspiration behind writing a book? Is it something you’ve always wanted to do?
I have always wanted to write a book but thought it would be a business book. I didn’t expect to write a children’s book.
What is your inspiration behind this particular book/series?
I started to think about how I could introduce young readers to diverse topics & engage them in conversations in a subtle way. And there are such a variety of topics that I want to create a series. For example, you only see Lady and her mom, but she has other family members to introduce. And I am currently working on Things Lady Likes – Holiday Edition where we share all kinds of holidays with the readers and you will see a wide array of characters.
Why did you decide that adoption and diversity & inclusion would be the focal point behind this book?
Lady is adopted, she is a rescue, so that was easy. I’m a supporter of diversity, inclusion and equity so this was a no-brainer. I work very closely with Nashville Humane each year on their fundraiser “Unleashed,” and have seen many varieties of doggies, including a great dog named Lt. Dan who used wheels to get around. The dog park illustration was a great way to honor all kinds of dogs while gently introducing diversity.
How long have you been thinking about writing a book?
This children’s book had been on my mind for a few months, just after I left a stressful corporate job. I intentionally took a break from the grind to publish the book and work on the next one.
Tell us about Lady. When did she become part of your family? What kind of dog is she?
Lady is 13 years old. She was adopted from Nashville Humane Association by our family when she was 2 years old. We’ve had her in our life for 11 years. She is medium size, a Lab/Pyrenees mix. She loves treats and getting brushed and is a gentle girl.
This book is dedicated to Clementine. Can you elaborate more about her?
Clemmy is my friend Marcia’s dog who died very suddenly as I was publishing the book. Clemmy was tiny but mighty and it was appropriate to dedicate this book to her.
You mentioned doing a series. What would your next book be about? When would you like to have another one ready to go?
The next one is Things Lady Likes – Holiday Edition. I hope to have it published by Halloween!
I see that Lady Likes to Give Back is supporting the Pet Community Center for September. What other organizations will you be working with?
I will be donating books to Ronald McDonald House in October and I hope to work with Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary in the future.
Donna and Lady will be doing live readings at Nashville Humane Associations Dog Day on October 16 and hope to continue sharing this book with Nashville. Donna has hopes of getting the book in elementary schools and doing some live readings across Nashville. “I would love to get connected to folks who could make that happen!” she said. Donna also wants to do a Drag Book Reading in the near future.
This book is best for children ages 3 – 8, and of course for dog lovers of all ages. It’s available exclusively on Amazon.
