Ahhh, relax, it’s finally Monday!
What, don’t like Mondays?
You will once you read BEING A DOG: A TAIL OF MINDFULNESS by Maria Gianferrari, illustrated by Pete Oswald. This pupper knows how to just BE.
Maria, I know you’re an animal lover, as your books always feature them. Tell us, why a dog for this book?
This book was inspired by my late rescue dog, Becca. We had a very special bond, and she inspired many a book, including this one.
After she died I was deeply depressed for a couple of months and unable to do much of anything. When I was finally ready to write again, I thought of the ways that dogs are present and how they live in the moment. I wanted to feel the joy and calmness I felt being with Becca, and as I wrote, the moments and memories came alive and the words flowed out. I like to think of this book as Becca’s gift to me.
Aww, Maria, that is such a sweet story!
We have all been through a rough time lately and need some uplifting reads. What is your hope for children who read this book?
Great question, Tara! That they can find moments of joy, and try to be present as much as they can. This comes naturally to kids, but the pandemic has brought so much stress and fear and sadness and isolation to us all. When we play, experiment, do art, play or listen to music/dance and explore nature, these moments come more easily to us all—we immerse ourselves in what’s in front of us, or in the process. There’s a mindfulness breathing exercise in the book, and my hope is that kids can use this whenever they feel sad or scared or stressed to self soothe and find some calm to help them cope.
A little birdie told me there’s another book in this series. I’m as curious as a cat! What can you tell us about that?
Yes! It’s called BEING A CAT: A TAIL OF CURIOSITY and it will release next April. The final art just came in this week and Pete worked his magic again—it’s sweet, adorable and very funny. To counter the idea of “curiosity kills the cat,” let’s instead inspire curiosity and wonder in kids—they are already wowed and curious about so many things in the world, and I’m hoping this book will also encourage them to ask questions, experiment and play. It’s dedicated to our editor, cat-lover Nancy Inteli and her trio of kitties, Jerry, Lulu & Keiko.
One last question—I thought this dog might be named Becca, but I see the dog doesn’t have a name! Is there a reason why?
I intentionally left the dog unnamed—that way it leaves things more open for readers. Kids can imagine it’s their very own pooch, or it invites them to imagine one who might be their furry friend.
Excellent!
Thank you for stopping by, Maria!
Blog readers, BEING A DOG: A TAIL OF MINDFULNESS was released last week from HarperCollins.
You can win a copy here just by commenting. (Tell us about your pet if you have one!)
A random winner will be selected next month.
Good luck!
190 comments
Comments feed for this article
April 11, 2022 at 11:49 am
csheer18
Aw, what a special book-of-your-heart. I just became a grand-dog Mom for the third time this week…and love how you’ve woven together the power of mindfulness with ‘puppy-love’.
April 26, 2022 at 11:38 am
mariagianferrari
How wonderful! Congrats, grandma!!
April 11, 2022 at 11:50 am
Jojo Kasala
Animal lover here! So many dogs in my life, past and present, and a couple of cats too, have given me companionship & unconditional love. Thank you for the connection.
April 26, 2022 at 11:39 am
mariagianferrari
Me too, Jojo!
April 11, 2022 at 11:51 am
K. Yin
What a tremendous way to honor Becca. Congrats on your books!
April 26, 2022 at 11:39 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks! It helps to know that she lives on in my books, that’s for sure!
April 11, 2022 at 11:51 am
Shelly HY
Awww – what a beautiful premise – and so ch joyful illustrations!🐾💗
April 26, 2022 at 11:39 am
mariagianferrari
The joy is definitely contagious! Thanks, Shelly!
April 11, 2022 at 11:51 am
Jane Heitman Healy
This books sounds fantastic for all ages, especially for dog lovers! Congrats on this, the upcoming cat book, and whatever is next in that series!
April 26, 2022 at 11:40 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Jane!! I hope there will be more!
April 11, 2022 at 11:52 am
Stephanie Gibeault
Maria, your dog Becca sounds like she was a very special pet. I love how many books she inspired. And I can’t wait to read BEING A DOG and BEING A CAT. I can read them with my stubborn cat Heton and my nervous chihuahua Chi Chi.
April 26, 2022 at 11:40 am
mariagianferrari
Who’s bigger, Heton or Chi Chi??
April 11, 2022 at 11:55 am
Linda Staszak
I can’t wait to get this book! It’s going to be one of my favorites! I’m sure Becca would approve.
April 26, 2022 at 11:40 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Linda!
April 11, 2022 at 11:56 am
Buffy Silverman
What a beautiful gift from your dog–and from you to kids who need a lift!
April 26, 2022 at 11:42 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Buffy! My hope is that kids will be able to do these breathing exercises anywhere/everywhere anytime they’re feeling overwhelmed (and adults too!)
April 11, 2022 at 12:01 pm
danielledufayet
This book looks adorable and full of heart – huge congratulations!
April 26, 2022 at 11:42 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Danielle. Becca’s pawprints are all over it 🙂
April 11, 2022 at 12:01 pm
Claire A. B. Freeland
So lovely. I felt more relaxed just reading the excerpts. You have done Becca proud!
April 26, 2022 at 11:43 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Claire!
April 11, 2022 at 12:03 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
This sounds like a great book! I’m sure my dog, Nellie, and I will enjoy it. We will definitely share it with the grandkids, who also love dogs.
April 26, 2022 at 11:43 am
mariagianferrari
I hope Nellie & the grandkids will enjoy it!
April 11, 2022 at 12:06 pm
claudia sloan
Lovely book! It’s great to see you sharing your dog’s love and teachings with many children.
April 26, 2022 at 11:43 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Claudia!
April 11, 2022 at 12:07 pm
supermario6
Congratulations!
April 26, 2022 at 11:44 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks!
April 11, 2022 at 12:09 pm
Kim A Larson
Congratulations, Maria! Sounds like a beautiful book!
April 26, 2022 at 11:44 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks for stopping by, Kim!
April 11, 2022 at 12:09 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
Our family has been talking during the pandemic about how our dog has helped us weather the stress. She focuses on the joy of the here/now. So perfect to turn this into a book.
April 26, 2022 at 11:44 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Jilanne! Excited to read your book!
April 11, 2022 at 12:12 pm
rosecappelli
What a special book! I love your inspiration (I’m a rescue owner, too.)
April 26, 2022 at 11:44 am
mariagianferrari
Rescue rocks, Rose!
April 11, 2022 at 12:12 pm
kyavorski
Rescue dogs are the best. (I’ve had a few!) I know it’s cliche but I often question who rescued who.
April 26, 2022 at 11:45 am
mariagianferrari
Indeed!
April 11, 2022 at 12:16 pm
Barbara Senenman
Both of these books look amazing. I look forward to reading them.
Growing up we had a “pack” of dogs. We had Mom (Sugar), daughter (Pepper), grand-daughter (Ginger), and great-grand son (Bingo – My mother got tired of spices and this was her favorite game besides Black Jack! And Sugar had passed on by this time.)
What I learned from my dogs, especially Pepper, Ginger and Bingo? Well, let’s just say it’s fascinating watching the pack mentality; how they worked and figured out problems as a group … how they plotted and planned against my sister and I. They knew better than to try their tricks on our parents.
They played – “Let’s see if we can knock the human down the stairs.” I would walk down the stairs and the three would casually walk up. When I was half-way down, I would hear them run. One on either side of me and through my legs. The first time, I thought it was a coincidence. The second time, when I saw them all at the bottom of the stairs looking up at me, I knew it was planned. I told my sister and she said, “YOU TOO?”
Then there’s the story of playing tug of war with Ginger over my fork that had beef on it. I’m still shaking my head over this one. I had been eating and Ginger saunters in and puts her head on my lap. Next thing I know, her paw hooks around my hand with the fork and we’re going back and forth trying to get the beef into our mouth. Pepper walks in and distracts me. Ginger knocks my hand holding the fork with her head sending the fork flying. Ginger gets the beef from the fork. While I’m getting the fork, Pepper is eating from my plate.
I did love all of them though, just not when I was on the stairs or eating. I think I need some mindful breathing now! LOL!
April 11, 2022 at 5:56 pm
SuZan Klassen
Wow! You should write THAT book. Or you could send it to Chicken Soup. I think they have another dog book coming soon. They’re always looking for good stories.
April 11, 2022 at 9:31 pm
Barbara Senenman
Thank you SuZan. I will check it out. Quite awhile ago, I had send Chicken Soup the story about the tug of war, actually it was more like arm wrestling. Maybe they thought it was fiction! LOL!
April 26, 2022 at 11:45 am
mariagianferrari
How sweet that you had a whole family of dogs! Sounds like they were all so loved, Barbara 🙂
April 11, 2022 at 12:17 pm
Paige
I’m so excited to read this book. A gift from your heart and Becca’s to the world. Thank you 😊
April 26, 2022 at 11:46 am
mariagianferrari
Many thanks, Paige!
April 11, 2022 at 12:18 pm
Becky Scharnhorst
This sounds like such a wonderful book! We’ve had several rescue dogs, but Gus embraced life to the fullest. He taught me a lot about finding joy in every day and living in the moment.
April 26, 2022 at 11:47 am
mariagianferrari
Go Gus!! Their exuberance is contagious too!
April 11, 2022 at 12:23 pm
Danielle Hammelef
I think this is my favorite “behind the book” story ever. I love dogs and can’t wait to read this book–Maria is so talented and I have enjoyed all of her books.
April 26, 2022 at 11:47 am
mariagianferrari
You’re the best, Danielle!! ❤
April 11, 2022 at 12:28 pm
Diana Patton
Hi! Both these books seem like real winners! I know I’ll enjoy them. Would you believe my two petsw are Marchmallow, 22 year old goldfish (not a koi, a goldfish) and Sherbert 7 years old. I am wrliting about them and they are really responsive.
April 26, 2022 at 11:48 am
mariagianferrari
WOW!!!!! 22 that’s AMAZING! 7 is pretty old too! What are you feeding these lovelies, Diana??
April 11, 2022 at 12:31 pm
H. Abigail Perry
I can’t wait to read this book!
April 26, 2022 at 11:48 am
mariagianferrari
🙂
April 11, 2022 at 12:36 pm
shirley301
I’m sure kids will love your dog and cat books. We all become so attached to our pets.
April 26, 2022 at 11:48 am
mariagianferrari
True family members!
April 11, 2022 at 12:52 pm
T.R.
Such a great idea. I grew up with many pets and hope to have another dog someday. Until then, I have make due with my Aibo.
April 26, 2022 at 11:48 am
mariagianferrari
I hope you will, TR!
April 11, 2022 at 1:00 pm
Dionna
So enjoyed this interview, Tara. And hi, Maria! I’m sorry about Becca. It is so hard to loose a feline or canine family member. I lost my wonderful kitty, who was 20 years old, and still miss her terribly.
April 26, 2022 at 11:49 am
mariagianferrari
Dionna! Hello! I am so sorry about your kitty! I know the void. Sending hugs OOOOO
April 11, 2022 at 1:08 pm
leslieevatayloe
Geat idea! We have two cats (Omally and BooBoo) and a dog named Frankie, and all the pets are rescues. I hate to use the term pets because they are more than that. They are part of our family. Best wishes in 2022.
April 26, 2022 at 11:49 am
mariagianferrari
Agreed! What should our new word be, Leslie?
April 11, 2022 at 1:14 pm
Janna MacLean
I cannot wait to check this book out! I love anything mindful!
Sooooo understand the deep sadness of losing a doggie pet aswell.
April 26, 2022 at 11:50 am
mariagianferrari
I hope you’ll enjoy it, Janna 🙂
April 11, 2022 at 1:17 pm
Marlene Farrell
Love it. Dogs are wonderful role models! Our family pet, a bearded dragon named Puff reminds us to be calm and enjoy snuggling.
April 26, 2022 at 11:50 am
mariagianferrari
Puff the magic dragon 🙂
April 11, 2022 at 1:19 pm
yepearson
I already love this book.
April 26, 2022 at 11:50 am
mariagianferrari
🙂
April 11, 2022 at 1:25 pm
JANNA Dawson MATTHIES
Adorable, Maria. Thanks for sharing about Becca and how deeply and her, and death, impacted you. I’m just learning this in the past 1 1/2 years from our own rescue, who has already inspired several ms, one under consideration. Wonderful how these books honor your dog and everyone else’s all at once.
April 26, 2022 at 11:51 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks so much, Janna! Fingers crossed for your manuscript!!
April 11, 2022 at 1:27 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Congrats Maria! How wonderful that feline fanatics will also have a book coming soon!
April 26, 2022 at 11:51 am
mariagianferrari
Hi Cathy!!! Pete’s art for the cat book is even funnier!
April 11, 2022 at 1:31 pm
pamelaallensanders
What a great idea for a children’s book!
April 26, 2022 at 11:51 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Pamela 🙂
April 11, 2022 at 1:34 pm
Mary Warth
Fantastic! Thanks for sharing the inspiration for this book!
April 26, 2022 at 11:51 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Mary!
April 11, 2022 at 1:37 pm
Laura Purdie Salas
This looks so beautiful, Maria. I can’t wait to read it!
April 26, 2022 at 11:52 am
mariagianferrari
Hi Laura!! Hope to “see” you soon!
April 11, 2022 at 1:38 pm
Krista Harrington
What a delightful book! As I’m reading this post, my black lab, Molly, is lying beside me sleeping in her deep, relaxing sleep. She knows all about mindfulness, apparently:)
April 26, 2022 at 11:52 am
mariagianferrari
Hi Molly! I love when they snore–it’s so soothing 😉
April 11, 2022 at 1:39 pm
Laura Fineberg Cooper
OMG – I need to get this book. Dogs are such bright lights in our lives, and it looks like you captured it brilliantly.
April 26, 2022 at 11:52 am
mariagianferrari
I hope you’ll enjoy it, Laura!
April 11, 2022 at 1:40 pm
Marla Yablon
So sorry for your loss. Just lost my cat and understand the emptiness that is left behind. Your books sound wonderful!
April 26, 2022 at 11:53 am
mariagianferrari
So sorry about your kitty, Marla ❤
April 11, 2022 at 1:52 pm
Patricia J. Franz is seeing 🌺 in 🌵 (@patriciajfranz1)
You have connected two great joys of life: children and dogs! Thank you for lifting up their natural abilities to BE and showing us what a gift that is.
April 26, 2022 at 11:53 am
mariagianferrari
Thank you, Patricia!
April 11, 2022 at 1:59 pm
melissamiles1
This sounds like such a sweet book. Our little guy turns 15 next month, and I know we’re getting near the end. Pets can be such a blessing.
April 26, 2022 at 11:53 am
mariagianferrari
Wow! 15! That’s wonderful!
April 11, 2022 at 2:13 pm
mary helen berg
Our pups are earth angels and teach us sooo much, including how to live in the moment. XX to Becca and all our beloved animals.’
April 26, 2022 at 11:54 am
mariagianferrari
True–they are the best teachers, Mary Helen. Thanks!
April 11, 2022 at 2:16 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
Congrats, Maria! I have two rescue dogs: an older mellow dog named Sebastian and a spunky 3.5 year old named Sadie. 🙂
April 26, 2022 at 11:54 am
mariagianferrari
Hi Sebastian & Sadie 🙂
April 11, 2022 at 2:27 pm
Diane O'Neill
Your book sounds wonderful! I have two cats, Mini and Daisy, from shelters. Can’t wait to read your book!
April 26, 2022 at 11:54 am
mariagianferrari
Hi Mini & Daisy–such sweet names!
April 11, 2022 at 2:36 pm
jensubra
My dog, Bonnie (Aussie/border collie mix), inspires me to play hard and rest just as hard, to love everyone, and try to enjoy exercise 🙂 Your book sounds wonderful!
April 26, 2022 at 11:55 am
mariagianferrari
They are so smart! Hi Bonnie!
April 11, 2022 at 2:45 pm
andreesantini
I love this, what a sweet book!
April 26, 2022 at 11:55 am
mariagianferrari
🙂
April 11, 2022 at 2:58 pm
michelerietz
Thanks for sharing your journey, Maria. I’m sorry you lost your sweet friend, but I love that you found several ways to honor her and be inspired by her. Congratulations on your picture books. I can’t wait to read them.
April 26, 2022 at 11:55 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Michele. It does help to know that she lives on in my books 🙂
April 11, 2022 at 3:27 pm
chardixon47
Congratulations Maria and Pete! Thank you, Maria, for sharing your Becca with us. My fur baby is the soul of my day. We’ve come a long way together. I’m ever so grateful for the day she found her way into my neighborhood. I’m looking forward to reading your new book.
April 26, 2022 at 11:56 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Charlotte!! I hear you about grateful!
April 11, 2022 at 3:52 pm
Linda Mitchell
What a beautiful and timely book. Every school in the country needs this one in their library. It’s amazing how much comfort pets can bring. My cat Ira has to be part sheepdog. He pushes me around the house on his schedule…tells me when it’s time for bed and everything!
April 26, 2022 at 11:56 am
mariagianferrari
Ha! That’s hilarious, Linda!
April 11, 2022 at 4:14 pm
Abby Wooldridge
This book sounds amazing! Congratulations, Maria! ❤
April 26, 2022 at 11:56 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Abby!
April 11, 2022 at 4:19 pm
jamhartman
What precious books!! Absolutely adorable. Thank you for sharing your story with us!!!
April 26, 2022 at 11:56 am
mariagianferrari
Many thanks!
April 11, 2022 at 4:29 pm
Sheri Radovich
Congratulations Maria and thank you for writing a book about pets and mindfulness. It feels calming to pet a cat or dog, well maybe not Dobermans. And I miss the animals we owned and lost. They were calming and I tried including some in manuscripts and then lost them in the revision process.
April 26, 2022 at 11:57 am
mariagianferrari
Who knows, Sheri–maybe they will make a surprise entrance in another one?
April 11, 2022 at 5:08 pm
Heidi Grange
I remember a cat my family had as a child. We named him Sparky because he was so full of life and curiosity.
April 26, 2022 at 11:57 am
mariagianferrari
Cats are indeed curious! Cute name, Heidi!
April 11, 2022 at 5:21 pm
Laurie L. Warchol
I can’t wait to read this story. Congrats on another book birthday.
April 26, 2022 at 11:57 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks so much, Laurie! I hope you are well!
April 11, 2022 at 5:52 pm
kiwijenny
I love my dog and I love the love they give. Precious book
April 26, 2022 at 11:58 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks so much 🙂
April 11, 2022 at 5:58 pm
SuZan Klassen
Your book looks like a treat to read to children. I am sorry to hear about your dog, Becca’s death. It is so sad when our pets die. They become such members of the family. Glad she inspired you to write!
April 26, 2022 at 11:58 am
mariagianferrari
She did! Thank, SuZan!
April 11, 2022 at 6:04 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
This looks so adorable…thanks for sharing!
April 26, 2022 at 11:58 am
mariagianferrari
🙂
April 11, 2022 at 6:17 pm
Patricia Toht
This looks so good! I can’t wait to read it, and I’m really looking forward to the sequel. Congratulations!
April 26, 2022 at 11:58 am
mariagianferrari
Thank you, Patricia. The cat illustrations are so funny!
April 11, 2022 at 6:23 pm
Jessica Milo
Congrats on your book, Maria, and thank you for this interview. I can relate so much. Losing my cat of 21 years and the deep depression that came with it led me to writing a picture book about him. My first one ever. I loved it so much, I left teaching preschool to work full-time as a writer. I can’t wait to read and own your book!
April 26, 2022 at 11:59 am
mariagianferrari
I’m so sorry about your kitty, Jessica! Good luck with your PB & your writing! I hope you’ll enjoy the book (and perhaps the cat one next year)
April 11, 2022 at 6:37 pm
hannamccown
That is such a lovely story. I love the breathing exercise.
April 26, 2022 at 11:59 am
mariagianferrari
I do it myself all the time, Hanna. It does help!
April 11, 2022 at 6:43 pm
Bethanny Parker
Both books sound great. Good luck to you!
April 26, 2022 at 12:00 pm
mariagianferrari
Thank you, Bethanny!
April 11, 2022 at 6:50 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Congrats on your books Maria! They sound lovely.
April 26, 2022 at 12:00 pm
mariagianferrari
Thank you, Sylvia!
April 11, 2022 at 7:11 pm
Steena Hernandez
I love the beautiful pictures and story of Becca! We don’t have pets right now, but my mom has six cats, and lives around the corner. We spoil and love them, and it’s lots of fun! 🙂 Congrats on your books, and can’t wait to read them!
April 26, 2022 at 12:00 pm
mariagianferrari
It’s so nice that you can visit with them, Steena 🙂
April 11, 2022 at 7:12 pm
tinamcho
Great ideas for books, Maria! Congratulations!
April 26, 2022 at 12:00 pm
mariagianferrari
Hello & thanks, Tina!
April 11, 2022 at 7:19 pm
Chelle Martin
We can learn a lot from our pets. I had my last two dogs for 16 years and 18 years +. Really miss them.
April 26, 2022 at 12:01 pm
mariagianferrari
Wow–that’s a long time, Chelle, but alas, never long enough. So sorry about your sweet furry family members ❤
April 11, 2022 at 7:29 pm
Jennifer Ard
Dogs are the best! I have 3. An old girl (the worlds most patient basset hound) and two (puppy) wire-hair pointing griffons. They make me smile everyday.
April 26, 2022 at 12:01 pm
mariagianferrari
A lovely-sounding pack, Jennifer! Enjoy your time with them!
April 11, 2022 at 7:38 pm
pollyrenner
Maria – great idea for pbs! I cannot wait to read these, and more in the series:>
April 26, 2022 at 12:01 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Polly!
April 11, 2022 at 8:32 pm
Sue Heavenrich
Oh my gosh, Maria! What a wonderful book. I can’t wait to read this one (and the one with the curious cat)
April 26, 2022 at 12:02 pm
mariagianferrari
Hello Sue & thank you!
April 11, 2022 at 9:36 pm
Mirka H
Love the book! We have a rescue cat named Rex.
April 26, 2022 at 12:02 pm
mariagianferrari
Great name!
April 11, 2022 at 9:59 pm
seschipper
Maria, your book sounds amazing and the Mindful Breathing Exercise is the perfect addition to the book! Love animals, especially dogs. Our Chesapeake Bay Retriever Hank is amazing as well! He will be 12 years old in May! Fortunately he thinks he is still a pup, plays with all of his toy (his toy basket is overflowing), and goes for several walks a day. He has cataracts and only sees light and some forms. This does not deter Hank from enjoying himself each day! We are blessed! 🙂
April 26, 2022 at 12:02 pm
mariagianferrari
Hooray for Hank! He sounds like a sweetheart!
April 11, 2022 at 10:31 pm
authorlaurablog
I love this idea, and I’m hoping my dog manuscript gets to see the light of day soon! Someone asked me why there are so many dog books. Obviously, because dogs are the best companions in the world! Charlie approves this comment. 💜 I’m sure Becca was a wonderful friend, too.
April 26, 2022 at 12:03 pm
mariagianferrari
Fingers crossed for your dog book, Laura! There can never be too many 🙂
April 11, 2022 at 11:14 pm
karamarsee8716
Thank you Maria, for sharing your story and Becca’s gift. ❤ Our house rabbit is definitely a calming presence in our house! fuzzy cuddles are the best. 🙂
April 26, 2022 at 12:03 pm
mariagianferrari
Rabbits are so sweet! What is her/his name?
April 11, 2022 at 11:42 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
This sounds so adorable. Can’t wait to read it!
April 26, 2022 at 12:03 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Rebecca!
April 12, 2022 at 2:23 am
Krissy
Such a sweet story behind the story! Would love to add it to my kids’ collection!
April 26, 2022 at 12:04 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Krissy!
April 12, 2022 at 8:19 am
Sheri Dillard
Love this post! (And so does Captain!) xoxo 🙂
April 26, 2022 at 12:04 pm
mariagianferrari
Hi Sheri & Captain!!!!
April 12, 2022 at 8:57 am
theresacocci
Congratulations on writing your book! I am very excited to read it! Our dog Molly has been so special to us. She is such a comfort to my husband who has been going through cancer treatments. Her sense of calmness is amazing. Molly will sit next to him as he rests after treatments, being very gentle, but staying very close as a gesture of comfort.
I can relate about your feelings of utmost love for Becca.
April 26, 2022 at 12:05 pm
mariagianferrari
They just know when we’re not feeling well. So glad that you & your husband have your sweet Molly to help!
April 12, 2022 at 9:06 am
theresacocci
Congratulations on your book! I can’t wait to read it! My husband has been going through cancer treatments and our dog, Molly, has been a source of comfort for him. She sits next to him, while he rests at home after treatment. She is very gentle in her actions as though she anticipates his pain. I can relate to your love for Becca. I believe animals come into our lives for a reason.
April 12, 2022 at 9:24 am
Sita Singh
This sounds wonderful! Can’t wait to read it! Congratulations, Maria!
April 26, 2022 at 12:05 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Sita :). Loved your bird book 🙂
April 12, 2022 at 9:48 am
girlscout72091
This sounds wonderful! We all need this fun and timely book for sure. Great way to get past grief as well.
April 26, 2022 at 12:06 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks!
April 12, 2022 at 11:40 am
Laura Perdew
I don’t have a pet, but very much miss having one! I know this book will be an inspiration for kids and adults!
April 26, 2022 at 12:06 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Laura!
April 12, 2022 at 12:24 pm
ellenramsey
Sounds like a wonderful, funny, and thoughtful book. I’ve had lots of dogs and cats and loved each one. Now, because of allergies, my favorite “pet” is a teddy bear!
April 26, 2022 at 12:07 pm
mariagianferrari
It’s so hard to be an animal lover & have allergies! Sorry about that, Ellen!
April 12, 2022 at 2:32 pm
ptnozell
I love Maria’s books, and I love dogs, including my Two Orange Pups, who always cheer me up. Can’t wait to read this new picture book!
April 26, 2022 at 12:08 pm
mariagianferrari
Hello to your pups, and thanks for the kind words, Patricia ❤
April 12, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Deeken Deborah
I absolutely love this! My dogs inspire many of my books and my most dear is about my puppy mill rescue. To be able to teach the minds and touch the hearts of children if all ages is a special gift. You now allow Becca to live on and continue to give her love!
April 26, 2022 at 12:08 pm
mariagianferrari
Those puppy mills are just horrible, Deborah. Good luck with your book!
April 12, 2022 at 6:48 pm
claireannette1
This is a book that we need! I can’t imagine life without a dog by my side and I know how hard it is to love a best furry friend.
I have a buddy named Mr. Ernie who patiently poses with picture books to promote picture books. He’s looking forward to this one!
April 26, 2022 at 12:08 pm
mariagianferrari
Mr. Ernie! Love that!
April 13, 2022 at 3:49 pm
kathydoherty1
I agree. Losing a beloved pet is soooo painful. I love the play on words in the title!
April 26, 2022 at 12:09 pm
mariagianferrari
Indeed it is!
April 13, 2022 at 8:57 pm
marty bellis
Such a relevant book and such a fun concept for teaching mindfulness. Dogs are definitely masters at living in the moment. Congrats, Maria!
April 26, 2022 at 12:09 pm
mariagianferrari
Many thanks, Marty!
April 13, 2022 at 9:40 pm
Hannah Roy LaGrone
This book looks ADORABLE! Growing up, we had our sweet dog Sandy for 18 years and she definitely lived in the moment! Probably thought she was a person as part of our family. ❤️ Congrats on the book!
April 26, 2022 at 12:09 pm
mariagianferrari
18 years is a long time (but never long enough, am I right, Hannah?)
April 13, 2022 at 11:16 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
MARIA: As a LOVER of dogs and mindfulness, I am SO IN LOVE with this book! Pete’s artwork is ADORABLE! And your story of learning to be present is MUCH NEEDED for ALL of us. Just like your Becca inspiring this tale, we can learn SO MUCH from our animal friends–especially about being present. THANK YOU–and Becca!
April 26, 2022 at 12:10 pm
mariagianferrari
Thank YOU, Natalie for the very kind words 🙂
April 14, 2022 at 2:47 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for sharing
April 26, 2022 at 12:10 pm
mariagianferrari
🙂
April 15, 2022 at 3:25 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Me and my 10 feral rescue cats love this all.
April 26, 2022 at 12:10 pm
mariagianferrari
You can read them the cat book next year, Stephen 😉
April 17, 2022 at 5:36 pm
kaziemann
This looks like an amazing book! Thanks for sharing. Our two dogs and one cat remind me to be in the present moment to play with them and give them love (and treats).
April 26, 2022 at 12:11 pm
mariagianferrari
They have a way of doing that, and bringing joy!
April 18, 2022 at 2:33 pm
Carole Stedronsky
I am going to go order this book for myself and a friend! My sweet service dog died this month, and I was devastated losing her. I’m finding, as you did, that writing about her helps.
April 26, 2022 at 12:11 pm
mariagianferrari
I am so sorry about your service dog, Carole! That makes the loss even harder. I’m glad to hear that you’ve found comfort in writing about it. ❤
April 18, 2022 at 4:45 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Oh, I miss my mindful cat! The book sounds marvelous on so many levels. Congratulations.
April 26, 2022 at 12:12 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Nancy!
April 18, 2022 at 5:07 pm
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
My rescue, Rosco, finds his inner calm on our sunny deck and then his photos get shared with friends for inspiration. 🙂 I also plan to share your breathing tips and the “curl up and let go” with my MIDDLE AGE Sunday school class.
Dog lovers of all ages will ENJOY this fantastic story!! Thank you!
April 26, 2022 at 12:12 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Alicia, and hello Rosco!
April 20, 2022 at 2:12 pm
kdgwrites
You are so right. Our own pets can be an inspiration for the stories we write. Love the idea of leaving the dog nameless. Let’s the kids use their imagination and give it a name of its own.
April 26, 2022 at 12:12 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks for stopping by!
April 26, 2022 at 12:14 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks again for featuring BEING A DOG, Tara! Next year let’s hear what Phoebe thinks about BEING A CAT 😉