Today, we are thrilled to introduce our special guest on the blog, an author whom we greatly admire. In fact, we are such huge fans of her work that we selected her book 'DOGFISH Just Be You' as our Book of the Year 2023.

This lovely tale takes readers on a beautiful journey of self-discovery and acceptance, emphasising the importance of embracing one's unique gifts and talents. It delivers a powerful message to young readers - just be yourself!

The talented author behind this inspiring creation is Rita Reed. Her work has touched the hearts of many, spreading positivity and encouragement worldwide and we can't wait to learn more about her in this interview!

Hello Rita, we've had the pleasure of knowing you for a while now. But today, we want to delve deeper. We're curious to find out, in true Dogfish style, what makes you unique. Besides your writing, what do you think are your special talents and gifts?

Hello! First, I would like to thank you for the incredible honor of selecting my book, Dogfish, Just be YOU! as the Golden Wizard Book of the Year 2023, I am truly grateful and humbled!

What I believe makes me unique are several things. I always try to stay positive and upbeat, no matter the circumstances, and try to live by the words of my late son, Aaron.  He said, “Never doubt yourself, and keep moving forward.  You have so much to offer the world!”  Those beautiful words have given me strength and inspired me to write the story, Dogfish, Just be YOU!  In college, I studied art, architecture, and interior design, and have been truly blessed with the talent of art and creativity, I absolutely adore drawing each of my characters and imagining their personalities, I truly feel Dogfish and his friends in my heart!

What an uplifting message to embody, and we wholeheartedly agree that you have a lot to offer the world! Speaking of Dogfish, what was the inspiration behind creating this wonderful character, who has captured the hearts of so many readers?

Corny as it sounds, I have always LOVED children’s picture books!  As a parent I cherished the time spent reading to my own children, connecting with them through the magic of books. I found that reading together could start conversations about feelings and important subjects. When my character Dogfish came to me in a dream, I decided to write meaningful and empowering stories for children, to spread love and positivity, and make a difference in the world.

They definitely succeed in doing just that!

Your love for the ocean shines through in Dogfish's journey to the Arctic. Can you tell us more about this passion and your travel experiences?

The ocean has always been a part of my life. I grew up in California, and spent many lovely days enjoying the beach and swimming in the ocean. My biggest inspiration was my father, who was an avid scuba diver. He used to tell me enchanting and vivid stories of his deep-sea adventures. Tales of his encounters with eels, giant octopus, whales, sharks, and many other sea creatures were truly captivating!  Another inspiration came from a favorite television show of mine, it was The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, a wonderful series about marine exploration, I never missed an episode! Jacques Cousteau was a true trailblazer and my first introduction to the idea of ocean conservation. As an adult, the mindset of protecting our oceans has remained with me. My husband and I love to travel to different parts of the world, just like Dogfish does! Through travel, I have witnessed pollution worldwide, and am concerned how it will affect the health of marine life globally. Recently, we visited the British Isles, where the sight of thousands and thousands of windmills located in the ocean was quite alarming. I couldn’t help but wonder, if the loud sound the windmills produce could affect the echolocation of the whales as they pass by?  These situations are alarming, I hope that through my books children will want to learn more about the oceans, and in turn, love and protect the life within them.

We share the same hope! While we are on the subject of journeys, what would you say has been the most rewarding part of your author journey so far?

The most rewarding part of my author journey has been the wonderful feedback I receive about my Dogfish Tales books! Through my stories I hope to spread important and meaningful messages in a colorful and entertaining way. I have been told that children really enjoy my books and often want to read them over, and over again, I truly feel blessed!

We aren’t surprised! Can you tell us about the other books in the series and the lessons they impart?

There are three books in the Dogfish Tales series so far, with more to come! The first book I wrote is Dogfish Saves the Ocean –This story takes place in the Santa Monica Bay (where Dogfish lives). It is about pollution in the ocean, where it can come from, and that no one is too small to make a difference!  The second book is Dogfish Stands Up to Bullying - Dogfish travels to the Amazon River, where he attends his first day of school and witnesses Pink Dolphin being bullied. He helps them discuss what they can all do to help, and that the Anaconda, who isn’t always the nicest to everyone, just might need a little love and empathy!  The third in the series is Dogfish, Just be YOU! – Dogfish has always wanted to see the northern lights and sets off on an exciting Arctic adventure, on this journey he meets many beautiful whale friends, each with a special talent. Dogfish wants to be just like them, but reminds himself, “Just keep moving forward. You have so much to offer the world!”  This story tells each child that they are special in their own way, and it’s best just to be YOU!

With such meaningful teachings in each, what kind of impact do you hope your books will have on the children who read them?

I am passionate about spreading messages of love, kindness, inclusion, and acceptance of all. The stories I write in the Dogfish Tales series revolve around my character, Dogfish. His color is bright orange, has a yellow tummy, and has blue spots on his back. He is a unique mix of dog and fish, with a big, fluffy, magical tail. As Dogfish travels to different locations in the world, he meets a variety of friends, and helps them through challenging situations. Maya Angelou said, “If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.”  This is one of my favorite quotes, and that is what I hope to do with my stories. I want to leave a legacy of love and positivity and send it out into the world like bright sunbeams!

What a great quote! So, while you’ve been shaping your legacy, have there been any memorable interactions or feedback from fans of your work that have stood out to you?

I feel incredibly blessed to have received so many heartfelt messages and positive feedback from Dogfish fans. While exhibiting at The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, many children will run up to the booth and scream, “Yay! Dogfish is here!”  Some parents tell me that their child will carry their Dogfish plushie everywhere, or sleep with him every night. It is truly heartwarming! Teachers and Speech Therapists will sometimes use the Dogfish Tales books for their SEL (social and emotional learning) programs at school or with their clients. I am so incredibly grateful for the kind words I have received!

That’s incredible! You absolutely deserve all the praise and recognition!

Lastly, before we finish up, can we expect more exciting adventures with Dogfish in the future? and where can readers find more information about you and your books?

There will definitely be more Dogfish Tales adventures! My fourth book, Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion will be released sometime in September 2024!  In this story, Dogfish travels to Mexico, where he will join his diverse and unique friends, each with different abilities. The message in this book, is that INCLUSION MATTERS, and no one should ever be left out. I am very excited about it!

Please visit my website at: www.DogfishTales.com

Follow me on Instagram: @_rita_reed_

Dogfish Tales books and plushies are available on my website and Amazon.com.

We are so excited too!

Before you leave, make sure to click on the links above and give Rita a follow on Instagram to stay in the loop for the next release!

Thanks for reading