Media Backgrounder
22 Frequently Asked Questions
of Rainey and Jazz the DreamDog®

1. You recently made a huge career move. Why did you make the change from children's rights attorney and advocate to children's book author and publisher?
   
   
2. Why did you set up your own publishing company, DreamDog Press, to publish the Jazz the DreamDog children's picture book series? Why not just go the traditional route and send your work to a publisher?
   
   
3. Tell me what is the mission of DreamDog Press and DreamDog.com? How is it different from other Children's book publishers?
   
   
4. I understand you read more than 1000 children's books before creating "Monsters in Your Head… Monsters in Your Bed." How is this rhyming children's picture book different?
   
   
5. You say your books are based on the idea of "Child Empowerment." What is that and how does your book use that philosophy?
   
   
6. I understand that each of your books will tackle a child's psychological issue as well as a social issue or life lesson? Obviously, "Monsters in Your Head… Monsters in Your Bed" addresses childhood fear, how were you able to weave in an empowering kids' message while also providing education on the social issue of homelessness?
   
   
7. Can you explain the title of your book "Monsters in Your Bed…Monsters in Your Head"? It's cute and catchy, but is there more to it than that?
   
   
8. Jazz the DreamDog is an actual dog, correct? She really can't be a mix between a golden retriever and dachshund, can she? Where did you find such a dog…how did Jazz come into your life?
   
   
9. In the story, Jazz has a Rainbow Tail. Tell me about this magic rainbow tail and how Jazz uses it to empower kids? Why is it different than a parent telling a child what to do?
   
   
10. In "Monsters in Your Bed…Monsters in Your Head," Angie has nighttime fears, but how does she get rid of them? How do you weave the message about homelessness into the story of them leaving Angie's room?
    
    
11. How big a problem is nighttime fears for children? What ages does it usually strike? If children get nighttime fears, what can parents do to help their children cope with and let go of their fears?
    
    
12. How big a problem is childhood homelessness? Are there things that parents and kids can do in their everyday life to help?
    
    
13. "Monsters in Your Bed… Monsters in Your Head" is actually part of entire series of rhyming children picture books from DreamDog Press, right? What are the upcoming adventures of Jazz the DreamDog and the DreamDog Kids?
    
    
14. We were trying to figure out the nationality of the little girl in the story? She seems to bring in a multi-cultural aspect. Tell us about Angie and the other DreamDog kids.
    
    
15. Tell me about the creative process you use to create these whimsical, empowering rhymes and then how do you get these colorful illustrations to match? Did you work closely with your artist, Betsy Dill?
    
    
16. "Monsters in Your Bed… Monsters in Your Head" has something else unique in it…a "Note to Parents and Teachers." Tell me about that note and the symbolism behind one of the listed activities called "Find a Heart!"
    
    
17. I understand that there are other activities for children on your website DreamDog.com. Can you tell us about them and what ways children can contribute to the site?
    
    
18. What are the other major kid's issues that children face today? Will you be doing specific books targeted at each of these issues? What can parents do to help their children cope with these issues?
    
    
19. I know that there are a lot of people out there who have imagined or even written a children's book but never have gotten it published, what tips can you give them to help them fulfill their dreams, just like you have with your first book and the Jazz the DreamDog series?
    
    
20. Making a difference in yourself and the world around seems to be a thread throughout your life… and I understand that there will be a donation made from the books. Tell us about the donation and the groups it will benefit. And, what suggestions can you give our listeners so that they can go out and "make a difference" tomorrow?
    
    
21. Are there childhood homeless outreach services, shelters and programs in every city? Can you tell us what they do and how we would go about finding out about how to donate time, money, books, clothing or whatever?
    
    
22. How do listeners who want to buy "Monsters in Your Bed…Monsters in Your Head" purchase your book?