All Puppies Are Good Puppies Author Q&A

Q: What aspects of your own life helped inspire this book?

A: Have you ever wonder why shelters often have no trouble finding homes for light color dogs with well known breeds, while dark color, mixed breeds have a hard time getting adopted? Did you know “A [child’s] skin tone and gender could impact office referrals and suspension rates.”? (source) It really makes me wonder, why is that?

Using the unprovoked topic of cute puppies, which are relatable and loved by most people, I’m hoping to spark the thoughts of a provoking topic about race, ethnicity, and differences. I believe people are born good. It’s only the upbringing where one learns to mistrust. Just like puppies, no matter how different we look, we are all good people, and deserved to be loved and welcomed.

Q: Tell us the inspiration for the visuals in this book?

A: Using real life photography I’m hoping to showcase a variety of different but equally adorable puppies of different shapes, sizes, colors, physical abilities and health conditions. Inspired by children’s doodles — the evidence of one’s imagination — we gave each puppy a personality and a story.

Yukari Soland, a 1st generation Japanese American mother of two mixed race daughters and two rescue dogs, had a lot of fun bringing this book to life. She hopes all of the little readers will learn that no matter what color, shapes, sizes you are, you are good and you are loved.

Q: Who would you recommend this book to?

A: I recommend this book for any parents with young children, especially dog lovers. This book will surely make you say “aww!”

Q: What can parents and children hope to learn from this book?

A: I’d encourage parents to leverage this book at different age to spark meaningful conversations.

If your child is under 1	Encourage your child to wonder with the bright, contrasting colors.
If your child is 1-2 years old	Read the simple phrases as they learn to talk. These positive phrases will become part of their vocabulary and will help guide them as they grow. Count the puppies as they learn to count. Bark like a dog and encourage them to copy.
If your child is 3-5 years old	Instill confidence in your child as they repeat these positive phrases, and encourage him/her to be comfortable with their differences. Identify the breeds of the dogs. Talk about shelters and rescue dog adoption. Acknowledge that being different is amazing, and despite the differences we are all wonderful.

Q: Anything else you’d like to share about this book?

A: If you want to talk about race and ethnicity with your child, but don’t know where to start; or don’t know how; or don’t feel comfortable to find just the right words — this book will help.