Monday, November 23, 2009

Coffee with a canine: Barbara O'Connor & Ruby and Matty

Today's featured trio at Coffee with a Canine: Barbara O'Connor & Ruby and Matty. Ruby is a 7-month old Golden Retriever. Matty is a ten-year-old English Cocker Spaniel.

O'Connor on what an ordinary day is like for her dogs:
They have a great life! Matty sleeps right in the bed with me. Ruby is still in the crate, which is in the bedroom. Ruby wakes up early (5 or 6), goes out for a break, then comes into bed with me and Matty and snuggles. Ruby is a real snuggler.

In the summer, I take Ruby for a romp on the beach before beachgoers arrive. She loves the beach but doesn't care much about swimming in the ocean. Matty doesn't care much for the beach.

I can set my clock by Matty, who lets me know when it's time for breakfast and dinner.

Then I write while they sleep. We take breaks to play and then to go for...[read on]
Barbara O'Connor's latest book, The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis, was named a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year and Kirkus Best Book of the Year for 2009. Watch the video trailer.

Other books include Greetings from Nowhere, How to Steal a Dog, Moonpie and Ivy, and Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia.

In addition to being a five-time winner of the Parents Choice Award, O'Connor's awards include the Massachusetts Book Award, the South Carolina Children's Book Award, School Library Journal Best Books, Bank Street College Best Books, and ALA Notables.

Visit Barbara O'Connor's website and blog.

Coffee with a Canine: Barbara O'Connor & Ruby and Matty.

--Marshal Zeringue
Top photo credit: Getty Images.