Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Bruce Littlefield!
Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Bruce Littlefield
Bruce Littlefield (BruceLittlefield.com) is the bestselling author of The Bedtime Book for Dogs as well as Use What You’ve Got (with Barbara Corcoran). Hailed as a “lifestyle authority” by The New York Times and a “modern day Erma Bombeck” by NPR, he has appeared on Good Morning America, The View, and The Today Show. He’s been blessed with wonderful dogs who’ve brought him joy and taught him how to live in the present, love unconditionally, and give each day his all.
Website * Instagram * Facebook
Meet the Illustrator: Maribel Lechuga
Maribel Lechuga (MaribelLechuga.com) is a freelance illustrator from Madrid, Spain. Her previous picture books include Penny Lu Porcupine (by Katie Gilstrap), Ten Beautiful Things (by Molly Beth Griffin), Pepita meets Bebita (by Ruth Behar and Gabriel Frye-Behar), and Black Beach (by Shaunna and John Stith). She loves nature, animal watching, hiking, and a good conversation.
About the Book: Everything You Need to Know About Life You Can Learn from a Dog
Want to learn how to live your best doggone life? Ask a dog!
In case you haven’t noticed, dogs have life figured out. They wake up each day looking to make the best of every moment. They understand what’s important. They get over things quickly. They love a good walk. And they certainly know how to relax! Whether young or old, we can all learn a few tricks from dogs. So, sit, put your paws up, and delight in the wisdom of dogs!
~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
The New York Times calls me a “lifestyle authority,” but the day this book was born was the day I realized that it’s actually my dog, Felix, who is the lifestyle authority. It was a morning I was in an uncharacteristic bad mood, fretting over the grim news of the world, my over-flowing inbox, and the limb that had fallen through our front porch ceiling. None of that worried or bothered Felix. He was thrilled the sun existed. Thrilled I existed. Thrilled breakfast existed. Thrilled the same walk we take every day existed. And suddenly it hit me: This dog is much better at living than I am.
YABC: Is your main character like you?
Although I don’t have four legs and not covered in fur, I certainly want to live more like him… eat with gratitude, rest without guilt, forgive instantly, stay curious about everything,….
YABC: How do you know when a book is finished?
A book is finished when an editor grabs it out of my hands.
YABC: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
Growing up, I was the one always picked to write stories for the yearbook, the newspaper, and school events, but I resisted being a writer and wanted to become a game show host. It was in grad school for journalism that my professor told me I was a great writer and believed in me enough to make an introduction to a best-selling author, which proved I could write. On deadline.
YABC: How do you keep your ‘voice’ true to the age category you are writing within?
Telling a good story is telling a good story whether you’re writing it for someone young or old. It’s about bringing the picture to life. I write in a voice that paints that picture.
YABC: What type of scene do you love to write the most?
I love writing a great conversation or typical life struggle, particularly with a funny scenario in which there’s an everyday predicament (like today when I cut off the circulation in my hands to make one trip from the car with 7 grocery bags and talking to an automated voice assistant to get my internet back on.) Writing a scene from a humorous angle that depicts something we all have experienced is my favorite to write.
YABC: What word do you have trouble overusing?
“Poop!”
YABC: If your character could meet a character from another book, who would it be?
I’d love my dog Felix to meet one of the other great dogs in literary history… like Old Yeller or Lassie. (But he’d probably be more likely to solve a mystery with Scooby Doo.)
YABC: What is your favorite reading space?
My front porch, which overlooks a beautiful trout stream.
YABC: How do you plan to celebrate the launch of your book?
I’m doing some television appearances and hosting a book launch party at “Exit 19,” one of my favorite stores in the Catskills. I’ll also take Felix on one of his best-loved walks.
YABC: What hobbies do you enjoy?
Gardening, yoga, decorating (and redecorating), hosting friends for dinner parties, and going to garage sales.
YABC: What’s your least favorite word or expression and why?
I’m not a big fan of when people say, “you know what I mean?” You know what I mean?
YABC: What is your favorite holiday or tradition and why?
I climbed on houses across the country to talk to people about why they decorate with such sparkle and flair and wrote “Merry Christmas, America!” so Christmas twinkles my lights, but any reason to decorate and celebrate… count me in.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
Professionally, I’m already being asked about a follow-up book on what cats know about life. Personally, I’m building a guest house at my farm. Come visit!
Title: Everything You Need to Know About Life You Can Learn from a Dog
Author: Bruce Littlefield
Illustrator: Maribel Lechuga
Release Date: July 7, 2026
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
ISBN-10: 0593698010
ISBN-13: 9780593698013
Genre: Picture Book
Age Range: 3-7
~ Giveaway Details ~
Use the Rafflepress Form below to enter
*Be sure to include a complete mailing address for the second entry question to qualify to win*
Three (3) winners will receive a copy of Everything You Need to Know About Life You Can Learn from a Dog (Bruce Littlefield) ~US Only!
