
BBB: What inspired you to become a writer?
RF: I was always a writer in my professional life, writing TV commercials and print ads in ad agencies. But it was my first daughter that inspired me to write a children's book. Watching her become so excited as we read her favorite books inspired me to give this a shot.

RF: Again, with my first daughter, she just loved anything music related. Plus, as she started to fall in love with her favorite books, I realized that parents end up reading these books literally hundreds of times. So I began thinking that it would cool to try and write a children's book that also had some entertainment value for Mom and Dad. That idea came together with music, and boom... the band was born.

RF: Dogger is a lot like most of us. Energetic, and means well... but has his flaws, too. Really all of the characters in the band represent characteristics that I hope can attract all sorts of personalities. Even my own kids each identify different band members as their favorites. But Dogger is the glue that holds the band together. And they become even greater when he realizes the importance of friendship.
BBB: What do you think children will like most about Dogger's Garage Band?
RF: That's a tough question. The kids I've met at events like the musical meter of the book. It sort of feels like the text could be sung. The illustrations have been very popular, too. My hope, though, is that kids really love the excitement of their favorite grownups reading with them. If families can enjoy their reading time together more with the book, then I've been successful.

RF: As the band would say, abso-rockin-lutely. I am storyboarding ideas now for a second Dogger book, as well as a new title. This new gig has been a blast and I can't wait to try out new story ideas and bring new characters to life.
You can find out more about Dogger's Garage Band and Richard Frank by visiting http://doggersgarage.com/.