Today I will be reviewing a picture book called “Dougventures: Realizing What You Have Is So Important!” This book was written by Christina Macchiarola and illustrated by her mom, Theresa Yatsko. Christina was one of my classmates growing up and I think her mom taught my CCD class one year. When I heard they published a book about Christina’s dog, I was curious what the story would be.

Note: I am taking off my book editor hat for this review and just sharing as a mom and homeschooler.

The Story

Before I share the basic storyline, I just want to mention that the illustrations completely fit the book. Mrs. Yatsko (yeah, I can’t call her by her first name lol) did a great job of providing images that help the storyline progress and help kids connect with it.

Doug is a good dog who knows better than to run off when he goes outside. He has proven himself to his parents (owners) and is allowed to accompany them outside without a leash. One day he sees some dogs without parents (stray dogs) and decides to follow them. The book follows him on an adventure… or should I say on a Dougventure… as he leaves home to follow the dogs, meets a stray cat, follows her to lunch (from a dumpster) and home (a cardboard box). As Doug witnesses life without parents, without consistent meals, and without the safety and comfort of a home, he begins to realize how good his life has been and how he should appreciate it.

Chloe, the stray cat, takes the message to the next level. She tells Doug that his life has been given to him by God and that he’s meant to bless and help others. The story progresses with Doug returning home, understanding the message, and reinforcing it.

The Message

The message that kids can take from the story is that it is really easy to just accept everything in your life and overlook its worth. Sometimes it can be necessary to take time to see that there are others who have less. The grass is not always greener on the other side. A child could be homeless or orphaned or have parents and a place to live but not have enough food on the table. Or even if they have all of that, they may not have toys or a television or the latest gadget. It can be easy for a child (or adult) to take what they (we) have for granted. This book reminds us to appreciate the things we do have. It doesn’t condemn wanting, but just reminds us that we could have less and that everything we do have is a blessing.

I believe that there are few people, children or adults, who wouldn’t benefit from this lesson even if they’ve heard it before. It doesn’t hurt to reinforce the message. My kids are blessed to have a family that spoils them. We definitely need to remind them of this lesson regularly.

Overall Review

I definitely recommend “Dougventures: Realizing What You Have Is So Important!” for kids and families. It’s not a secular book (since there’s mention of God’s blessings), so it may not be appropriate for all.

Interview with Christina Macchiarola

Can you share a little about yourself and what you do for my readers?

My name is Christina Macchiarola and I am married to Jason. We have a 5 year old daughter Ariel, my fur-son Douglas and a baby boy on the way. I graduated from the Culinary Institute of America back in 2004 with a two year associates degree in the Culinary Arts, and Western Connecticut State University back in 2014 with a degree in Journalism! I would hope your readers would see how hard I have worked to get to where I am today and I wouldn’t have been able to succeed without God in my life. With a lot of prayer and dedication came perseverance and strength to accomplish my goals.

What inspired you to write “Dougventures: Realizing What You Have Is So Important!”?

What inspired me to write the book was my love for always wanting to be a writer. I wrote on my college paper and had my own column to help students eat healthy in their dorm rooms. I always also had a love for poetry and had a poem published when I was younger. In the past I did freelance writing as well. I remember when I worked at the Culinary, out of nowhere I picked up my note pad and couldn’t stop writing Dougventures. I knew then and there God was inspiring me and my words. I knew if it was of God, then it would become a blessing.

The illustrations your mom made are perfect for the book! What was it like working on the book with your mom?

When I finally found a publishing company to go through and sent them the written work, they had mentioned that they had their illustrators or I could find my own. I wanted someone who knew Doug, and thought who better to draw him than my mom! She has been an artist for years and I have always loved her illustrations, so I knew right away it would be a great opportunity for her to showcase her work. The book is so special because it’s something we will always have together!

Are you planning any further adventures for Doug or Chloe?

Yes! I already wrote the second book and my mom is halfway through the illustrations! It’s definitely not an easy process, so with lots of prayer and hard work we are hoping soon to have the second one published! The second one will be about Doug’s sister being born, and him having to learn and cope with not getting all the attention. Chloe helps him understand his role and how important he is in his sister’s life. Then his adventures and life lessons will include her as well!

How can my readers connect with you online?

Your readers can connect with us through Facebook and Instagram. On there we have a private email just for the book where readers can contact us. We also post all of our events through our social media pages as well.

Thank you so much for your time! And thanks for joining us In Our Homeschool!