The Collingwood Press has announced the release of "A Day in the Life of Root Beer (The Dachshund)," a children's picture book written by Mark Eggers. The book, available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, follows Root Beer, a dachshund, through a single day at home with Mommy and Daddy, from waking in his crate to the smell of coffee to falling asleep there again at night.
The story stays with the small routines of an ordinary day: banana slices and blueberries with breakfast, a ball nudged under the couch followed by barking until it is fished back out, Daddy asking him to step back from the dishwasher, and three circles in his favorite spot before he curls up against Dad's leg. In between, Root Beer plays tug-of-war with his fox toy, rides to the park, answers a squirrel, stops for ice cream, and settles on the couch between Mommy and Daddy for the evening. The book is fully illustrated in color, with each spread moving to a new part of the day, from the kitchen and living room to the park, the ice cream shop, and the house at night.
Root Beer is Eggers's own dog. Eggers and his wife, Kathy, did not have a dog until they were 67. Root Beer, named for his coat color, has been with them for about five years. His title page lists a few of his other names, including Ninja Wiener, Rooty Beer, RB, Harry Houweenie, and Rootie Tootie. The book is dedicated to Eggers's entire family, "who all have an opinion about Root Beer." Eggers and Kathy have four children, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
The release of this book matters because it offers a gentle, authentic celebration of the everyday moments that define pet ownership, resonating with families who cherish similar routines with their own animals. In a children's book market often dominated by fantastical adventures, Eggers's choice to focus on the ordinary—breakfast, play, a trip to the park, and quiet evenings—underscores the value of stability and companionship for young readers. The story's roots in Eggers's real-life experience of becoming a dog owner at 67 also carries a subtle message: the joys of caring for a pet are not limited by age, and the bonds formed can inspire creativity and connection across generations.
For the publishing industry, the book represents a continued demand for slice-of-life picture books that parents and grandparents can share with children, particularly those featuring relatable animal protagonists. The title's availability through major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble ensures broad accessibility for families, educators, and librarians seeking wholesome, routine-based stories. As independent presses like The Collingwood Press continue to champion personal stories with universal appeal, "A Day in the Life of Root Beer (The Dachshund)" may find a loyal audience among readers who appreciate the quiet charm of a dog's daily life—and the reminder that sometimes the smallest moments make the most meaningful stories.
