The inspiration behind the Tater books...
Our journey with Tater began in December 2022, when our niece Raelin, who worked at the animal shelter, decided someone in the family had to rescue him! We quickly discovered his natural curiosity, always investigating everything in our neighborhood. This earned him the title "Tater the Investigator" and his territory became his "Tater-tory." Tater's real-life adventures sparked the idea for the books, and our 8-year-old grandson Carson's enthusiasm inspired us to create even more stories. Our hope is to inspire young readers to enjoy reading and using their imagination through Tater's exciting escapades.
Discover the world of Tater the Investigator
Step into the charming and humorous world of Tater, the canine detective, and his friends. Learn about the inspiration behind this beloved children's book series and what makes it a joy for all ages.
Meet Tater and his friends
Tater, a real-life Corgi-Jack Russell terrier mix, is the lovable star of our series. He enjoys the company of his canine pal, Chance, a neighborhood dog with a knack for escaping and finding treats at Tater's home. In Book 2, we introduce Marlee. The real Marlee with Tater are pictured here. She recently joined the author's family and teams up with Tater for real to charm their dad for treats! She was nicknamed "Jersey cow" by the next door neighbor -due to her coloring. That same neighbor takes care of GK- a cat who had been a stray. GK is also featured in Book 2. Tater remains wary of that one. The stories draw humor from these real-life dog behaviors, bringing joy and laughter to readers of all ages. We can all use some humor in our lives!
What makes Tater unique?
What sets 'Tater the Investigator' apart is its unique protagonist: Tater, a real-life Corgi-Jack Russell terrier mix (also known as a "Co-Jack") , who constantly investigates every single blade of grass in his "Tater-tory". While capturing his exact appearance in character images can be a challenge, Tater's illustrated persona is undeniably cute. His confidence in solving mysteries aims to instill confidence in children, encouraging them to follow clues and engage their imaginations, all while enjoying the humor and charm of our animal friends. Unlike other mystery cartoons for kids, 'Tater the Investigator' features some delightful characters -such as Mr. Nibbles the squirrel, who has quickly become a fan favorite of our grandson and many other readers. Check out Mr. Nibbles on the Home page. And you can print a coloring sheet of Mr. Nibbles from the "Books" page on this website. Pictured here is Tater in Book 2- The Case of the Stolen Squeaky.
From pharmacy to playful prose
As a pharmacist with nearly 38 years of experience, writing children's books is a delightful new chapter. Like many, our family cherishes our pets, treating them as beloved members. If I can inspire young readers through the adorable antics of Tater and his animal friends, all woven into a humorous and engaging story set in a charming world, then I feel truly fulfilled. Thank you for joining us on this wonderful adventure!