The Californer - Dynamic Dachshund Dog Goes Global: Remember Point Launches a New Bilingual Children's Book

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Linda Shayne and her new children's book.

A fun doxie stars in a new bilingual picture book.

Tomoko Miyagawa translated a new children's book.

Longfellow drives a magical car in this new book.

The real Longfellow dog, Shayne's inspiration.

A Japanese–English picture book for kids and parents to read, learn, and laugh through together, two languages side by side on every page

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - Californer -- Remember Point, a Santa Monica–based publisher, releases a new Japanese–English bilingual edition of its hit children's book, Longfellow Finds a Home. The singing doxie, who first won over kids in English, soars onto bookshelves in a new edition.

Author and filmmaker Linda Shayne, who directed the legendary Little Richard and Chubby Checker in her movies, was inspired to create a dog who likes to sing rock 'n' roll — and she named him after her own dachshund, the real-life Longfellow.

Written in rhyme by author Linda Shayne and illustrated by Emmy Award–winning animator Art Leonardi, this children's book was translated into Japanese by Tomoko Miyagawa. It pairs Shayne's storytelling with Leonardi's colorful illustrations and two languages, so children can follow along in either — or both.

Shayne graduated from UC Berkeley and has written movies for Disney, Brian Grazer, Imagine Ent., and Showtime. Shayne directed films released through Warner Bros. and Paramount and has directed TV episodic for Nickelodeon. Art Leonardi, one of the original "Pink Panther" artists, has worked for Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, Steven Spielberg, Amblin and Hanna-Barbera. Translator Tomoko Miyagawa was born in Japan and lives in the Los Angeles area.

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In the book, Longfellow — the wiener dog, sausage dog, hot dog — turns up one starry night with nowhere to call home. After a high-flying adventure, a lovable family takes him in. Perfect for toddlers ages 2 to 7, it's a heartwarming story about belonging that kids will want to read again and again.

"Having Longfellow Finds a Home in both Japanese and English is fantastic. This bedtime story sparks imagination and is filled with kindness and magic," says Hana Tanaka, mother of two. "It's rhyming fun like Dr. Seuss, colorful like a Disney cartoon."

Preschool teacher Kamie Katzarska agrees: "After I read the book to my class, I asked them their favorite part. Most said — when the dog was called 'hot dog' and when the family took Longfellow in. One little girl comes to my room every afternoon and sits 'forever' turning the pages. The book is a hit!"

The English edition launched the Wiener Dog Tales series, a Spanish version followed, and this Japanese–English bilingual edition brings Longfellow to readers around the world. Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and select retail stores. Follow Longfellow on Instagram @wienerdogtalesreal and Facebook WienerDogTales.

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Check out Longfellow adventures, songs, music videos and free coloring pages in English, Japanese, and Spanish on LongfellowFindsAHome.com or WienerDogTales.com.

Longfellow Hotdog Dance!
http://vimeo.com/1211195282

Longfellow Skateboards!
http://vimeo.com/1211197066