Meet Rita Reed | Author of Children’s picture books- Dogfish Tales

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rita Reed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rita, what do you want people to remember about you?
One of my favorite quotes is: “If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.” –
Maya Angelou

I am passionate about protecting our oceans, and spreading love and positivity into the world. That’s why I write my Dogfish Tales children’s series.

All the books revolve around my character Dogfish, who is a unique mix of dog and seal, with a big fluffy, magical tail. As Dogfish travels to different locations in the world, he meets a variety of friends, which are the ocean species local to that area. Of course they experience different challenges, and that’s where I am able to spread messages of love, diversity, and acceptance in the stories.

My goal is to bring awareness to the oceans by showing children the amazing and beautiful creatures in the oceans, while teaching valuable lessons.
Reading is a wonderful way to gently start important conversations.

I hope people remember me as someone who brought love and positivity into the world. Someone who made a difference.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am the author and creator of Dogfish Tales, a children’s picture book series.

Actually, my character started with a dream! I had a vivid dream of Dogfish many years ago and happened to write it down in the middle of the night. When I came across my notes years later, I decided to draw Dogfish.

My daughter inspired the first story about plastic pollution when she was in college. I wrote and illustrated the story, then very quickly decided I needed a professional! After talking with several illustrators, I connected with Craig Cartwright, who is a phenomenal illustrator, his client list includes Disney, Pixar, Warner Brothers (Looney Tunes), History Channel (Family Guy) Fox (The Simpsons) and Marvel. He lives here in Southern California and we just clicked. We discussed our concerns about plastic pollution in the ocean, and after seeing his beautiful work, I knew he was the perfect person to bring Dogfish to life!

Dogfish is a bright, happy, loving character that children are excited about. I want him to be the messenger of positivity, kindness, acceptance, and love for our planet and all living things.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When friends come into town, we DEFINITELY go to the beach! In Malibu – shopping at the Malibu Lumberyard, then lunch at Cafe Cabana, The Sunset Restaurant, or head over to The Malibu Pier Cafe. In Santa Monica – gotta head over to the Santa Monica Pier, it has so much history and it’s super unique! A must go to restaurant in Santa Monica, is a little Italian place called Giorgio Baldi Ristorate. You’ll definitely see some recognizable faces there, if you’re looking to star gaze. Most importantly, the food is fantastic!

We absolutely live in paradise, with the mountains, desert, and beaches right in our backyard…everything is accessible to us! I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First I want to say thank you for this interview Patrick, it’s wonderful that you support our local community!

Dogfish wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my daughter, Rachel. She encouraged me to write my first book about pollution in the ocean. Needless to say, my whole family has supported me! My darling son who passed two years ago has also been a huge inspiration for my stories.

My passion of the ocean started with my father, Ray. He was an avid scuba diver, and taught me to have a respect and love for all living things. Plus, I spent just about every day of the summer, swimming at our local beaches, I’ve always been in love with the ocean!

I am inspired by organizations that truly make a difference! Shoutout to The Ocean Cleanup Their Interceptor 007 is currently working to collect trash right here in Ballona Creek (outside of Marina Del Rey), as well as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch!

Also, shoutout to Local nature photographer, Carlos Gauna, known as The Malibu Artist. He posts captivating ocean content on Instagram and YouTube that builds tremendous compassion and appreciation for ocean life.

I find inspiration all around me, as people make a positive difference in the world. As Dogfish sets out on his adventures, I’m hoping he will inspire children to be kind, compassionate, and loving towards each other and our planet!

Website: www.DogfishTales.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/_rita_reed_?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RitaReedDogfishTales?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: Dogfish, Just be YOU! (Dogfish Tales) https://a.co/d/1NQFqrZ Dogfish Stands Up to Bullying (Dogfish Tales) https://a.co/d/jgREahj Dogfish Saves the Ocean (Dogfish Tales) https://a.co/d/0MzVuig

Image Credits
Todd Johnson Photography