Meet Tommy and Charlie Greenwald
What inspired you both to collaborate on The Rescues?
Tommy: My lifelong love of dogs – particularly rescues – led me to adopt a big chocolate lab in 2002. My sons, Charlie, Joe and Jack, were 9, 8 and 6 at the time, and the family playfully named him Moose – enjoying the irony of the name. Years later, after Moose had passed, I felt I wanted to write a story with Charlie, who is now in his 20s and also a lover of animals, about two comically named, mixed breed, physically-challenged pups — Moose and Bear — and their journey out of the shelter.
How did the plot and characters take shape?
Charlie: There are really three mini-stories in the book, one per chapter. We kind of divided and conquered – the first story was dad’s idea, and then I took the reins on Chapter 2 and dad on Chapter 3.
What are the challenges or benefits of working with a writing partner? Charlie: Well, the benefits for Tommy are that he gets to work with his son!
Tommy: The benefits for Charlie are that he gets some tips and tricks from his Dad, who has written over 25 books (said with Tommy’s trademark sarcastic humor). Luckily we have similar sensibilities and senses of humor. So far, all benefits and no challenges!
Tommy, Charlie and illustrator Shiho Pate at the June 2023 ALA conference in Chicago
Do you both have an equal hand in crafting the plot, writing the text, and creating the characters?
Charlie: Totally equal, as long as Tommy does exactly what I tell him to do (looks like sarcastic humor runs in the family).
What was it like to receive the illustrated version from Shiho Pate?
Charlie: A whole other level! Shiho was the perfect choice to illustrate these stories—her funny, poignant and heartbreakingly sweet drawings make you fall in love with these characters. She also weaves in countless little details into the images, so when you’re reading the book, keep an eye out!
Will the adventures of Bear, Tiger and Moose continue?
Tommy: We sure hope so! Book Two is written and with Shiho. They will continue as long as our wonderful partners at Red Comet allow us to keep going!
Is there anything else you’d like to share about the process?
Tommy: This is Charlie’s first book, so he’s excited as all get-out. I’ve spent much of my career as an author writing middle-grade stories for reluctant readers, so diving into this younger audience demo is a thrill. It’s never too early for kids to discover the joy of reading! And if the book inspires even one person to adopt a rescue animal, even better. :)
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Tommy Greenwald
Tommy is the best-selling author of the Game Changer, Crimebiters! and the Charlie Joe Jackson series of middle grade novels, among many other books for children and young adults. He lives with his wife and canine friends in Westport, Connecticut. The Rescues is his first book for beginning readers.
Charlie Greenwald
The Rescues is Charlie’s debut publication. The Greenwald family has had four rescue dogs–Moose, Coco, Abby, and Momo–who inspired this series. (They have not had a dog named Bear but give it time.)
The Rescues Finding Home available September 5, 2023