Q&A Session with Kent Whitaker author of Big Mo's Tennis Ball Hunt

Why did you write Big Mo’s Tennis Ball Hunt?
My wife Ally and I have so many cool nieces and nephews that we thought a kids book about Moses would be neat. Moses also makes such a great impression with kids during tours and events that a children's book was a natural.

How did you get the idea for Big Mo’s Tennis Ball Hunt?
During an event in New Mexico. I mentioned on a morning TV show that Moses loved tennis balls. Kids then began to bring tennis balls when they came to meet Moses. He was pretty excited.

Is Mo a real dog?
Yes. Moses is a rescued Golden Retriever. He came from a foster home outside of Atlanta. He now helps me with my book signings and is a spokesdog for ALPO©.

You also illustrated the book, where did you get the inspiration for the illustrations?
The illustrations are in my signature artwork style. Having once worked as a cartoon illustrator for a newspaper, this design comes naturally to me. The scenes are from around my house, my parent's house and even my neighbor’s little girl's room.

How were the illustrations created?
After developing a concept for each page, I first drew each illustration by hand. I then scanned them into the computer, cleaned them and added color. Each time Moses is featured in the book, that is an actual picture I took of him and dropped into the artwork.

I understand that you and Moses travel the country as spokesperson and spokesdog for ALPO® Chop House Originals Ribeye-Flavored dog food. Where does Moses ride when you have to fly to the events?
Moses sits in a seat on the plane right next to Ally and I. He wears a special harness that clips into the seat belt. Children are always excited to see Moses walking through the airport and are especially thrilled to see him sitting in a seat on the airplane.

What is Moses’ job when you are traveling the country?
Moses greets kids at events that are often centered around raising money for shelters and humane societies. The two of us show people how to include the canine family members in on family backyard fun. He has been to Speed Week in Charlotte North Carolina, the Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, and more places around the country. Every where Moses goes ALPO© donates 1000 cans of dog food to a local shelter.

How did Moses become a member of your family?
We adopted Moses after losing my other Golden Retriever Jake. Moses is my fourth Golden. Moses has a brother and sister—two shitzus named Barney and Lucy. Sometimes Moses thinks he is a small dog, too.

Does Moses really love tennis balls?
Yes, he loves tennis balls. He loves to chew on them, sleep with them, run around with them, drop gooey ones in your lap and hide the whole thing his mouth. Our backyard is a tennis ball junk yard.

What other games does Moses like to play?
Moses loves tug of war and what Ally and I call the "Running Fit." If you run very fast and get him going Moses will run about twenty laps around the yard. Sometimes this happens in the house, which is not as much fun because we have to clean-up everything he knocks over.

Does Moses really autograph copies of the book?
Yes! We had a stamp made of Moses's actual paw print. This is much easier on Moses during book signings. This way he can concentrate on children's hugs and let us stamp the books!

Where can people get copies of Big Mo's Tennis Ball Hunt?
The book is available in local bookstores, gift shops, and doggie gourmet stores. If you can not find it locally, it is also available at Amazon.com, directly from the publisher at www.GreatAmericanPublishers.com, or by calling toll-free 1.866.625.9241. Be sure to visit my website www.TheDeckChef.com as well as www.BigMosTennisBalls.com for more fun information about Moses.