Dog may be man’s best friend, but for children’s book author/illustrator Leslie McGuirk, he doubles as her artistic muse. In her latest title, Wiggens Learns His Manners at the Four Seasons Restaurant (Candlewick, Aug.), the Vero Beach, Fla.-based writer, best known for her Tucker series of picture books, pays tribute to her canine companions once again. “My dogs completely inspire me with their antics, so to honor them, they make cameo appearances,” she says, pointing out Pekay the Norfolk Terrier, who moonlights as a waiter on the book’s cover, and Guy, who appears inside seeking spiritual advice from his Holiness the Chi-waa-waa.
But in this new release, the title character is a precocious pup that bites off more than he can chew (literally), and could benefit from some table manners. Who better for McGuirk to join forces with than Four Seasons restaurateur Alex von Bidder?
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| Leslie McGuirk. |
The two met when von Bidder attended a workshop taught by McGuirk on “How to Have Creative and Inspired Thoughts.” “His knowledge on how to elegantly navigate through life is beyond compare,” she says of von Bidder. “I realized his playfulness, his wisdom and his restaurant experience made him a perfect partner for a book of manners for children.”
Von Bidder, who had previously co-authored a historical book on the Four Seasons, was excited about applying his observations in the restaurant business to everyday living. “Respect and manners are the first ingredients of excellent guest service,” he says. “They also increase your ability to handle challenging life situations anywhere.”
In fact, the wisdom dispensed to Wiggens throughout the book is a direct result of von Bidder’s own experiences in restaurant management. Lesson #3, “Be quiet and polite in a new place,” is directed at children who become bored, get up from their table and run around. “Guests who answer cell phone calls at the table or become loud and boisterous after a couple of martinis are the adult version of loud and impolite,” he quips.
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| Alex von Bidder. |
Wiggens must himself exercise his own manners in the book when he gets a taste of the Four Seasons’ famous roasted duck with bing cherry compote. “The only disappointment is that he is not allowed to chase and catch [the duck] in the pool,” von Bidder says with a chuckle.
Nonetheless, Wiggens does learn good manners in the end and is deserving of a good meal. If McGuirk had her say, the two would share some of the restaurant’s signature white truffle risotto dish. “Wiggens and I would lick our plates and then sprout wings and fly to heaven together, if we could eat a bowl of that rare and incredible delicacy.”
Just don’t forget to say thank you.
Wiggens Learns His Manners at the Four Seasons Restaurant by Leslie McGuirk and Alex von Bidder, illus. by McGuirk. Candlewick, $16.99 ISBN 978-0-7636-4014-9
