Actor and director Chris Pine will make his children’s debut with the picture book When Digz the Dog Met Zurl the Squirrel, to be published by Flamingo Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers. The deal for world English rights was brokered by Margaret Anastas, VP and publisher of Flamingo Books, and Creative Artists Agency. Anastas also edited the project.
Featuring illustrations by Chuck Groenink, When Digz the Dog Met Zurl the Squirrel follows the titular animal stars in a battle over turf in Ms. Pincher's Garden. Both Digz and Zurl believe they’re in charge of the space, but the creatures soon learn that they don’t have to be enemies and begin a blossoming friendship.
“I’m thrilled and honored to take [Chris’s] signature wit and tremendous heart to readers everywhere with the message that if we can keep our minds open, we stand to gain incredible friendships and experiences,” Anastas said in a statement.
“My desire was to make a beautiful something that reminded me of the classics with which I grew up; to tell a simple tale, made up of delicious words and cuddle-worthy images that, hopefully, resonates with the child in all of us,” Pine said in a release.
The book is scheduled to hit shelves on October 8.
