Wareham author announces second book, promises proceeds to library

Aug 30, 2018

Wareham author Steve Rogers is gearing up to release his second children’s book in September with the promise that all proceeds will directly benefit the Wareham Free Library.

The story, titled "Dogs Can Fly", will be the second installment in what Roger’s is calling his "Critter Trilogy."

“Animals have always had a very special place in my life,” Rogers said. “And what I really wanted to do was combine that love of animals with my passion for writing.”

Rogers said that much of his inspiration comes from real life. The first book in his "Critter Trilogy" - "Bogey the Wonder Squirrel" - tells the story of Rogers, a young boy at the time, who raised an orphaned baby squirrel as a family pet along his cat and dog.

“Of course we had to let that squirrel go,” Rogers said. “I never saw him again, and that was the lesson I wanted kids to learn. Some animals are meant to be wild.”

According to Rogers, each of his stories are written with a moral in mind. "Dog’s Can Fly" will focus on the story of Rogers’ dog, Budweiser Light, who had to be put down after he became sick.

“It was a very hard thing to do because Bud was such a meaningful part of my life,” Rogers said. “So that’s what I wanted this book to be about: the loss of a pet.”

The cover for "Dogs Can Fly" was designed by 13 year-old digital artist Maura Collins. Collins is Rogers’ neighbor and will illustrate the cover of his next book as well.

“She’s extremely talented,” Rogers said. “I saw some of the work she was making on her own and I just knew I wanted her help.”

All illustrations inside "Dogs Can Fly" will be done by a second grade class at East Taunton Elementary School, who also illustrated "Bogey the Wonder Squirrel".

“They gave me some beautiful crayon drawings for my first book,” Rogers said. “And I love working with them. Honestly I think they’re better than some professionals.”

"Dogs Can Fly" will join "Bogey the Wonder Squirrel" in donating all proceeds to the Wareham Free Library. Rogers' adult novel, "Lost in Love Grass," donates all of its proceeds to the Wareham Boys & Girls Club.

“Libraries are so important to the communities they serve,” Rogers said. “And after ours lost its accreditation, I promised I’d do everything I could to help.”

Rogers anticipates that "Dogs Can Fly" will hit shelves on Sept. 15. with the "Critter Trilogy" finished just in time for Christmas.