NDSU alumnus co-writes children’s book on coping with the pandemic

NDSU alumnus co-writes children’s book on coping with the pandemic

 

NDSU alumnus Tristan Pollock and his family decided a group project was a perfect way to pass the time during the pandemic. Using their collective talents, they have produced a children’s book titled “Stay At Home, Dog!”

“We created ‘Stay at Home, Dog!’ to help families and children deal with the uncertainty of COVID-19 in a positive way. We are going to donate the proceeds to nonprofits helping families who were hit the hardest during the pandemic,” said Pollock, BS ’08, business administration, who is sheltering-in-place at his parents’ home in Jordan, Minnesota. “Our goal was to help parents educate their kids about coronavirus and to open a dialogue around their thoughts and emotions during the pandemic.”

Pollock and his wife, Danyelle, did the writing, while his parents, Julie and Rick Pollock, were the illustrators. The project went from concept to finished product in just three weeks.

The results have been amazing – “Stay at Home, Dog!” is the No. 1 new release on the Amazon children’s book charts. It’s been available for only one week, but already nearly 900 books have been ordered.

Pollock describes his experience at NDSU as the foundation for his success.

“NDSU remains a special place in my heart – it was my coming to age story,” said Pollock, who is the entrepreneur-in-residence for 500 Startups. “I got exposure to business and entrepreneurship as a student at NDSU. I interned at local Fargo nonprofits like CHARISM and advertising agencies like Absolute Marketing Group. It really set me on my entrepreneurial path to where I am today.”

The book, which is intended for children ages 1-8, is available in print and digital versions through Amazon.com.

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