The Collingwood Press has published "A Day in the Life of Root Beer (The Dachshund)," a children's picture book written by Mark Eggers. The book is available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The story follows Root Beer, a dachshund, through a single day at home with Mommy and Daddy, beginning with him waking in his crate to the smell of coffee and ending with him asleep in it again. In between, he eats breakfast, plays tug-of-war with his fox toy, rides to the park, answers a squirrel, stops for ice cream, and settles on the couch between Mommy and Daddy for the evening.
The narrative focuses on the small routines of an ordinary day: banana slices and blueberries with breakfast, a ball nudged under the couch followed by barking until it is fished back out, Daddy asking him to step back from the dishwasher, and three circles in his favorite spot before he curls up against Dad's leg. The book is fully illustrated in color, with each spread moving to a new part of the day, from the kitchen and living room to the park, the ice cream shop, and the house at night.
Root Beer is Eggers's own dog. Eggers and his wife, Kathy, did not have a dog until they were 67. Root Beer, named for his coat color, has been with them for about five years. His title page lists a few of his other names, including Ninja Wiener, Rooty Beer, RB, Harry Houweenie, and Rootie Tootie. The book is dedicated to Eggers's entire family, "who all have an opinion about Root Beer." Eggers and Kathy have four children, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
The release of this book matters because it highlights the growing market for children's picture books that celebrate everyday family life and pet ownership. By centering on a dachshund's simple routines, the story offers a relatable and comforting read for young children and their parents, reinforcing the value of ordinary moments. For the publishing industry, it demonstrates how independent presses like The Collingwood Press continue to find and promote new authors with personal stories that resonate with broad audiences.
The book's availability through major retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble ensures wide accessibility for families, educators, and gift-givers. Additionally, Eggers's background—becoming a first-time dog owner later in life—adds a unique perspective that may appeal to older readers and grandparents looking for stories that reflect their own experiences. As the children's book market remains competitive, titles like this that emphasize warmth, routine, and family bonds can stand out for their authenticity and charm.
Book Details: Title: A Day in the Life of Root Beer (The Dachshund); Author: Mark Eggers; Publisher: The Collingwood Press; Publication year: 2026; Available at: Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
