Joe Tavano

When Joe Tavano met the real Paws, they quickly became close friends. A Dachshund's Wish draws on Paws's reactions to the squirrels, birds and other wild animals in his backyard. Illustrated by Ji Yu, A Dachshund's Wish is Tavano's first children's book. Writing it was a wild departure from Tavano's professional life as a graphic designer and videotape editor. On the job, he creates audio and video programming for such television clients as Nickelodeon, NBC and Spike TV.

Tavano lives in New York City and has visited schools there to talk about his book and writing. He also does readings for children at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx. "Nurses read most of the story and then I pop in to read the last chapter as a surprise," said author Joe Tavano."It's one of the best things I do."

Tavano hopes Paws helps children learn that both humans and animals share love and dreams, just as the real Paws did.