The Official Librarian

Name That Dog Contest!

CYNTHIANA, Ky. – A national literary treasure is missing. Someone has stolen the original copy of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, so goes the plot in Nathan Miller’s comical children’s mystery, The Official Librarian: Bessy’s Back!, where a whimsical librarian named Bessy Beebody is forced to become a detective. Readers from 3rd grade to adult, will enjoy joining Bessy and her friend, Huddy, the talking film projector, as they search for Twain’s literary masterpiece. But it won’t be easy, especially with someone…or something chasing them.

While Bessy’s investigation ultimately reaches a surprise conclusion, there are more adventures with Bessy to be had. Miller will continue Bessy’s adventures in a sequel, and one lucky reader will get to help.

What to name the dog that helps save the day is still a mystery. In an effort to promote literacy skills, Miller, who is also an English teacher, is inviting the public to help his protagonist “Name That Dog” by entering a writing contest. All suggested names should somehow relate to or honor Mark Twain.

Librarians and teachers are especially encouraged to have students read texts written by Mark Twain to help them gain an appreciation of the great author and to figure out what names might be unique yet appropriate. Participants must send all entries via traditional stamped envelope in friendly letter format with a salutation line that reads: Dear Bessy. The body of the message should include a suggested name for the Dalmatian and an explanation for why the name fits. All letters should be proofread for mistakes and grammatically accurate for the contest. The winner of the contest will have the dog name he or she suggests used in the next book Miller writes and will win an autographed copy of the sequel.

Contest letters are to be sent to:
Bessy Beebody, The Official Librarian
20 Clubside Drive
Butler, KY 41006

Entries for the contest must be postmarked no later than October 31, 2011. One entry per person is allowed. The winner will be announced at the officiallibrarian.com website after entries have been judged and the sequel is complete.