Former Fullerton resident Linda Shayne, a filmmaker and author, who was also a 1974 graduate of Sunny Hills High School, is thrilled to announce the global debut of her beloved rock ‘n’ roll dachshund, Longfellow, in a Japanese-English bilingual edition of her picture book, “Longfellow Finds A Home”. This new release enables families to enjoy the heartwarming tale in both languages, fostering laughter and learning together.

The bilingual edition, published by Santa Monica-based Remember Point, features text that appears side by side in Japanese and English, allowing readers to engage with the story in a versatile way. The journey began far from Santa Monica, in the neighborhoods of Fullerton, where Shayne first found inspiration.

Having earned her degree at UC Berkeley, Shayne has built a successful career in the entertainment industry. She has written films for major studios including Disney, and directed features released through Warner Bros. and Paramount. Notably, *Purple People Eater*, a family film she wrote and directed, was filmed in Fullerton and nearby Los Angeles, maintaining a connection to her roots.

At the heart of Shayne’s vibrant narrative is Longfellow, a dachshund who appears at the Longdog family’s doorstep one night with no place to call home. After embarking on a whimsical adventure with three puppies, the caring family takes him in. Crafted in a playful, Seussian rhyme style, the story resonates with toddlers aged 2 to 7, conveying themes of kindness and belonging.

Shayne’s storytelling is complemented by the artwork of Emmy Award-winning animator Art Leonardi, best known for his contributions to the *Pink Panther* series. For the bilingual edition, translator Tomoko Miyagawa, who was born in Japan and resides in Los Angeles, ensured that the text carried the charm of the original into Japanese.

The bilingual format not only translates the story but also creates an opportunity for shared reading experiences among families and classrooms. “Longfellow, the blue wiener dog, in Japanese and English is fantastic,” said Hana Tanaka, a mother of two. “This bilingual picture book sparks imagination and is filled with kindness and inclusiveness. It is pure magic for families.”

Preschool teacher Kamie Katzarska has experienced the book’s impact firsthand with her students. “After I read the book to my class, I asked their favorite part. Most said it was when the dog was called ‘hot dog’ and when the family took Longfellow in,” she reported.

The release of the Japanese-English edition follows the English edition, which launched the Wiener Dog Tales series, and a subsequent Spanish version. This latest addition carries Longfellow’s message of friendship and belonging to readers worldwide, with upcoming adventures slated in multiple languages.

*Longfellow Finds A Home* is currently available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and in select retail stores. Additional resources, including free activities, music videos, and coloring pages, can be found at LongfellowFindsAHome.com and WienerDogTales.com.

Established in 2010, Remember Point publishes a diverse range of literature, including a growing series of illustrated children’s books. For more information, visit http://www.LongfellowFindsAHome.com or http://WienerDogTales.com.