A cute cartoon flying bee with large pink eyes, tiny wings, and a happy expression.

CHILDREN’S BOOK

Dishwashers, Sneezes, and Flies

Written by Jennifer Bobay  ·  Illustrated by Paige Halminiak

Watercolor illustration of a smiling boy with three adorable puppies by a waterfront with a city skyline in the background. The puppies are wearing colorful collars, and the scene is lively and cheerful.
Watercolor illustration of a smiling boy with three adorable puppies by a waterfront with a city skyline in the background. The puppies are wearing colorful collars, and the scene is lively and cheerful.

Featured in Forest & Bluff Magazine, June 2026

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ABOUT THE BOOK

What started as a creative outlet during COVID became something I never could have imagined. Dishwashers, Sneezes, and Flies tells the story of Charlie — a lovable chocolate Lab learning to be brave in a big, loud, unpredictable world.

I had the joy of bringing Jennifer Bobay's words to life through watercolor illustrations, painting each page by hand. This book is for every kid who's ever felt a little nervous, and for every dog lover too.

A look inside

A watercolor painting of a brown puppy with big eyes, wearing a blue collar, standing next to a laundry basket full of clothes in a laundry room with washing machines in the background.
A watercolor painting of a brown puppy with a blue collar looking out of an airplane window at a city skyline including the Willis Tower and John Hancock building.
Watercolor illustration of a group of dogs sitting together, with one looking out the window, some with colored collars, depicting a scene of companionship.

Featured in Forest & Bluff Magazine

Magazine page with images and text about a teacher's pet project, featuring a woman with two dogs and illustrations of a boy with dogs, alongside photo of children at a bookstore.
Magazine cover of Forest & Bluff with a man wearing glasses and a blue apron in a rustic wooden setting, standing behind a table of fresh vegetables and herbs, with the headlines 'Fired Up' and details about a chef's craft at Elawa Farm's Solstice BBQ.

I never thought taking up watercolor during COVID would land me here. So grateful to be featured in Forest & Bluff Magazine's June 2026 issue alongside this sweet story and the incredible Jennifer Bobay.

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