As a mom who currently lives in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, I am always looking for books related to the city. It is important to both my husband and me to read books to our son that’s represents Chicago in a positive way.
I recently came across a Chicago Cubs-related booked called “Murphy’s Ticket” that I loved. I interviewed the book’s author, Brad Herzog, to get his take on why both children and adults love his book.
What is “Murphy’s Ticket” about?
The book is about the Chicago Cubs, the curse of the Chicago Cubs and the constant hope. It’s a pretty adorable narrative inverse which is a rhyming narrative and it also has really fantastic illustrations throughout the book.
What ages would the book best be suited for?
It’s written for kids, but it’s for Chicago Cubs fans of any age. I know of a lot of adult Chicago Cubs fans who will be putting the book on their coffee table.
What are three messages kids can learn from your book?
-Root for the underdog.
-Be loyal in the face of adversity.
-Don’t really blame cuddly animals.
In your opinion, what do kids love most about the book?
I think a lot of kids are intrigued by this notion of a curse and how that was manifested over the decades. On the very last page I give some examples. The goat’s name was Murphy and I list some of the frustrating things that have happened to the Chicago Cubs over the years involving people name Murphy. They lost a playoff series at Jack Murphy Stadium and they lost to the Mets when their own slugger was named Daniel Murphy. By including that in the book it added a little fun and fascination to the subject.
Brad Herzog is holding multiple local book signings both in the city and suburbs throughout the month of June.
June 14, 11 a.m.
LaGrange, IL
June 14, 2 p.m.
Naperville, IL
June 17, 10:30 a.m.
Oak Park, IL
June 21, 11 a.m.
Chicago, IL
June 23, 5:30 p.m.
American Library Association
Chicago, IL
June 24,10 a.m.
Chicago, IL
June 25, 1 p.m.
Chicago, IL
