I always love featuring books that entertain and educate … and when they are written by one of my dear kid lit friends, that makes it even more enjoyable! Author Liliana Tommasini and I met at Miriam Laundry’s Believe Conference in Canada last fall … and what a wonderful event for picture book authors. When I discovered that Liliana has a new book out, I knew I’d want to share it with you. PLUS, Liliana is sharing the story behind the story.
Oslo’s Surprise Adventure
Written by: Liliana Tommasini
Illustrated by: Amariah Rauscher
Published by: Miriam Laundry Publishing, 2025
Age range: 4-9 years old
Themes: Friendship, curiosity and family
Short Summary
Get ready for a tail-wagging adventure with Oslo, Maya, and Chapo. These three playful doggies are on a mission to find the dog park, but their journey through the neighborhood is full of surprises. Will they make it back home in time for Oslo’s birthday treats?
Oslo’s Surprise Adventure is a delightful tale packed with excitement, laughter, and a little bit of mischief. It’s a fun story for kids who love puppies, exciting adventures, and yummy birthday cake!
Why I Love This Book
I love Oslo’s Surprise Adventure because it’s a story about dogs on an unplanned adventure. Olso is a very relatable character and children will connect with him immediately. The story highlight’s themes of courage and friendship, but it also serves as a cautionary tale about getting lost and the importance of staying with a trusted adult. The story is full of heartwarming messages of family and friendship It’s a wonderful choice for story-time classroom sharing, a child’ library and a wonderful bedtime story. This book is also part of the “Octavia Can Do It!” series.
Behind the Story: Interview with Liliana Tommasini
And now the promised treat…a visit from author Liliana.
Welcome, my friend! Thank you for stopping by to chat with us.
Q1: Tell us a little about Oslo’s Surprise Adventure
The theme of Oslo’s Surprise Adventure was inspired by a childhood memory of mine of when I wandered out of the backyard without telling my mother!
Q2: What inspired you to write this story?
Oslo was my grandchildren’s beloved family dog, a truly special companion who brought so much joy to all of us. When he sadly crossed the Rainbow Bridge last year, I wanted to honour his memory in a meaningful way, so I decided to write a book about him based on my childhood experience as part of the Octavia Can Do It! series.
Q3: How did you come to work with Amariah Rauscher?
Amariah Rauscher is the talented illustrator of the Princess Truly books by Scholastic, which I bought for my grandchildren. I loved her soft watercolor style and reached out to her to illustrate my first book, Octavia Can Do It! She has now illustrated all three books in the Octavia Can Do It! series. She has also illustrated the colouring pages in the Octavia Can Do It! Activity and Colouring Book, which complements the Series.
Q4: What message do you hope children take away from this book?
I wrote this story not only as a tribute to Oslo, but also to show how good friends support each other through challenging times. I also wanted children to understand the importance of letting an adult know where they’re going and paying attention to what’s happening around them.
Themes & Classroom Connections
Teachers and parents can use Oslo’s Surprise Adventure to discuss:
- Responsibility and Safety – Always tell an adult where you are going and always be aware of your environment.
- Friendship and Teamwork – Discuss how Oslo and his friends work together and look out for one another during their adventure.
- Love and Remembering Pets – Explore the special bond between families and their pets, and how we can cherish their memory through stories and happy moments.
Some discussion questions for children/students:
1. Do you think Oslo wanted to go on an adventure?
2. How do you think Oslo felt when he went too far from home?
3. Who were Oslo’s friends, and how did they help him?
4. What do you think Oslo, Maya and Chapo learned from his adventure?
5. How can we show love and care for our pets at home?
6. What was your favorite part of the story?
7. How do you think Oslo’s family felt when he came home?
8. What can we do to stay safe when we want to explore or play outside?
Other Books by Liliana Tommasini
Octavia Can Do It!
Octavia is a spunky little girl who loves to bake cookies with her Mama. Mixing flour, butter and eggs are one of her favourite things to do. Today, Octavia wants to do things differently.
When Mama steps out of the kitchen, Octavia takes over with an “I can do it” attitude. But as flour and cocoa cover the walls, cabinets, and countertop, she starts to question herself.
Will her cookies turn out as good as Mama’s cookies?
Octavia Can Do It! is the humorous story of a young girl as she discovers that even the most independent people need a little help sometimes.
Octavia and Ludovic Welcome Baby Brother
“Soon, you will have a baby brother.”
Discover the joy of siblinghood with Octavia and Ludovic in Octavia and Ludovic Welcome Baby Brother! Reading this book will take readers on an emotional journey as they follow the story of Octavia and Ludovic as they learn how to welcome a new baby brother into their family. With this book, readers will:
• Find out how to strengthen relationships with siblings through real-world scenarios.
• Feel inspired to build strong, loving bonds between siblings from an early age.
Octavia and Ludovic Welcome Baby Brother includes helpful tips for creating strong sibling relationships.
Octavia Can Do It! Activity and Coloring Book
Octavia Can Do It! Activity and Colouring Pages book is packed with fun things to do from all three Octavia stories!
About the Author
Liliana is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Canadian Society of Authors, Illustrators, and Performers, two associations that connect fellow creatives. She is also an Author Coach, helping aspiring children’s book authors turn their dreams into reality and inspire the next generation of readers.
She’s the author of the Octavia Can Do It! series, which includes Octavia Can Do It!, Octavia and Ludovic Welcome Baby Brother, Oslo’s Surprise Adventure, and the complementary Octavia Can Do It! Activity and Colouring Book. When she’s not writing, two of her favourite past times are spending time with her grandchildren or getting lost in a good courtroom thriller.
👉 Connect with Liliana
Website: www.lilianatommasini.com
Instagram: @lilianatommasiniauthor
Facebook: LilianaTommasiniAuthor
Grab your copy of Oslo’s Surprise Adventure
Thank you, Liliana, for sharing your story with us!
Oslo’s Surprise Adventure is a touching, beautifully illustrated picture book that belongs in every child’s library. Be sure to check it out and share it with the young readers in your life.
Do not forget that books make great gifts. Books can be read over and over again. They are the gift that keeps on giving. Don’t forget classroom teachers, they love to get children’s books for their libraries. Children need books and you can help by sharing a book with a child.
Thank you, all of my readers, for spending your time with us. If you love the books that are featured here, I hope you will help them become successful.
You can:
Buy the book
Review the book
Tell friends about the book (Please share this post on social media)
Ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection.
Until Next Time …
Karen