Country star comes to Storytime

Tommy Parham and Tia McGraff performed recently at a "Storytime" event at the River Bookshop in Amherstburg.

Music and literature collided recently when Americana and Country singer-songwriter, Tia McGraff, visited the River Bookshop to promote her new children’s book, In Your Dreams Jake, the second installment in the Jake the Road Dawg series.

Children sat enraptured as McGraff, joined by her husband and musical collaborator Tommy Parham, blended storytelling with live music, performing songs while reading selections from each book. The interactive performance had kids howling like wolves and yipping like coyotes.

“The kids really love to do the chants and the singing–they like to get involved,” said Parham.

Inspired by their real-life husky, the series follows Jake, a runaway pup searching for his “forever home” who is adopted by country music couple, Tia and Tommy, who show him an exciting life he had never dreamt of.

Told through Jake’s eyes, the books also feature the couple’s other furry companions and feature artwork by Parham. “We’re about sharing the gift of songwriting and music and Jake’s journey with kids,” said McGraff.

Jake’s story is rooted in reality. Adopted at one year old, he soon became their constant companion, even joining them onstage while touring.

“When we were traveling just the two of us, it could get lonely,” McGraff shared. “We started taking Jake with us and that was the inspiration for the book–the importance of the road dog to the musician. It made us feel safer, like we were at home.”

Now, Jake’s legacy continues to inspire. Following Jake’s final journey, McGraff began work on a second book and an accompanying album. “He inspired so many people,” she said.

“That opened my heart to writing songs about kids and dreams–it’s really shaped the direction we’re going.” McGraff closed the afternoon by sharing one of Jake’s guiding messages: “Never give up on finding your pack.”

Following that performance, McGraff and Parham performed a one-hour show later that afternoon at Christ Anglican Church.

By Rebecca S. Mickle