WEST SPRINGFIELD — At the North Pole, an elf is having trouble and a K-9 named Fitzgerald makes it his mission to help.
That is the plot of a new book in the “K-9 Fitzgerald Sniffs Out Bullies” series, written by West Springfield resident Laura Progulske, whose professional name is Laura Louise.
About seven years ago, while recovering for an illness, Progulske was reading a lot of authors and thought, “If they can do it, why can’t I?”
She knew that she wanted to write stories that dealt with problems children encounter. Her son was in the police academy at the time and had a K-9 named Fitzgerald.
“I just loved Fitzgerald so much. He was our world,” said Progulske. “And I thought, ‘If anyone could help with these things, he could.’”
Progulske’s first and most popular book is “The K-9 Academy,” which was awarded a 2024 Golden Wizard Book Prize. In it, K-9 Fitzgerald overcomes bullies and helps small children conquer their own bullies and insecurities. That was followed by “Lela the Comfort Dog,” and “Rico and The Rhinos.”
Each of the books includes the name and some characteristics of Progulske’s two sons and two stepdaughters. “It’s something we’ll always have, as a family,” she said.
The latest book, “The Christmas Elf,” focuses on Elf Sharlotte, who is being bullied by the other elves because they are jealous of her skills on the basketball court. K9 Fitzgerald and his friends go to the North Pole to teach the elves about kindness and teamwork. Progulske explained that she wanted to write a holiday book for the series and her stepdaughter, Sharlotte has always been athletic, so it made sense to focus the story on team sports.
“There’s a common thread of kindness” throughout the books, Progulske said, but they also deliver the message that “people need to work harder to better themselves.”
The “K-9 Fitzgerald Sniffs Out Bullies” series is geared toward school-age readers. Progulske said she carefully considers the topics that are covered in the series. While some issues children experience are serious, she said, “I don’t want it to get too complicated for 7-year-olds. They should be light and fun to read.”
While Progulske plans to continue writing books in the series, she is also looking to branch out. She would like to write a book aimed at toddlers with input from her young granddaughter.
Progulske praised her publisher, Silver Street Media. She said the company is “a great partner” that “puts out quality products.” She added, “I’m always proud to hand someone one of my books.”
“K-9 Fitzgerald Sniffs Out Bullies: The Christmas Elf” is available at tinyurl.com/mryjczwc.
