Chris Pine Ventures into Children's Literature as an Author

Actor Chris Pine is spinning a unique narrative these days. The "Star Trek" luminary has ventured into the realm of children's literature with his latest work, "When Digz the Dog Met Zurl the Squirrel: A Short Tale About a Short Tail."

"The allure of crafting this tale was largely inspired by the image of parents reading to their young ones," Pine shared with People magazine. "As a child, I adored having my father repeatedly narrate my favorite books."

Although Pine himself is not a parent, he has encountered numerous parents who lament the monotony of reading the same story countless times. "I aspired to create something that would be a delight to vocalize, encouraging repeated exploration," Pine explained. "The narrative, while straightforward, underscores the vital themes of empathy and the folly of superficial judgments."

The story revolves around Digz, a dog who fancies himself the monarch of a garden, and Zurl, a squirrel who contests this claim. The duo eventually discovers shared traits that bind them.

Pine recounted the genesis of the story: "During the early days of the COVID quarantine, I was strolling with a friend when my dog bolted after a squirrel. My friend remarked on the absence of tales about dogs chasing squirrels, a seemingly universal scenario. I concurred, recognizing its appeal."

A dog lover himself, Pine desired the book to exude a perennial charm, reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's lyrical style. "I aimed to craft something that felt timeless, as if it had graced bookshelves for decades," he remarked. "This book is pertinent now, as it was 50 years ago and will be 50 years hence. It's a simplistic yet meaningful story, easily conveyed to children and enjoyable for parents to articulate."

"When Digz the Dog Met Zurl the Squirrel: A Short Tale About a Short Tail" is now available for purchase.