RIVER FALLS – Dr. Carrie Torgersen, Director of Medical Affairs and a family clinician at the Allina Medical Clinic, River Falls, offers an interesting form of wellness through her children’s picture book, “Magnus the Naughty Dog Steals Lunch.: “Research on child development verifies that reading with your children is the absolute best thing you can do for them,” said Torgersen.

The mother of three lives in River Falls with her family. Throughout their childhood, her personal policy was to read a book every night before bed with her children. The family shares a brown dog, Magnus, who was full of shenanigans as a pup and yet evokes joy in the household.

One day, while laughing about the antics Magnus had gotten into, a book idea came to Torgersen and she was inspired to share lessons learned.

“A book appeared in my head, all written and illustrated,” she said. She wanted to bring an understanding of unconditional love blended with humor into the family setting.

The decision to present the story with its bright colors and few words per page enables kids to process easily. Torgersen says it works well with children with ADHD or autistic tendencies because it moves fast enough that they can enjoy it and move with it. The delightfully illustrated account of forgiveness conveys valuable truths to children at a level they can understand.

“People send photos of families reading together and positive feedback,” she said.

Seeing and hearing the fun kids have with it is rewarding to her.

Writing was the easy part. But as a medical professional, the author faced challenges finding the words to present her vision for the artwork to those with a creative mind.

“I work with words that are concrete and specific. I had to take a deep dive into the creative world,” said the doctor. “It was very difficult and I found I needed to stretch.”

In the end, the collaboration with illustrator Eleonore Sebastian produced a great addition to any home or public library.

Torgersen is working on a second children’s book entitled, “Magnus the Dog Gets a Cat.” The story addresses the challenge of introducing a sibling into a family.

The 49-year-old mother also writes a blog where she responds to the doctor/mother/ author roles and addresses the challenges of balancing life. Her work can be found at carrietorgersenbooks.com Torgersen has ideas for other projects, but the immediate future is devoted to family.

“Magnus the Naughty Dog Steals Lunch” is published by Beaver’s Pond Press. It is available locally at Fox Den Books, River Falls, and Fitger’s bookstore in Duluth, Minn. Books can also be purchased through Amazon and on the author’s website: carrietorgersenbooks. com.