Denis R. O'neill
Author, Screenwriter & Producer
The Author’s New Book
The Author’s Last Book
The Author’s Fourth Book
The Author’s Third Book
The Author’s Second Book
Bradford’s Walk
Author’s Introduction
I am very happy to teach an old dog – Bradford – some new tricks with this collaboration. Illustrator Cyrus Quadland goes back further in my life than Bradford. Cy and I met at St. George’s School in the mid-1960’s, then reconnected when I spotted some of his exquisite watercolors on Facebook a few years ago. I like to think the doggerel in our book comes with good pedigree as Ogden Nash is also a St. George’s graduate. Nash, for those who don’t know him, is a celebrated American humorist and light verse man. I have faithfully read his poem “The Clean Platter” at my birthday parties for too many years to count. My other children’s book pedigree, also with alma mater connectivity, is of the highest order. Ted Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, and I both went to Dartmouth (albeit a few years apart), as did my father, Charles, who became a close friend of Ted’s. Both were editors of Dartmouth’s humor magazine, the Jack-o-Lantern, both were raging Democrats, and following the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974 (after a letter-writing campaign to the NYT by Geisel and O’Neill) Ted sent my father a letter festooned with an original Cat-in-the-Hat drawing with the cat trumpeting their successful efforts:
“Chas O’Neill and T.S. Geisel, working together, single handedly slew the dragon in the White House.” When I had sons of my own, Maddy, Riley and Mike, the first books their mother and I read them were by Dr. Seuss.
Bradford was my parents’ Turkey Hill Circle coonhound during the years I was living in Boston and making my way to Westport, Conn. for weekend visits. We had a routine, which this book recounts. There are no politics, only a universal tale featuring a specific dog and dog walker, and a childhood neighborhood. And a lot of sweet memories. I wrote these stanzas decades ago. Cy’s illustrations are considerably younger. After he and I struck up a conversation on Facebook, my Bradford adventures came to mind, and I asked Cy if he wanted to take a look. It was a happy day for me when he replied with an illustration of what he thought the title character might look like. A book was born. I have been smiling about our collaboration ever since.
Sample Illustration
Stanza I
“When I was a boy, I had a few dogs
Before I grew up and moved on.
But life in a city is made for a kitty,
Small spaces replacing big lawns.
Now that I’m older, I rarely get home,
But new memories are easily made…
When a walk with the dog
that came after me
Becomes a daily parade.”
Speaking of Cats & Dogs
A Book Reading
Bradford takes a walk to “Pajamarama” Night…
the author dons a pajama top to get in the spirit.
Reading for the Children
Book Signing with the Kids
The Kirkus Review:
In an illustrated poetic narrative for all ages, a charismatic hound takes stock of his domain as he romps through his daily constitutional.
The human, unnamed narrator of this waggish tale is a former Connecticut native who’s recently traveled from a city, where he has an apartment, to visit his rural home. There, he’s roused from bed in the early morning by the nuzzling muzzle and insistent barks of Bradford, “a dog / in a very plain wrapper” who lives with the narrator’s mother. Bradford bounds off, leading the narrator to the shore of Long Island Sound. Along the rambling path to the water, the dog merrily lifts his leg to leave “his John Hancock / in five hundred places,” “hoovers up smells,” and ebulliently faces off with passing cars and other dogs “at the ends of their ropes.” The good-natured Bradford is equally at home racing along the sandy shore and squeezing through the gates of a seaside mansion to roll in its lush forbidden grass.
Meanwhile, his human companion finds himself transported back to his youth, marveling at the restoration of an old “haunted” house and signaling to passing truckers who reward him with a booming honk of the horn. In unpretentious verse, O’Neill offers an idyllic odyssey in which a grown-up city dweller returns to the joys of childhood with a dog as his guide. Although the book is subtitled A Bit of Doggerel, its verse is as energetic as Bradford himself, with an irregular meter and unpredictable rhyme scheme that effectively stave off monotony. The tone is light and droll, and the narrative is peppered with canny imagery, including a comparison of jumping toy poodles to “popcorn popping” and a description of Bradford after the walk, flopping down exhausted “like a drunken, first mate.” Quadland’s watercolor illustrations are beautifully detailed and perfectly evoke the bucolic setting and Bradford’s adorable persona.
A charming depiction of simple pleasures.
Online Book Club Review:
The following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of
“Bradford’s Walk” by Denis O’Neill & Cyrus Quadland (illustrator).
The story follows the endearing routine of Bradford, a loyal and enthusiastic canine companion, and his owner. Each morning, Bradford eagerly awakens his owner with a friendly lick and a joyful bark, signaling the start of their daily ritual—a walk to the ocean. The poetic language used throughout the narrative paints vivid imagery of the serene landscapes and the genuine camaraderie between man and dog.
What sets Bradford’s Walk apart is its ability to capture the essence of Bradford’s character. He is a dog full of zest for life, evident in his playful pursuits. Despite his penchant for chasing after animals, Bradford never inflicts harm; he approaches the world with a kind and curious spirit. As he explores the natural world around him, his interactions with other dogs on leashes reveal his friendly nature and the joy he finds in fleeting connections.
The true magic of this book lies not only in its words but also in its illustrations. Cyrus Quadland’s artistry brings Bradford’s world to life, making each page a visual delight. The intricate details of the illustrations enhance the emotional depth of the story, capturing the warmth of Bradford’s expressions, the beauty of the landscapes, and the small moments that define the duo’s companionship.
As the tale unfolds, readers are left to wonder about the culmination of Bradford’s journey. The anticipation builds, creating an emotional resonance that draws readers deeper into the story. Without revealing too much, the story’s ending brings a satisfying closure to Bradford’s expedition, leaving readers with a heartwarming conclusion that captures the essence of the companionship that makes this book so endearing.
In Bradford’s Walk, Denis O’Neill and Cyrus Quadland have crafted a gem of a book that beautifully captures the joy of shared moments and the special connection between a man and his four-legged friend. Through lyrical prose and exquisite artwork, this book is an ode to the simple pleasures of life and the bonds that enrich our existence. It’s a delightful read that will leave young readers with a warm heart and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of the world around us.
I eagerly rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
Visit the Review »
America Tonight Radio:
Interview with Kate Delaney
A Heartwarming Journey
with a Beloved Canine Companion
The following is an official press release from the radio
interview with Emmy award-winning radio host Kate Delaney
Denis O’Neill invites readers of all ages on a heartwarming journey in his latest book, Bradford’s Walk. This delightful tale, beautifully illustrated by Cyrus Quadland, celebrates the simple joys of companionship and the unconditional love of a cherished canine friend.
In this book, readers travel to a picturesque small town in Connecticut, nestled on the edge of Long Island Sound. Here, they meet Bradford, an endearing canine who eagerly awakens each morning when his owners’ grown-up son returns home. With boundless enthusiasm, Bradford pleads to go for a walk, employing a charming blend of cajoling, whimpers, and cries until he gets his way, and their stroll begins.
As Bradford and his human companion embark on their morning parade, readers enjoy a heartwarming journey filled with hellos to neighbors, friendly interactions with fellow pups, and a special bond with the sea—a favorite landmark that never fails to delight Bradford. From frolicking in the bushes to his utter indifference to passing cars, Bradford finds joy in every moment of his walk.
This enchanting book is a collaboration between author Denis O’Neill and illustrator Cyrus Quadland, bringing together their unique talents of storytelling and art. Their partnership has given birth to a visually stunning and emotionally resonant poetry picture book, poised to become a timeless classic cherished by generations to come.
In a recent radio interview with Emmy award-winning radio host Kate Delaney, author Denis O’Neill delved into the inspiration behind “Bradford’s Walk” and the heartfelt message it conveys. Listeners gained insight into the creative process and the profound impact of this heartwarming tale.
Interested readers may learn more about the interview on these links:
A Sweet, Peaceful Children’s “Tail”
of Walking With a Four-Legged Friend
Book Review by Medline Suarez on BookTrib
Some people might think that taking a dog for a walk is a mundane task. But Denis O’Neill, an accomplished storyteller as an author, screenwriter and producer, transforms it into an energetic and exciting journey that showcases the joys of having a four-legged companion.
O’Neill, whose writing has ranged from thrillers to memoirs, enters a new space, along with illustrator Cyrus Quadland, with his new book, Bradford’s Walk (Palmetto Publishing) — targeted at a young audience but appealing to all ages, especially those older readers who can reminisce about the simple pleasures while growing up in a small town.
A Children’s Tale of a Childhood Dog
O’Neill draws inspiration from his own life and his many travels back to his hometown along the Connecticut shoreline. Through clever verse, he draws readers into a story of a dog named Bradford and the journey of his morning walks to the shore.
“I started the project with verses written 40 years ago,” O’Neill says, “and the story depicts my hometown once upon a time, and my once-upon-a-time parents’ pooch. RIP Bradford … brought back to life all these years later.”
The story begins with the narrator being awoken by a pleading Bradford, ready to start his day with a morning walk. From there, Bradford and the narrator set off on a journey to the beach, full of funny and playful moments that will have young readers smiling from ear to ear.
Bradford is a dog so full of energy that it makes his adventure to the shore all the more invigorating. O’Neill writes the story in such a poetic way, with rhyming schemes mixed in that flow beautifully. His writing style is both engaging and easy to follow, making this story perfect for young readers.
“He bounds into bushes, and barks up at trees,
Runs after squirrels, and chases down bees.”
Pleasant Memories of Peaceful Walks
For the narrator, like the author, the morning walk with Bradford gives him the opportunity to reminisce about his own childhood, noticing the things that have changed and showing Bradford things he used to do as a child. For Bradford, the walk is the highlight of his day, and he takes full advantage of it.
For example:
“In the shade of some trees, at the edge of a brook,
The water runs pure and clear.
It’s here as a boy, I caught my first trout,
For Bradford, it’s like a cold beer.”
The story is pulled together through beautiful illustrations by Cyrus Quadland. The images provide vivid landscapes to show the journey of Bradford’s walk. Quadland’s illustrations are the perfect backdrop to make readers feel like they are right alongside Bradford on his morning walk. O’Neill’s words combined with Quadland’s images turn Bradford’s Walk into an adventure that all readers will enjoy.
At a time when the world around us is difficult to comprehend and even harder to explain to children, Bradford’s Walk is a good clean tale that captures the essence of a simple life and the beauty of a pet at play. It validates the idea that children’s stories don’t have to be chalk full of wild action or hidden messages to be captivating, calming and loving.
Where to Get the Book
Bradford’s Walk is now available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other platforms.
Get it On Amazon
On Barnes & Noble
On Booktopia
Personal Reviews & Quick Takes
Coming Soon!
