Canadian folk singer, songwriter and author Tia McGraff has released In Your Dreams, Jake: The Trail Goes On, a 233-page children’s novel inspired by her rescued Siberian Husky. The second instalment in her middle-grade book series combines animal adventures with lessons about friendship, responsibility, courage and personal growth.
The new release extends McGraff’s creative work beyond music into children’s publishing, while supporting her ongoing involvement with literacy initiatives and animal welfare organizations across Canada.
Tia McGraff’s New Book Follows Rescue Dog’s Adventures
From Nashville Animal Shelter to Children’s Literature
The story draws inspiration from Jake, a Husky who was once housed at an animal shelter in Nashville, Tennessee, before joining McGraff and her husband, musician Tommy Parham, on their travels.
In the latest novel, Jake takes on new responsibilities as the travelling musicians’ full-time companion, known as their Road Dawg.
With guidance from his older brother Bogey and feline sister Dottie Lynne, Jake encounters a series of adventures involving a champion Retriever, a dangerous dognapping incident and unexpected celebrity.
His experiences become more challenging after moving to Canada and losing his best friend, introducing younger readers to themes of change, grief and resilience.
The book encourages children to pursue their ambitions while recognizing the importance of relationships and personal responsibility.
Positive Reviews Highlight Educational Themes
The novel has received a five-star assessment from Readers’ Favorite.
Reviewer Stewart Brian described it as “a well-written children’s book that portrays the unique relationship between pets and their owners and how they communicate. This book is a combination of creativity, educational information, and poetry.”
The publication has also attracted attention from education professionals.
“This would be an invaluable addition to our education system for children from grade three to eight,” says Shari Cann, editor, education specialist, and trustee for the Grand Erie District School Board. “Every chapter contains a life lesson.”
McGraff Expands Career Beyond Canadian Folk Music
Established Music Career and International Recognition
Originally from Ontario’s north shore of Lake Erie, McGraff began gaining recognition after winning the Canadian Open Country Singing Contest at age 19.
Her subsequent career included television appearances with Johnny Cash and June Carter, collaborations with Randy Bachman and Dan Hill, and songwriting connections with Anne Murray’s publishing company.
She later met Parham in Nashville, where their professional songwriting partnership developed into a marriage and long-running musical collaboration.
Together, they have released more than 11 international albums and performed at festivals across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.
McGraff’s songwriting honours include recognition at the 2021 and 2022 EmPower Songwriting Awards, a Hamilton Music Award and ISSA honours.
She was also named a semifinalist in the 2026 International Songwriting Competition.
In 2026, she was inducted into the Norfolk Music Hall of Fame, while her children’s recording Caterpillar Song was added to CBC Kids radio.
Children’s Book Series Supports Literacy and Animal Welfare
Songs’n’Tails Connects Storytelling With Live Music
McGraff’s Jake the Road Dawg series has also supported charitable initiatives, including the Dolly Parton Imagination Library’s local chapter, the Niagara Falls Humane Society and animal rescue organizations.
The books incorporate original music by McGraff and Parham and have inspired Songs’n’Tails, a live children’s program combining storytelling and musical performances.
The couple has presented the program at libraries, bookstores and community venues across Ontario.
Their appearances include two consecutive years at the Telling Tales Festival in Burlington, while Jake’s story has also reached audiences at Scotland’s Nairn Book Festival.
Ontario Tour Includes Book Signings and Community Performances
McGraff’s upcoming schedule includes appearances in Hamilton on October 24, Simcoe on October 30 and Waterloo on October 31.
Additional performances and author events are scheduled throughout November and December, with further Ontario engagements planned through April 2027.
The release of In Your Dreams, Jake: The Trail Goes On marks another step in McGraff’s development as a children’s author, connecting her established musical career with educational storytelling, community engagement and animal welfare advocacy.
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