Duchess of York reads Winnipeg author’s book on YouTube channel

A Winnipeg author celebrates the release of her children’s book on the Duchess of York’s YouTube channel.

Dogs Don’t Eat Soup, written by Jolene Olive and illustrated by Josie Ta, was self-published by Olive last November. It tells the story of Frankie, a dog determined to try soup despite the many obstacles that stand in his way.

The book was read on Friday by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, who has started reading a different children’s book every day on her YouTube channel during the pandemic. Olive says she sent a copy of Dogs Don’t Eat Soup to the Duchess in hopes she would be chosen.

“I sent him the book last December…I thought the ship had sailed and I didn’t think it would happen,” she said. “It was really cool to see her read the words I wrote.”

The YouTube video shows Ferguson sitting at a table set for tea, reading the book with a friend. The video features close-ups of the illustrations and even shares the soup recipe at the end of the book.

Olive says it was a pleasure to watch it.

“I have a few family members and friends who are royalty buffs, so they were thrilled to see her read the book,” she said.

Dogs Don’t Eat Soup is on sale at several locations in Winnipeg, including McNally Robinson, Toad Hall Toys, Scout Coffee & Tea and Monica’s Attic.