Roseanne Critelli Shares the Heartwarming Adventures of Luca and Sonny

PHOTO: Author Roseanne Critelli enjoys a peaceful moment near her Long Island home, where inspiration flows from family, nature, and the joyful spirit of her dogs.

Bringing Stories of Joy Laughter and Life Lessons to Young Readers

Author Roseanne Critelli discusses the inspiration behind her beloved dogs Luca and Sonny, crafting meaningful children’s stories, and how family, nature, and everyday life fuel her storytelling passion.

Roseanne Critelli brings a quiet magic to the page—one born not from spectacle, but from sincerity. Nestled in the familiar rhythms of family, the warmth of her kitchen, and the joyful chaos of canine companionship, her stories are filled with heart. There is an ease in her writing, the kind that invites you in with gentle humor and leaves you carrying a little more hope than when you arrived.

At the center of her world are Luca and Sonny, two spirited dogs whose adventures leap from memory to manuscript. What makes their tales shine isn’t just the mischief or the charm—it’s the way Roseanne infuses each story with meaning. Her narratives are anchored in kindness, designed to help young readers not just laugh, but grow. Empathy, courage, and compassion—these are the true stars of her books.

A life spent on Long Island, surrounded by generations of love, laughter, and inspiration, gives her stories a deeply personal texture. Whether drawing from a stroll through the city at Christmastime or a simple day spent with her granddaughters, she turns ordinary moments into lasting memories. And in doing so, she reminds us that the most powerful stories often come from the heart.

In the following pages, you’ll discover the spirit behind The Adventures of Luca and Sonny, a series crafted with purpose and playfulness. Roseanne writes not just for children, but for the child in all of us—the one still wide-eyed with wonder, eager to believe in a world where kindness always wins.

Roseanne Critelli creates warm, uplifting children’s stories filled with charm, wisdom, and joy—perfect for young readers and families alike.

What inspired you to create the characters Luca and Sonny?
I’m inspired to bring The Adventures of Luca and Sonny to life in my books because they are my beloved pets, full of energy, fun, and sometimes a bit mischievous. I love sharing their stories with young readers, as I aim to weave in positive messages that can both entertain and teach valuable lessons.

How much of your personal experiences with your dogs influenced the stories?
Luca and Sonny have had a profound impact on my storytelling. I strive to capture their humor and playful spirit in my books, which allows me to incorporate messages of kindness and compassion. Through their adventures, I aim to teach young readers valuable lessons that can be applied to everyday life.

“I’m inspired to bring The Adventures of Luca and Sonny to life because they are full of energy, fun, and heart.” — Roseanne Critelli

What message do you hope young readers take away from your books?
The message I hope to convey through my books is the importance of compassion and empathy towards others. Each story is crafted with a life lesson in mind, encouraging young readers to feel confident and proud when performing acts of kindness. In today’s world, I believe it’s crucial to teach children that showing compassion and respect is essential for building a better, more connected society.

How do you balance writing with your love for cooking and family life?
I feel truly blessed to have the ability to balance my family life with my writing, thanks to the unwavering support of my wonderful husband and family. Whether we’re cooking together or simply spending time as a family, my love for writing thrives in those moments. Throughout the day, I find inspiration in the different scenarios I encounter, which I then bring to life in my books through the playful eyes of Luca and Sonny.

What was your favorite scene to write in The Adventures of Luca & Sonny: Spirit of Christmas?
My favorite scene in The Adventures of Luca and Sonny: Spirit of Christmas is when Sonny walks down the city block, taking in all the Christmas cheer. The sparkling lights, the bustling crowds, and the people carrying gifts, it captures the magic of the season. This scene always reminds me of the times I would take my children into the city to see the Christmas tree. Their reactions were so vivid and unforgettable, and that sense of wonder is something I believe brings out the child in all of us.

“I love sharing stories that make kids smile while encouraging them to be kind and confident.” — Roseanne Critelli

How do you come up with new adventures for Luca and Sonny?
In my everyday life, I’m constantly experiencing new adventures with my dogs. I also enjoy addressing important issues that resonate with me, weaving those messages into my stories. Watching the interactions between my children and grandchildren provides me with fresh inspiration, offering new avenues to explore and enrich my writing.

Are there any plans to expand Luca and Sonny adventures into other holiday or settings?
I’m currently working on expanding Luca and Sonny’s adventures into short, engaging clips that will be available on my website, giving young readers the chance to see my stories come to life. I’m also in the process of writing a new book that’s a bit sillier and more playful, designed to bring even more joy to young children. I hope they’ll enjoy it as much as I do. Additionally, I plan to write more holiday-themed books, continuing to share the magic of the seasons with my readers.

How does living on Long Island influence your storytelling?
I’ve spent my whole life on Long Island, and I truly believe it’s the best place to call home. I love spending time outdoors, whether it’s going for walks, biking to the beach, or hopping on a train ride into Manhattan. The people I meet along the way constantly inspire me, and their stories give me the chance to write about what matters most to me. Through my books, I strive to share meaningful life lessons with young readers, lessons that every parent or grandparent would want their children to learn.

“Never give up on your story—there’s an audience out there waiting to hear it.” — Roseanne Critelli

What do your granddaughters think about the Luca and Sonny stories?
My granddaughters are my biggest fans and my first critics. They’re always the first to hear my manuscripts, and I often bounce ideas off of them. Their go-to feedback is usually, “The sillier, the better!” They’re a constant source of inspiration, and nothing makes me happier than seeing their smiles when they hear the latest Luca and Sonny adventure. And of course, I can’t help but smile when they say, “Grandma, you’re a good storyteller!”—it’s the best compliment I could ask for.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to write heartwarming children’s stories?
My advice to new authors writing children’s stories is simple: just do it. Keep moving forward and never give up on your dreams. Luca Meets Sonny, my first book, was written years before it was finally published. There were times when I’d pull it out, read through it, and put it away again, doubting if it was good enough to share with the world. But when the right opportunity came, and I teamed up with the talented illustrator Matthew Carl, the book truly came to life. The key is to remember that there’s an audience for every story. With hard work, dedication, and a little faith in yourself, you’ll succeed.