“In the heart of New England on a campus with a barn, lived Jonathan the Husky, UConn’s good luck charm,” reads the first page of a recently published children’s storybook, titled “The Lucky Husky.” Aimed at youngsters aged 3 to 10, it’s all about the furry University of Connecticut mascot in a tale that mixes school spirit and teamwork.
“Join Jonathan as he helps the basketball team continue their winning streak — with a little luck from a campus superstition,” the book’s official description states.
“The Lucky Husky” was written by Bethany O’Brien, a 2011 University of Connecticut alumna who grew up in Tolland. After pitching the story to UConn’s office of brand partnerships, O’Brien published the book herself under the Lancaster Publications name, a nod to Lancaster Hall in the West Campus area, where she lived as a student and met her husband.
Proceeds from sales of “The Lucky Husky” will also support the care of Jonathan XV, the real-life Siberian husky dog who serves as the school’s official mascot at athletic events and spirited celebrations nationwide, UConn officials said.
“My kids have every Jonathan sweatshirt, they have the water bottles, the stuffed animals, and whenever we would go to the bookstore, I was always looking for a children’s book for them…but there wasn’t really anything that fit their age range,” said O’Brien in an interview on the UConn 360 show. “So, I started drafting an outline of what ‘The Lucky Husky’ could be.”
The first edition of the book is available for sale in the UConn Bookstore locations and online through Barnes and Noble and Amazon.
“As a UConn alumnus, this was such a fun and cute read and a wonderful way to introduce my daughter to the school,” a review by Barnes and Noble user cze1228 said. “It makes a great gift for UConn fans with small kids!”
“It’s fun to pass down a tradition I held so dear during my college years, and it gives a sense of pride being a part of UConn nation,” user StaceyB627 said.
Other comments highlighted the book’s appeal to kids through the use of rhyming and a cohesive storyline.
“I would say, you know, I love a book that rhymes, right?” O’Brien said. “I try to show diversity in my books as well, and to make sure that they rhyme and that they’re fun and engaging for kids.”
O’Brien, an HR professional by day, used various resources to assemble a publishing network for the first time.
“I came across this awesome platform called Reedsy, which allows you to find freelancers for illustrators, editors and you can also sign up for different lessons,” O’Brien said. “They help you figure out a marketing plan, understand distribution a little more and so on.”
Through her new network, O’Brien recruited Polish artist Anastasiya Halionka to illustrate the colorful pictures capturing Jonathan and iconic UConn campus features like Gampel Pavilion and the Student Union. Halionka, who specializes in children’s book illustrations, previously featured in “Liam the Liger,” “Dragon in the Dungeon” and “Wave Makers” amongst others.
“The Lucky Husky” is actually just the first book in a Jonathan the Husky-centric series. The second book, to be titled “The Dairy Bar Disaster” according to O’Brien, will be published in the spring — also featuring Halionka’s artistry.
As part of the book’s launch, O’Brien has gone on a statewide tour to promote “The Lucky Husky,” including visiting local schools alongside Jonathan.
“This story is more than just a children’s book, it’s a walk down memory lane for me and my time at UConn,” O’Brien said on social media. “It’s fun, heartwarming, and a reminder that UConn isn’t just about championships — but community, family and tradition.”
A public celebration to commemorate “The Lucky Husky” will be held at the UConn Bookstore location on the main UConn campus on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. Family friendly activities and an appearance by Jonathan are planned for the event, before the scheduled women’s basketball game against DePaul at Gampel Pavilion.