Two Alumni Create Children's Book Celebrating Gonzaga

Spike's Zagtastic Day Brings GU Spirit to the Next Generation

For Gonzaga alumni Jabez LeBret and Dan Gemeinhart ('01), "Spike's Zagtastic Day" is more than a children's book – it's a love letter to Gonzaga, Spokane and the lifelong friendships that begin here.

Published last December, the picture book follows Spike the Bulldog on an adventure across Gonzaga's campus as he searches for his missing book, meeting fellow Zags and visiting familiar campus landmarks along the way. Designed for children and families, the story introduces Gonzaga traditions to the university's youngest fans while giving parents, grandparents and alumni a new way to share their Zag pride.

The project began with a simple realization.

When LeBret was searching for a Gonzaga-themed picture book to read with his young son, he couldn't find one. So he called his longtime friend, Dan Gemeinhart, a #1 New York Times bestselling children's author.

"I said, 'Hey, GU needs a children's book. I can call Bob Finn at the Alumni office to help us navigate the process. You in?' "

The answer was an easy yes.

Their friendship stretches back more than three decades. The two first met as 8-year-olds growing up in Spokane. Although Gemeinhart's family moved away a few years later, they remained close and eventually reunited as classmates at Gonzaga from 1998 to 2001.

Together, they founded Bright Dog Studios to bring the project to life.

Gemeinhart wrote the story, while LeBret partnered with the Gonzaga Alumni & Friends team to ensure the project also gave back. Ten percent of the book's profits support future students through the Gonzaga Alumni Scholarship Fund. The pair also enlisted Washington illustrator Erik Brooks to create the colorful artwork that brings Spike's campus adventure to life.

"I wanted a book that was a fun story," Gemeinhart says, "but also one that gave parents and grandparents a chance to show their kiddos Gonzaga's beautiful campus and share their Zag pride with them."

Today, Spike's Zagtastic Day is helping create new Gonzaga memories for the university's youngest supporters – one storytime at a time.

Spike's Zagtastic Day is available online, at the Gonzaga University Bookstore and at local bookstores.