Actor Chris Pine is telling a different type of story these days. One for kids!

The “Star Trek” star has a new children’s book out, titled “When Digz the Dog Met Zurl the Squirrel: A Short Tale About a Short Tail.” ” A big reason for writing this book came from joy. I was thinking about parents reading it, because I remember when I was a kid and fell in love with a book, I’d have my father read it over and over again,” Pine shared on his recent podcast.

 “This all started at the beginning of quarantine when we were all cooped up and I wasn’t doing much of anything except for hanging out at the house with my dogs and taking them on walks. I was on a walk with my good friend way out deep out in Altadena [California]. My dog ran after a squirrel, and she said, “Wouldn’t that be a great idea for a story about a dog that falls in love with a squirrel?” That was the very basic beginning of that journey. I went home and immediately started writing. And then I couldn’t stop and ended up writing, I don’t know, probably seven or eight stories.” 

The story, though simple, emphasizes important lessons about compassion and looking beyond first impressions. Chris believes that even a straightforward message can hold great significance, especially when it comes to teaching empathy.

The book is inspired by Pine’s two rescue dogs, with the black-and-white Digz modeled after his beloved Great Dane/Pitbull mix, Wednesday—whom the book is lovingly dedicated to. Read more here about Chris Pine and his famous father who used to read to him: Chris Pine Shares What He Hopes Kids — and Parents — Learn from His ‘Universal’ First Children’s Book (Exclusive) (msn.com)