THIRD BOOK: Dr. Physick’s adventures continue

Cape May MAC is pleased to announce the publication of Dr. Physick Goes to the Lighthouse, the third installment in a series of children’s books chronicling the adventures of the good doctor and his canine companions. As the title might suggest, in this charming episode Dr. Physick visits the iconic Cape May Lighthouse to meet with the Lighthouse Keeper, a kindly soul with plenty to teach Dr. P about the importance of keeping the lantern lit.

Produced in-house, the Dr. P books are written by Cape May MAC Curator Ben Ridings and illustrated by Digital Marketing Manager Steven Olszewski. Ben and Steven sat down to discuss the recent publication:

This is now the third installment in the Dr. Physick children’s book series that you two have worked on together. Did either of you ever expect to be an author/illustrator of a children’s book? Was this type of a project a long-term dream, or something that took you by surprise?

BR: I never anticipated becoming an author, let alone a children’s book. As often happens in life, timing is everything. When I was first approached about writing a book, I had a five-month-old daughter. She enjoyed when I read to her, so together, we probably went through 100 books. Although I wasn’t entirely sure if I could craft a story, I was well-versed in the medium. It was a case of “you never know what you’re capable of until you try.”

SO: I have a BFA in animation and have worked on a variety of children’s related projects in the past, but this was my first time illustrating a children’s book. I’d done some illustrations for a pet project during the pandemic and showed them to Eliza Lotozo (Cape May MAC Chief Outreach Officer), who expressed interest in a children’s take on Doctor Physick. The rest is history!

The pair of you have roles outside of writing and illustrating at Cape May MAC: Curator and designer, respectfully. What has it been like to work collaboratively on such a creative project?

BR: At times, I find myself genuinely amazed by Steven’s creativity. I must admit, my role seems somewhat easier, given that there are no constraints on my written words. However, Steven faces the challenge of taking my thoughts and ideas and seamlessly weaving them into illustrations. It’s not that tunity to tell stories within the story based on what the characters are doing in a scene. If I go into an illustration sticking too strictly to the text, we lose little moments like Daisy the terrier hoisting herself up to the top of the lighthouse in a basket on a pulley while everyone else is using the stairs!

What aspect of the writing/illustrating process have you found the most satisfying?

BR: I enjoy putting real, researched history into every book, yet still making it fun and engaging. Children are learning about the past, perhaps without even realizing.

SO: I really enjoy taking actual human beings and places from history and creating whimsical, playful representations of them that honor the past by making it accessible to children today.

And Ben, have you read the Dr. Physick books to your own children? Did they get a sneak peek of Dr. Physick Goes to the Lighthouse?

I should be surprised, for his work is always wonderful, but every time I see his artwork for a new book, I’m impressed by the high quality.

SO: I love working on these projects with Ben. I’m not much of a wordsmith, even when tasked with writing something for a more juvenile audience. I really enjoy seeing how Ben takes these inherently “grownup” topics and weaves them into something engaging for a younger audience.

What’s been the biggest learning curve for each of you?

BR: The biggest learning curve came from our second book, Dr. Physick’s Night Before Christmas. We wanted to match the style of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

My brilliant and patient editor, Evelyn Maguire, had to educate me on syllable couplet patterns.

SO: I’ve had to learn to not be so rigid in what I’m going to draw. I have the oppor-

BR: My daughter is now almost four, and I have a two-year-old son. They both enjoy the books, but they really like the illustrations. In addition to writing and being the Curator, I also portray Dr. Physick at tours and events. Therefore, when they see an illustration of Dr. Physick, they call him “daddy.”

And finally—what’s next for the charming Dr. Physick? Any future book titles in mind?

BR: A few weeks ago, Steven and I discussed ideas for future books. Dr. Physick had many employees work on his estate. It would be interesting to write a story about them. I’m fortunate there are countless topics for stories.

SO: There’s been talk about another book that focuses on the staff at the Physick Estate. I’ve also been working on an activity/coloring book!

Dr. Physick Goes to the Lighthouse is available for purchase in the Cape May MAC Museum Shops as well as online by clicking here. -- EM