From Pop-Pop to Author

WHAT A WILD trip it has been for Dr. Joseph Schweighardt, a retired dentist who packed up his dental tools, reignited his writing skills and discovered a new calling as a children’s book author, thanks to the loving prodding of his grandchildren.

Though most know Schweighardt as Trip (a name sticking with him since childhood as one of three, or triple, family members named Joseph), the name he cherishes most these days is Pop-Pop.

After 40 years as a Wayne dentist, Schweighardt finds joy in helping care for his grandchildren, who live in Pequannock and Budd Lake. His Tuesday-night babysitting ventures began when his daughter, Kristin, began attending Christmas choir practice at The Chapel (Jacksonville). His son-in-law, Andy, participated in meetings there at the same time.

The babysitting stint usually culminated with reading bedtime stories to his granddaughters, Natalie (Nat) and Katherine (Kat) Watson. After reading them countless books, Schweighardt decided to put his storytelling talents to the test. That is when he brought to life the tale of Floyd, a blue, ice cream-eating dragon. Floyd’s, red, fire-breathing peers rejected him because he was different.

“I decided to spin a tale of my own for them,” Schweighardt says. “Hence, ‘Floyd the Ice Cream- Eating Dragon: A Bedtime Story’ came to life. Each week I added a little more to the story, and the three of us would laugh as I flew around the room flapping my arms for ice cream. I offhandedly mentioned Floyd’s adventures would make an enjoyable book and I should write it. And I really did not think of it again.”

 

KID COLLABORATORS

Years later, Kat reminded him of something he had completely forgotten: his once-stated but unfulfilled intention of writing a book. Though Schweighardt uttered the book-writing idea as a passing comment, he decided to make good on his unofficial promise. Schweighardt learned a valuable lesson: Be careful what you say in front of children; you might forget, but they will remember.

Schweighardt brainstormed the storyline for the book with Nat, 11, and Kat, 9, and revisited a familiar and timeless theme of an outcast main character who becomes an unlikely hero and eventually receives acceptance and admiration from the ones who spurned him. Nat and Kat even receive credits for their contributions on the book’s cover.

Schweighardt cast his granddaughters and their parents as royalty in his book. Not born yet when Schweighardt first imagined Floyd as the star of his bedtime story, Schweighardt seamlessly added grandson Jack to the tale. Jack even inspired a revision to the book when he noticed an illustration of Prince Jack eating an ice cream flavor that did not match his taste preferences.

The book’s illustrator based the character renderings on photographs of the Watson children, adding authenticity to the artwork.

THE PUBLISHING PATH

Schweighardt is not the type of father or grandfather to play favorites. A sequel is already in progress: “Floyd the Ice Cream-Eating Dragon Makes New Friends: Another Bedtime Story.” This new book will highlight his Budd Lake grandchildren Maddie, Quint and Finley, along with their parents, Amanda and Joe Schweighardt, who live in the Morris County community.

Schweighardt envisions a third book that will feature his son, Kyle, and his wife, Cait, who live in Pittsburgh, and are proud dog owners. “Floyd, the Ice Cream-Eating Dragon Gets Pets” could round out the trilogy.

Admittedly not an avid reader himself, Schweighardt initially found the whole idea of getting a book published a bit intimidating. Before diving into the world of publishing, he reached out to a friend, Stephen Rusiniak, a retired Wayne police officer and, more recently, a published author, for a few pointers. With Rusiniak’s advice, Schweighardt began researching publishing houses online and eventually signed a contract with Fulton Books.

When it came to choosing a writing style, Schweighardt relied on whimsical, rhythmic poetry reminiscent of the ever-popular children’s author Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. (Coincidentally, both “doctors” received undergraduate degrees from Dartmouth College, but only Schweighardt went off to earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania.)

A FAMILY STORY

Now that he is a published author, Schweighardt endures a bit of playful ribbing: Friends tell him he might just be the next Dr. Seuss. Schweighardt jokingly admits his new book is not likely to topple the Seuss literary empire, which has sold more than 600 million books.

Since his book’s release, Schweighardt has received invitations to read his story at schools, and young readers have even asked him to autograph their copies. His newfound minor celebrity status is not something he anticipated.

Knowing what he knows now, would Schweighardt do anything different if he launched a first-time children’s book series? Having the benefit of hindsight, the dragon might not be named Floyd.

“If I had ever known when I came up with this story that it would someday become a book, I would have called the dragon something else, maybe Matt,” Schweighardt admits with a chuckle. “The book is written in verse and rhyme. Do you know what a challenge it is to find words that rhyme with Floyd?”

TRIP’S TRIVIA

Here are some other fun facts about retired dentist and newly published children’s book author Joseph (Trip) Schweighardt:

• Schweighardt’s wife, Linda, worked by his side as a dental hygienist.

• He dedicated his children’s book to Linda.

• They have three adult children, all Penn State graduates.

• His grandson, called Quint, is the family’s fifth consecutive “Joe.”

• Schweighardt attends church at The Chapel (Jacksonville).

• He jogs around Pequannock in his spare time.

• His second retirement job is with Guest Services at MetLife Stadium. Ulterior motive: See football games and concerts at work.

• His father served as a Wayne Township councilman for 20 years before stepping down in 2021. Prior to his town council service, Schweighardt’s father was a Wayne Township School Board trustee for 15 years, serving part of that time as president.

• Schweighardt’s mother, Beverlee, taught for 40 years, mostly at Packanack Elementary School. Prior assignment: Wayne’s Albert P. Terhune School.

• Schweighardt’s book, “Floyd the Ice Cream-Eating Dragon: A Bedtime Story,” is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

BY DEBBIE WALSH