Eddy's Day Out by Marie Schmidt

An Exploratory Tale at the Detroit Institute of Arts

Culture and comedy collide in Michigan author’s debut children’s book

There’s no such thing as an ordinary day for author and illustrator Marie Schmidt. 

A 20-year preschool classroom veteran and lifelong lover of art and literature, Schmidt’s always dreamt of writing kids’ books. “I really wanted to connect with my students and have a story speak to them,” she says. 

Eddy's Day Out

The combination of a curious dog and the Detroit Institute of Arts makes for the perfect fit! Inspired by the true story of her parents’ Portuguese Water Dog and his day on a school bus, Schmidt’s debut children’s book, Eddy’s Day Out, follows the not-so-ordinary journey of a dog named Eddy, who finds himself boarding a school bus bound for the DIA one morning. From there, a tail-wagging adventure unfolds, as he teams up with some touring kids to hit all the signature exhibits, from the Mushhushshu-dragon to the infamous Donkey, all while dodging the watchful guard. In a surprise twist, Eddy makes a grown-up friend, uncovers a painted masterpiece, and even spies himself on some neighborhood “art” before he heads home! 

Art is accessible!

Bursting with Schmidt’s colorful illustrations, this whimsical story of culture-come-to-life is packed with action and giggles while opening the world of art for even the youngest readers (and there’s already room for a sequel!). 

“Kids can go to a museum and enjoy it just as much as an adult can!” adds Schmidt. “I really wanted the museum concept to be accessible to young children, and maybe even inspire them to draw, paint, or make their own art.” 

Author, Marie Schmidt

The Author

Marie Schmidt, a preschool teacher and mother of three, minored in art while earning a degree in early childhood education. Raised near Detroit, she developed a love for art through classes and visits to the Detroit Institute of Arts. Inspired by a true story about her parents’ dog, Eddy, she wrote her first book in hopes of encouraging children to explore art, storytelling, and the museum she first loved. She lives in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, with her family and two dogs. 

The Book

Eddy’s Day Out: An Exploratory Tale at the Detroit Institute of Arts 

Author Marie Schmidt 

Illustrations by Marie Schmidt 

24 pages, 8.5” x 8.5”, Color 

BISACS/Juvenile Fiction 

ISBN: 978-1-965278-52-9, $24.95 (Hardcover) 

ISBN: 978-1-965278-53-6, $16.95 (Softcover) 

Publication Date: October 14, 2025 

Nightlight Stories, an imprint of Mission Point Press 

Copies are available for preorder at Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other online retailers. On its October 14 publication date, it will be available for purchase wherever books are sold. For information or to arrange for signings and events, contact the author at marie.schmidt74@ymail.com.