NASHVILLE, TENN. (WTVF) — Dr. Laura Happe is a pharmacist who says she noticed over-aggressive treatment when it came to pain management. As that treatment grew, it became what we now know as the ongoing opioid epidemic, claiming thousands of lives across the nation. But with that, she got an idea for a book.
"We have books to talk to our kids about puberty, about bullying, about internet safety, " Dr. Happe says. "And it struck me, there weren't really any books out there to talk to kids about drugs or abuse."
The first-time author wrote the 55-page book, "If You Give an Ox, an Oxy," a parody of the popular children's series. But this isn't about giving a mouse a cookie or a pig a pancake. The central character in this story is a husky, flannel-clad ox who goes down a dark road after getting hurt in a bicycle accident. Ox finds himself seeking more oxy, after his doctor refuses to give him some.
"This book really opens up the conversation and gets parents to really to talk to their kids, " says Dr. Happe.
While writing the book, Dr. Happe turned to her children to make sure it was relatable. "Even just the concept that there's different types of drugs, like opioids for example, was new for them. Si, it really helped educate them."
The book also includes talking points for parents along with questions and quizzes. "If You Give an Ox, an Oxy," is available online and in bookstores November 19.
