UConn's NewestChildren's Book Series

Lancaster Publications, LLC announces the third book in the Jonathan the Husky series, Campus Construction. The series is written by Bethany O'Brien, UConn alum and celebrates teamwork, school pride, and perseverance. The books have received national attention selling over 3,000 in less than one year since the Lucky Husky was published.

Explore the Series
Illustration of Jonathan the Husky greeting students on a UConn campus path in autumn
The Lucky Husky book cover Dairy Bar Disaster book cover Campus Construction book cover

About the Series

Author Bethany O'Brien often made up stories with her kids at night, creating new adventures to help make bedtime a little more fun. Before long, Jonathan became the main character in many of their stories. When her kids kept asking to hear the stories again and again, Bethany started to wonder if they might be onto something.

She decided to turn one of those bedtime adventures into a book—a story about Jonathan and a campus superstition that brings luck to the team. Soon, a basketball story became a series, with each new adventure drawing inspiration from the real places, traditions, and everyday happenings around the UConn campus.

The second book takes Jonathan into a hilarious Dairy Bar disaster, while the constant construction around campus inspired the third book.

And Jonathan’s adventures aren’t over yet. Two more books are on the way. The Greatest Gift, coming in April 2027, honors Jonathan's birthday. The fifth book, coming in October 2027, will take Jonathan and his friend, police dog Officer Jazmine, on a road trip to visit the other UConn campuses.

Join In On the Fun

The Lucky Husky book cover
Book One

The Lucky Husky

Jonathan helps the UConn basketball team keep their winning streak alive with a little luck from a campus superstition.

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Dairy Bar Disaster book cover
Book Two

Dairy Bar Disaster

When a broken freezer leads to a melted mess, Jonathan wags up a cool plan to save the day.

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Campus Construction book cover
Book Three

Campus Construction

When Jonathan uncovers an old blueprint, he jumps at the chance to build more than a project—he builds a legacy.

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Author Bethany O'Brien
Meet the Author

Bethany O'Brien

Bethany O'Brien is a proud UConn alum and lives with her family in Connecticut. She met her husband freshman year at West Campus residence halls, and together they share their love of UConn with their two kids.

Now she's integrating her passion for her alma mater into a children's book celebrating UConn's basketball success. It's always a good day to be a Husky!

For Superfans

Go on a Scavenger Hunt

In writing the book, Bethany added nods to her family throughout. See if you can spot all of these special personalizations.

Illustrated family depicted throughout the book
#1

The family is depicted throughout the book.

Illustrated advertisement signage in the book named after the author's kids
#2

The advertisers are named after her kids.

Illustrated rival team logo in the book
#3

The other team's name stands for Bethany, Brendan, Emma, and Logan.

Illustrated scoreboard shot clock in the book
#4

The shot clock is the date of her wedding anniversary.

Kids taking part in the Husky Reading Challenge with The Lucky Husky book
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