Riverwood employees Dr. Erik Bostrom and Amanda Bostrom share a passion for creativity, the great outdoors, and their dog, Kona, a five-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer. Amanda, a speech therapist of seven years, and Erik, a physician for eight years, met at Riverwood and have been crafting a unique life together ever since.
Their adventures often revolve around Kona, their mild-mannered and playful German Shorthaired Pointer, whose antics have inspired a heartwarming series of children’s books. The idea was born as a creative holiday gift for their nieces and nephews, who delighted in photos of Kona dressed in costumes and playfully embodying different walks of life. Amanda penned rhymes for a whimsical story about Kona’s Perfect Summer Day, where the beloved dog drives a boat, fishes, swims, and enjoys summer fun. With encouragement from family and friends, they brought the story to life by self-publishing it on IngramSpark and Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing platforms. To expand its reach, they also partnered with Mackin to distribute the book to libraries, spreading Kona’s charm to children far and wide.
The first book was a hit, sparking conversations and laughter when Amanda read it to a Kindergarten class, exactly what a speech therapist wants to see. “The kids loved the pictures and had so many stories to share about their own pets,” Amanda recalls. Now, Erik is penning the sequel, “Kona’s Perfect Autumn Day,” featuring Kona riding a four-wheeler, chopping down trees, rolling in leaves, and hiking.
Their long-term goal is to create a book for every season, with future stories including Kona Goes to the Doctor and Kona on the Farm. They are also working with the Riverwood Foundation to donate books to local five-year-olds at well-child visits as part of the Riverwood Reads program, further connecting their stories with the community.
In addition to writing about Kona, Erik channels his creativity into sewing, a unique complement to his role as a Family Practice with OB provider. Using his Husqvarna sewing machine (the same brand as his chainsaw he proudly notes), he personalizes baby blankets with names, birth details, and special touches tailored to each family of the babies he delivers. His thoughtful creations gained national recognition in December 2018, with features in People Magazine, Fox 9, CBS, WDIO, and the Star Tribune.
Outside their creative pursuits, Amanda and Erik love exploring the outdoors with Kona. They enjoy hunting, fishing, and camping in the Boundary Waters. This past summer, they ventured to Alaska as part of their quest to visit all national parks in the United States, witnessing 51 grizzlies in Katmai and visiting Lake Clark and Wrangell St. Elias National Park.
Their story combines imagination, love for nature, and a playful pup who inspires joy in their lives and the lives of others. Through books, blankets, and shared adventures, Amanda and Erik are making a lasting impact in their community.
For online link to the hardcover and paperback versions on Amazon go to: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D231MJYZ
To read Dr. Bostrom’s December 8, 2018 article in the Star Tribune go to: https://www.startribune.com/these-stitches-don-t-hurt-rural-minnesota-doctor-sews-a-baby-blanket-for-every-newborn-he-delivers/502211791