by Karla Redding-Andrews

The second illustrated children's book inspired by lyrics from an Otis Redding song was released this month. "(Sittin' On The) Dock Of The Bay" followed "Respect," which was released last fall. Atlanta, Georgia–based artist Kaitlyn Shea O’Connor’s illustrations imagine a lonesome cat fishing off a dock and hoping the fish will bite, who soon become friends with a young child who warms its heart (and fills its belly).

“‘(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay’ has a special place in our hearts. To see it live on in this gift for the next generation of readers, writers, and artists is such a thrill,” said Zelma Redding, Otis Redding’s widow and President of the Otis Redding Foundation.

The song was originally released in 1968, and peaked at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and Hot R&B Singles charts. It received two GRAMMY Awards, has been certified triple platinum, and has been named one of Rolling Stone’s Greatest Songs of All Time.

The Otis Redding Foundation distributed copies of the book to Bibb County and Jones County public schools as well as St. Peter Claver and St. Joseph's Catholic Schools in Macon, Georgia, all of which have strong ties to Otis Redding and his family.

Karla Redding-Andrews is the Vice President and Executive Director of the Otis Redding Foundation and is an EAS IP Committee Member.