Caps Player to Sign Children's Book in Arlington

Washington Capitals forward Eric Fehr will sign copies of his children’s book, The Bulliest Dozer, at Arlington Public Library’s Westover Branch on Monday, Feb. 9, from 6-7 p.m.

Fans can purchase a book and have it signed for $20 or bring a copy of a previously purchased book and have it signed with a $10 donation to Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation. At 5:30 p.m. Playworks DC, the beneficiary of proceeds raised from U.S. book sales, will give an overview of their programming.

Space is limited and reservations are required. Attendees must register in person or by phone at 703-228-5260 during library hours. Each reservation is limited to a maximum of six people per group, and Fehr will sign only one outside item per person.

The Bulliest Dozer was co-authored by Fehr and Pamela Duncan Edwards and illustrated by Kate Komarnicki. Fehr and Edwards wrote the book to raise funds for bullying prevention and to encourage positive behavior, with 100 percent of funds benefiting charity.

The book tells the story of Bo Dozer and his peers at Ms. Crane’s Academy for Little Machines. Embarrassed by being unable to skate in preparation for a holiday concert on ice, Bo decides to become ‘A Mean Machine.’ Bo bullies other students until a concert day crisis helps him understand the importance of friendship.

The Bulliest Dozer is available for $10 online at WashingtonCaps.com, at the Washington Capitals Team Store at Kettler Capitals Iceplex and at the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation table behind section 104 on the main concourse at Verizon Center during Capitals home games. In addition there are a limited number of autographed books available for purchase for $20 at WashingtonCaps.com and at the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation table.

Funds from U.S. sales benefit Playworks DC. Playworks is a national nonprofit that transforms recess to improve school climate. In 18 elementary schools throughout Washington, D.C., principals have partnered with Playworks to improve recess, work with teachers in the classroom, mentor young leaders and develop sports teams.

By showing students new games that level the playing field for every kid, and teaching them social skills such as empathy, fair play and inclusiveness, Playworks helps to create a welcoming environment where every child gets to play, regardless of ability, and bullying behavior is much less likely to be considered. Studies have shown that this multi-disciplinary Playworks model reduces bullying and exclusionary behavior during recess by 43 percent.

Photo: The Bulliest Dozer, co-authored by Washington Capitals forward Eric Fehr and Pamela Duncan Edwards.