Postal Museum Offering Free Book About Owney

American country music star Trace Adkins is helping children learn more about Owney, a dog who played a real role in mail-service history. According to the Boot.com website, Adkins uses words and music to help bring to life Owney and his canine adventures in a free downloadable book called Owney: Tales From the Rails.

Adkins is quoted in the piece by Vernell Hackett as saying, "As a father of five, a history buff and animal lover, I am very proud to work with the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum to bring Owney's fascinating story to life. The song and this story provide a fun way for families to learn together."

Hackett goes on to say, "This is a natural move for Trace, who three youngest daughters love for him to read to them when he's at home. They also have dogs, so it is a relatable story for them when they hear about Owney and all the things he gets to do. It also fits right in with Trace's upcoming Songs and Stories tour, which launches in March. The intimate tour will play to smaller venues than Trace has been playing recently, and gives the singer the chance to talk to his audience about the songs he'll be performing."

To read and listen to Owney: Tales From the Rails, click here.