The idea sparked on a Sunday. She brought it to work Monday, called the governor’s office on Tuesday and sat down with him and the pooch Wednesday.

“It was just moving, and I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m doing this,’ ” said Jessica Solberg.

That whirlwind start was a sign of things to come for Solberg, a Farcountry Press editor who conceived and wrote “First Dog: Unleashed in the Montana Capitol,” a children’s book about Jag, canine special assistant to Gov. Brian Schweitzer.

She was recently honored with a gold-prize award for Best First Book from the national Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, beating out more than 130 entrants.

Illustrated by Bozeman artist Robert Rath, Solberg’s story follows Jag as he leaves his Whitefish cow-dog life to follow Schweitzer to the Capitol.

He feels at first like an outsider, but he makes friends, sees new things and comes to understand he’s got a special job to do: help kids across Montana dream big.

Solberg crafted the story around Jag to teach children about state government.

“It just occurred to me that it would be a great way to reach kids,” she said.

A Helena native, she thought kids in other Big Sky State towns wouldn’t feel the closeness to the Capitol she experienced growing up here.

“I just imagined that kids that aren’t living in the capital city might feel disconnected,” Solberg said.

So far, the book has been a hit, selling more than 4,000 copies. For Solberg, the whole process has been full of pleasantries: She got to collaborate with an artist, reap plenty of advice from friends who’ve published, and dig into her own project. She’s had a blast meeting kids, parents and teachers at book signings.

But the award came as an unexpected surprise.

“I was so excited when they announced the list of finalists,” she said. “I was so thrilled with (making the finals) that I really didn’t contemplate anything beyond that.”

She was, however, even happier with the win.

“I was really surprised, honored and happy. When someone other than your mom thinks you did a good job, that’s always good,” she said.

Book judges lauded “First Dog” for its creative mix of facts and fun, according to Awards Director Jim Barnes.

“We just loved it. It’s very unique,” he said. The book broke free from norms in the children’s book business, Barnes said, by listing facts about government on the story’s pages but outside the actual narrative.

“That’s what we like to see, creativity and innovation,” he said. “That’s why we loved it.”

Farcountry Publications Director Kathy Springmeyer said Solberg pushed herself to get the book done right.

“We’re very proud of her,” Springmeyer said. “She did a great job, obviously.

“It’s very educational on how state government works,” she added. “To put that in simplified language is a challenge, to make it accessible to kids.”

“I know Jag is proud,” Schweitzer said in a statement. “In her very first book she (Solberg) captured the hearts of children across America and the essence of Jag. It’s an honor to teach children about Montana state government and give money to an important cause.”

A portion of the book’s proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald Houses of Montana.

Solberg shifts some of the credit to Rath.

“My work is made better just by being brought to life through his artwork,” she said. “He’s one of the most creative and imaginative people I’ve met. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in this project.”

Solberg grew up in Helena and graduated from Capital High before earning a degree in English literature from Montana State University. She’s been at Farcountry Press for five years, working with authors to shape their ideas.

Her background is more literary criticism than creative writing, and one might think her varied nonfiction interests wouldn’t give rise to writing for children, but she liked the experience.

“I really, really enjoyed writing for kids,” Solberg said. “I like taking information and presenting it in a way that’s more palatable to kids, giving them access. It was fun.

“To try to get into the character of a dog and come up with a story … was really challenging, and I’d never attempted anything like that before. It was a little scary. Fortunately, through my job, I have a lot of great writer friends who gave me advice.”

When she’s not editing or writing, Solberg’s life centers around the outdoors and photography. She loves to hike, camp and kayak. She’s also dabbled in making stained glass.

She and Rath will be at the National Christmas Tree event at the Montana Historical Society on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., signing books.

Reporter Larry Kline: 447-4075 or larry.kline@helenair.com