Here’s what happens when you bring together a celebrity artist, a charity, and a Fireball

You have to be of a certain age to really remember TONY DOW. But those that are the right age, the ring of Tony’s name elicits a
warm tone of comfort, security, family values… and CARS.

I’m Fireball and my company is Fireball Publishing. As you may or may not know, we do the World’s Best Automotive Coloring Books. Now, my life being what it is, I get to drive very cool cars, have several SoCal Car Shows, and meet even cooler people.

…there are some things about Tony that you may not know as he grew up in and through Hollywood. 

Tony is one of those folks, and has been a very good friend for quite some time. Although I was a bit too young to see his show in the ’50s, I got caught up pretty quickly. The show? LEAVE IT TO BEAVER! Tony played older brother to the Beav, as Wally. The older brother we ALL wanted.

But there are some things about Tony that you may not know as he grew up in and through Hollywood. First off, he loved cars and had quite a few interesting things. Many of which are featured in the book. But he’s also now a very famous sculptor and amazing artist.

When I proposed to Tony that we do a Coloring Book with him, he and his wife Lauren were all-ten thumbs up. Even their dog Poppy stuck her paw up. And thus became The Official TONY DOW Coloring Book now available on Amazon.

The book is really a first of its kind in that it’s an Autobiographical Coloring Book, chronicling Tony’s life at a young age, through the show period, young adulthood on the sea and into his senior years now as a sculptor. A really joyous journey for those that watched and loved the Leave it to Beaver show and really gelled with his character.

You’ll get to learn a lot about Tony that most people had no idea. An example would be that he became a director in television and did shows like The New Lassie, New Leave it to Beaver, Swamp Thing and Babylon5. Also, that he’s been a world-class waterman and sailor his whole life.

The book was written by the Dows and illustrated by yours truly. A great experience and so fun to do.

The book is really a first of its kind in that it’s an Autobiographical Coloring Book…

But knowing Tony for as long as I have, I’ve come to realize that he and Lauren are the sweetest and most creative people I know. Their incredible hand-built home in Topanga, California has a character and charm that is unique to them and their creative spirits. A real-life Lord of the Rings Hobbit Home.

The book is a new evolution of traditional Biographies, creating interactivity with fans that had previously never existed. Certainly, a fun way to give Beaver Fans a piece of history that’s fresh and inviting.

If you do decide to pick up a copy, know that 20% of proceeds help the SPCA and Dog Rescues in Los Angeles. Feels good knowing that the more books that go out, the more clean and healthy pups we have on the planet.

20% of proceeds help the SPCA and Dog Rescues in Los Angeles.

Lastly, COVID has jerked a chain on many events where Tony would be doing signings, but we’re doing everything from coloring contests to vintage trailer shows in Buellton, and anything to interact with fans. And if you missed a previous article on Tony here in DRIVE, you’d learn about his 1961 Corvair that circled back to him after 50 years. And that, is why it’s the cover of the Coloring Book.

Tony’s Book is available now, along with all our others, but be sure to visit his Facebook Page and let him know what you think. Me too! And check out our video series SKETCH STORIES on Youtube. Each sketch will get a more elaborate story direct from the Dow’s Hous!.

For this year, we’ll also be producing Coloring Books with Gary Wales, Gene Winfield, and the late Syd Mead from his estate. But September 1st is STATION WAGONS! Can life get any better?

When I proposed to Tony that we do a Coloring Book with him, he and his wife Lauren were all-ten thumbs up. Even their dog Poppy stuck her paw up. 

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