Two teenage daughters of prominent U.S. politicians have collaborated on a children’s book that seeks to promote bipartisan cooperation through the story of two dogs navigating political challenges. Ellie Gottheimer, 17, and Larra Mullin, soon to be 18, co-authored “Shmoo & Ozzie Go to Washington,” inspired by their fathers’ friendship across party lines and their shared experiences in Washington, D.C.

Gottheimer is the daughter of Representative Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat from New Jersey, while Mullin is the daughter of Markwayne Mullin, a former Republican senator from Oklahoma who was recently appointed Secretary of Homeland Security. Their fathers’ relationship, marked by mutual respect despite political differences, serves as the foundation for the book’s message, which aims to encourage dialogue and problem-solving rather than partisan division.

In the story, Shmoo, a goldendoodle based on the Gottheimers’ family dog, and Ozzie, a Dalmatian inspired by a ranch dog owned by the Mullin family, are elected to a fictional Dog Congress. Initially divided by their differences and socializing only with like-minded peers, the two dogs come together when their favorite dog park faces closure, prompting them to unite across the aisle to restore funding.

The authors hope their work will provide a hopeful perspective for young readers. “We want to show left and right versus the problem,” Larra Mullin said, emphasizing the intent to transcend polarized social media narratives. Ellie added that the book aims to reach children before they are exposed to politics’ harsher realities, such as extremism and misinformation.

The partnership arose naturally, as the two girls have known each other for nearly a decade. Their fathers met in 2017 when Gottheimer joined the House of Representatives; Mullin had been serving since 2013 and was later elected to the Senate in 2023. The two lawmakers developed a friendship partly through a bipartisan workout group Mullin organizes at the House gym, where members of both parties come together regularly.

Despite their rapport, the fathers maintain distinct political stances. Mullin, a longtime supporter of former President Donald Trump, now heads the Department of Homeland Security, which has faced criticism, particularly regarding immigration enforcement policies. Gottheimer, meanwhile, has faced political challenges in his blue-leaning district and holds views aligned with his party on contentious issues such as abortion.

While the families share a close relationship and ongoing communication, the couple acknowledge persistent differences. Gottheimer stated that on core issues “we’re going to have a different view.” Mullin declined to comment on some of Gottheimer’s public statements regarding immigration enforcement, noting the importance of their friendly relationship.

The girls used their babysitting earnings to self-publish “Shmoo & Ozzie Go to Washington” through an imprint called Voice of Tomorrow Press, aimed at elevating young voices promoting unity. An online campaign helped them find their illustrator, Kiran Akram. Proceeds from the book will benefit Project Night Night, a nonprofit supporting homeless children.

As they approach their senior years of high school, Ellie expressed interest in pursuing a political career, while Larra indicated plans to focus on religious mission work. Both, however, share hopes that their book will inspire future generations to bridge divides. “We wanted to do something that would get the message across in a very nonpolitical way,” Larra said, explaining their choice of dogs as relatable, unifying characters. “Because we think everyone loves dogs.”