My Book Dogs

I’ve realised that in August I will have my fourth picture book with a dog as a main character coming out and if I’m honest with myself there have been many dogs in my educational books as well. For now, let’s concentrate on the picture books and the real dogs I’ve discovered along the way.

Bob the Railway Dog – Bob was a Smithfield (or close enough to it, given he was around in the late 1800’s) and as I was writing I knew I needed to meet a ‘Bob’ to understand his character, relationship with humans and yes, to give one a cuddle. So I found Smithy and Gilly and drove to Gippsland to meet them both. On August 1st, Smithy will be the guest of honour at the Melbourne launch at Railfan Shop in Mont Albert (right opposite the Mont Albert Railway Station.

Bob the Railway Dog will also be launched in Adelaide at the National Railway Museum on August 16 and Smithy and Gilly’s son, Tarn, will be coming along to meet and greet there.

Little Dog and the Christmas Wish – Although I met, cuddled and followed many wee Westies when I was writing this book, it wasn’t until August last year that I found ‘Harry’ the bookshop dog at Collins/ABC Bookshop Croydon. Harry was the guest of honour (along with the Lord Mayor) at the October launch and I continue to spend time with Harry whenever I can.

Chasing Shadows – is dedicated to Maverick who inspired the story. I was sitting in my old backyard with Maverick when he was a puppy – he was tumbling about and Chasing Shadows, so this story began, with Maverick beside me, on my Iphone. Maverick was the surprise guest of honour at the Chasing Shadows launch at the Kew Library last March.

The Dog on the Tuckerbox – also dedicated to a dog, Kate the Kelpie who sat beside me while I struggled through many rewrites of this book. Kate very sadly died in my arms and gave me the emotional impact for this story. Pictured here is Molly (belonging to Meredith Costain and Paul Collins) the perfect pin-up girl and dedicated reader.