A black and white puppy starts his day like any other day, playing at the edge of an airfield. It is a clear and bright Darwin morning. A perfect day to explore. But this is no ordinary day. It is the most important day of his life. The day he discovers a special talent. How will he use this talent to help others? The inspiration for this story is based on actual events. With a backdrop of the bombing of Darwin during World War II, Gunner is just another stray dog wandering on the Royal Australian Air Force base looking for scraps of food. The first wave of bombings leads to a traumatic event in the young dog’s life, and he is rescued by personnel from No. 2 Squadron. Gunner later discovers a unique talent that helps save many lives, making him an invaluable asset to the R.A.A.F.
Author:
Kathryn is a Sydney based school teacher who likes to write in her spare time. She is the author of two books, a fantasy novel and a picture book. Kathryn’s debut novel Erinland, written in the fantasy genre, travels from medieval times to present day where cultures clash and magical things happen. Recently she has delved into the world of picture books and with the help of talented illustrator Susan Boyle, has created Gunner. The inspiration for this story is based on actual events in Darwin during World War II. One day soon she hopes to make the tree-change and escape to the country!
Illustrator:
Susan Boyle is a Sydney based artist and illustrator specialising in portraiture. Her work embraces a broad spectrum across various media, with an acute eye for detail. Susan has received many commissions, local and international. She has always avoided the self-imposed limits of a signature style, preferring to allow the subject to dictate the style of each piece, resulting in a wide range of media – from fine detail in charcoal and graphite to broader definition in acrylics and oil. ‘Images, be they photographic or in art form, can say so much, and as artists we have a wonderful opportunity to express emotion in a very real way, whether it is positive or negative.’
* Based on the true story of Gunner, a stray dog with a special talent.
* A story of survival and belonging, told from a different perspective (Gunner's).
* The story commemorates the 80th Anniversary of the bombing of Darwin.
* The bombing of Darwin is included in the Australian History School Curriculum.
* Story suitable for readers 10 years +
Publicity:
* https://www.kathrynberryman.com/erinland
* https://www.amazon.com.au/Kathryn-Berryman/e/B06XRF3HYJ/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk
* https://www.pinterest.com.au/kathberryman/gunner-picture-book/
* https://twitter.com/kberryman61
* https://www.facebook.com/KathrynBerrymanAuthor
