Join the National Library and Story Dogs for a family day to celebrate the launch of the National Library’s latest picture book Dog Beach. Sit with a trained dog in a Story Dog reading circle, hear from the author and illustrator of Dog Beach and participate in puppy-themed crafts and activities.
Essential information
The event will be broken into 4x 1-hour drop-in session timeslots.
This event is free but bookings are essential as spaces in the Reading Circles with the dogs are limited, so please book in advance.
The Reading Circles with the dogs are suitable for primary aged children. To keep the dogs and participants safe, children must be aged 7+ to participate in a reading circle with the Story Dogs. Younger children will be able to take part in the craft activities. Accompanying adults do not need to book a ticket – reading circles tickets are just for those who will sit in the circles with the dogs.
The first reading circle session will include a special reading of the book by Dog Beach author Julie Murphy and feature special guest illustrator Annie White.
Please note that you cannot bring your own dog to this event.
About Dog Beach
Going to the beach is a big part of Australian culture and, for many people, so are dogs! This book doubles the fun, celebrating all of the different types of dogs that Australians love, from working dogs to lap dogs. Follow them as they run amuck along the sunny shores of Australia.
With bright and dreamy illustrations by Annie White, this short, rhythmic story will capture the attention of all beach and dog loving children, and even their parents!
Educational backmatter closes the book, with sections on huskies in Antarctica, guide dogs, farm dogs, and more. Accompanying this text are images of both fun and wacky, and serious and strong dogs found in the National Library of Australia’s pictures collections.
About Julie Murphy
Julie Murphy has been writing about animals and nature for over two decades. A former zoologist and zookeeper, Julie aims to inspire a love of reading, learning and the natural world in young readers. Her 22 children’s books, published in Australia and the USA, have won awards, had foreign language editions and appear in 4 states’ Premier’s Reading Challenge lists. Julie lives in Melbourne with her husband, daughter and kelpie-cross rescue dog, Banjo.
About Annie White
Annie has illustrated over 90 books for children and written 4 of them. She likes to communicate her ideas clearly and simply using expression and movement. Annie’s picture books have appeared on the CBCA Notables list, the Speech Pathology short list and the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards short list. Annie mainly works in watercolour, pencil, digital collage and oils. She has an energetic black labrador called Daisy, who has been heavily involved with the research for Dog Beach.
About Story Dogs
For reluctant readers or those facing reading challenges, Story Dogs offers a supportive environment where children aged 7 to 12 can learn to enjoy reading without any pressure or judgment.
For students who may feel a bit anxious or stressed during learning activities, having a furry friend present can work wonders as they can promote relaxation, lower blood pressure, eliminate fear of judgement and allow children to learn at their own pace.
This event is presented in partnership with Story Dogs.
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