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I am delighted to say that I have two new picture books scheduled for release in January 2025, Paula’s Perfect Puppy and Dad’s Dog Doug. Pre-orders for these titles are now available.
These two books are different to my previous dog themed titles as although they contain dogs, the messages in the books are more about the human characters.
Dad’s Dog Doug is about differences, addressing the question “What does being different really mean?” The positive messages in the story are that we are all different in our own way, and that’s okay. It is about tolerance, respect and being ourselves.
Paula’s Perfect Puppy is about choices, addressing the question “What does being perfect really mean?” The positive messages in the story are that what is right for one person may not be perfect for another, and that perfect means different things to different people.
Both titles are again illustrated by the talented Bima Perera and published by New Holland Publishers.
To pre-order, please either select from the BOOKS dropdown menu on this website and place an advance order for January dispatch, or email me through the contact form on this site.
This year was a year with a difference, as there were no new book releases. Instead, I focussed on assisting people to record their memoirs. It has been a rewarding experience for me to watch the stories unfold, knowing that they can now be passed down to the next generation.
Here are a few of the reviews I received from my lovely clients.
I would highly recommend Gina for helping with your memoir. I had a lot of fun reminiscing as I wrote the answers to her prompt sheets. She then made my ramblings into a lovely story.
I have written my memoir, added photos and had it printed and bound. The cost was very affordable and the whole experience was amazing.
I wish my parents had left me their memoir as I am gifting my children. Sue W. (Vic)
Gina was wonderful for my memoir writing journey. She provides all the information and prompts on how to begin your story writing and is there with you step by step right until completion. Throughout she is super supportive, responsive with queries and very organised. Memories and experiences spanning decades can swirl all around you, however Gina keeps you on track. If I have another story to tell one day, then I will call upon your guidance once again. Thank you, Gina.
Sonia S. (Vic)
I have always wanted to record my life story but had no idea where to start. Gina made it easy, and the result is fantastic! It was affordable and fun. I am so glad I did this, and the end result is Christmas gifts for all of my children. Noelene (S.A.)
I won’t say it was always easy. In fact, the process brought back many memories, good and bad, and my memories were all over the place. Somehow Gina managed to get the whole thing in order and the result is very satisfying and even therapeutic. Gina was working behind the scenes, prompting, and supporting through the journey. Thanks Gina. Graham (N.S.W.)
I always said I would do this and now I have. Gina was always helpful and kept me on track throughout, and the result is polished and really professional. Good work Gina. Marina (W.A.)
Gina was great! There was no pressure but plenty of gentle nudges, and the result is amazing. Definitely recommend. Chris. (Tas).
I do not have any new children’s releases in 2024. I am thrilled that my books have all but sold out, and if you cannot find them in your bookstores, please contact the publisher to register for their backorder lists.
In 2024 I am working with adults, recording memoirs. This is proving to be incredibly rewarding for me, and I hope for the clients also. Due to confidentiality, I cannot give examples at this stage, but I am working with lovely people with interesting life stories.
Many people consider recording their memoirs for their descendants, but never get around to doing it because it all seems too hard or they are not sure where to start, so I am pleased to be able to guide people who decide to take the plunge through the process, and make it fun.
Please get in touch if you are considering writing your life story, and we can chat.
The lovely Lions of Whitsunday purchased a selection of books from me recently, and have generously donated them to their local school library. It is wonderful to know that the books are out there being enjoyed by young readers in schools across Australia.
A special thanks to Lion, Sue G. who personally presented the books to school principal, Angie Kelly. Sue also wrote a lovely note below. Thank you, Whitsunday Lions, for choosing and supporting my books. I will certainly keep you posted about any future titles.
Hi Gina
Please find attached a photo of the principal of our local Cannonvale State School
Ms Angie Kelly & I presenting her with your beautiful books, this also went into the schools newsletter.
about your books being donated to the school’s library.
If you have any new books coming out, please let us know.
Kind regards
Sue G
Thank you to the school and public librarians who have featured my books for themes, book week and other occasions. Thanks also to everyone who sends me pictures of the displays, which of course brings a smile to my face.
This year, due to Lester the Library Dog and Reggie the Rescue Dog, I have received some fabulous photos of school dogs, large and tiny, from across Australia, each doing their part as school counsellor, library dog, reading dog or general school dogsbody. Thank you for sharing.
This photo arrived last week, thanks so much to the school librarian for featuring my books in your library.
Gina
Lions Clubs across Australian have been fabulous supporters of my books, spreading the word and in some cases donating book packages to local schools to educate children about assistance, therapy and other working dogs. As a keen supporter of Lions Hearing Dogs myself, I am really appreciative of the support received by Lions, particularly for the title Harriet the Hearing Dog. Thank you.
Calamvale Lions Club have been fantastic supporters of my work, purchasing books in both 2022 and 2023 to donate to local schools. Thank you to Amanda for sending me photos of the books being presented to students at Stretton State College, where the young readers and Beau the Library Dog can share them, along with other therapy dogs who work on the school site.
Two children’s picture books, Lester the Library Dog and Reggie the Rescue Dog are set for release in January 2023.
Although these two titles are the third and fourth in the series, which commenced with Harriet the Hearing Dog and Gus the Guide Dog, they are different to books that came before them. These latest titles are not about Assistance Dogs.
Lester the Library Dog is still, of course, a dog with an important job, and was written as a result of some lovely emails from school librarians, telling me about their Library Dogs and the difference they make within the school community. Keep the photos coming! Each library dog is unique and gorgeous, and I am hoping that the newly created Lester will be also be well received, and take his place as a useful addition to libraries everywhere!
Reggie the Rescue Dog was written to promote discussion about topics such as choosing the right dog, caring for and training a dog, and about long-term commitment and responsibility. I hope this book about how Reggie, who is a bad fit for one busy home with no space, but who goes on to shine when she is adopted by an active and responsible family, will be food-for-thought and a learning experience for children keen to have a dog of their own.
Anyone wanting to pre-order Reggie the Rescue Dog or Lester the Library Dog will be assured of being in the first dispatch, as soon as the books arrive from the printer in January.
In the meantime, happy Christmas and safe 2023 to everyone, and thanks again to all who have supported my books over many years. More updates to come in 2023.
Cobram Barooga RSL have been purchasing books to donate to local kindergartens. Thank you! The children of the Eilleen Taylor Kindergarten were happy recipients of a selection of books, and they were also treated to a visit by Toby the Guide Dog. Their heart-warming thank you note says it all.
A huge thank you to Cobram Barooga RSL, along with the other RSL, Lions and other service clubs who give so generously to the community.
I was honoured to be invited as guest speaker to the Rocky River Lions Club in August. The members were very welcoming and after an excellent meal I spoke about books, publishing, assistance dogs and disabilities.
Kiera the assistance dog was also welcomed, and did her part to educate and entertain!
Thanks to Don for organising the visit. The club also generously purchased books to donate to the schools and pre-schools in their area.
Ongoing appreciation to other Lions Clubs who have dug deep to educate the community by purchasing and sharing books. In fact, my recent release, Harriet the Hearing Dog, was inspired by the wonderful work that Lions Hearing Dogs do, and I thank the many Lions who have really embraced this title, along with With A Dog’s Love, which also contains stories about Lions Hearing Dogs.
Above photo: Ann Norris, Col Lee, Cr Virginia West and Librarian Rosemary Talbot at Canungra Library. Photo: Supplied.
Another lovely surprise arrived today when I received a copy of an article, which appeared in the April edition of the Local Canungra Times. The text of the article is below. Thank you to Col Lee, and to the unknown South Australian veteran who passed on information about my books to Col.
Gina
Therapy Dog Books at the Library
Last year, Col Lee was contacted by a Vietnam Vet in South Australia about the Canungra War Animals Memorial, located in D J Smith Memorial Park.
In the course of the conversation the Veteran mentioned author Gina Dawson, who writes children’s books, and said that Col might be interested in her work.
Gina’s passion is writing books for children to educate on personal and social issues, and writing books about working dogs.
Having seen Gina’s books online, Col’s wife, Ann and he decided to purchase six of them and presented these to Librarian Rosemary Talbot with Councillor Virginia West at the Canungra Library.
The books are:
- Gus the Guide Dog;
- Next Door’s Dog Is a Veteran’s Dog;
- Next Door’s Dog Goes to School;
- Next Door’s Dog Has A Job;
- With a Dog’s Love; and
- Harriet the Hearing Dog.
These books are now available at the Canungra Library for all to read and borrow.
Col said the books will be a valuable resource.
“Learning about therapy and companion dogs will have parents and students at the Canungra State School fully appreciate the introduction and importance of Sunny the Labrador, the School’s latest addition to ancillary staff,” he said.