Come along and spend a morning with us in Green Square when we welcome Pat Byrne to launch his debut children's book, The Big Aussie Tails of WomBog and VishVash: Cattle Dogs in Canberra! Pat will be joined by some special guests, some on two legs and one on four.

WomBog and VishVash are two spirited Australian Cattle Dogs with a nose for fun and a tail for adventure.

This first book in the exciting new series, The Big Aussie Tails of WomBog and VishVash: Cattle Dogs in Canberra, guides kids through the sites like Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, and even Questacon!

Each chapter features our two adorable protagonists exploring a new place, coupled with “Fair Dinkum Facts” where kids can learn more about each land mark and spark their curiosity.

The series is close to the author’s heart. Author Pat Byrne explains that the book was first inspired by his real-life cattle dogs of the same names, WomBog and VishVash, but also the birth of his grandchildren.

They will write about their adventures and the places they visit so that children everywhere around the world can learn about this very special country and two very special Australian Cattle Dogs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

After spending 20 years as an infantry officer in the Australian Army, Pat became an executive consultant with his own company fixing projects and business problems.

Although drafted over 10 years ago, with the arrival of grandchildren and with WomBog and VishVash getting older, he decided to resurrect this book as a gift to his grandchildren.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Ilana Greener is a passionate exhibiting artist, qualified primary school teacher, and a children’s book illustrator, who calls the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, home. Living with her young family, Ilana finds inspiration in the beauty of nature that surrounds her.

With over two decades of experience, she has honed a distinctive and emotive artistic style that draws on traditional techniques of printmaking, watercolour, and drawing.

Ilana continues to nurture a visual language that blends her genuine love for storytelling, family, and the natural world, reflecting her heartfelt connection to children’s literature and to the joys of adventure.