BYRNE, Pat
ISBN 978-1-923443-81-5
PAPERBACK
ISBN 978-1-923589-34-6
HARDCOVER
Cattle Dogs in Canberra
Meet WomBog and VishVash — Two Cattle Dogs, Endless Adventures!
WomBog (the brainy blue heeler) and VishVash (the mischievous red rocket) are two spirited Australian Cattle Dogs with a nose for fun and a tail for adventure. Together, they explore the wild, wonderful, and sometimes downright wacky places across Australia — sniffing out stories, soaking up culture, and stirring up plenty of doggy mischief along the way.
In every book of The Big Aussie Tails of WomBog and VishVash, young readers tag along as the duo uncover fascinating landmarks, meet new friends, and learn about the unique landscapes, animals, and people that make Australia so special. With playful banter, tail-wagging curiosity, and helpful notes at the end of each chapter, this charming series invites kids to discover Australia—one pawprint at a time.
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, and still does.
Much of this book was written over ten years ago when he lived in Canberra. Unfortunately, it fell into a long pause as he got consumed with work and his family got consumed in their own lives.
But with the arrival of grandchildren and with both WomBog and VishVash getting older, he decided to resurrect it as a gift to his grandchildren and other family members so they can learn about two very special personalities who have brought incredible joy to his family for a long time.
Pat lives with his wife on a small rural property in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland that permits both WomBog and VishVash to charge around like pork chops and silly sausages, play in the dam and explore the paddocks and the bush.
About the Illustrator
Ilana Greener is a passionate exhibiting artist, qualified primary school teacher, and a children’s book illustrator, who calls Queensland’s Sunshine Coast home. 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 has had the privilege of collaborating with various authors to illustrate their stories, creating imagery that resonates with readers of all ages.
Her journey as an artist took her from Melbourne, to Italy, then to the lush, rain-soaked hills of the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, before she finally settled in Queensland with her young family. 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.
