Author(s): Kathryn Berryman

Picture Books

Gunner is the true story of a stray dog living in Darwin during the Second World War, who after being injured in an air-raid by the Japanese discovers a unique talent that helps save many lives. 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.