Narla’s Story Time Books
Alina has created the Narla children's book and illustrations to celebrate her family dog, Narla. She is a Groodle (poodle cross golden retriever) who became a ‘Story Dog’ at the local primary school for five years helping the children learn to read. “Narla's Story Time” books are a series of true stories about Narla's life and illustrate the joys of having a pet and supporting learning to read. If you like dogs and empowering literacy among young people, then check out these illustrations and books!
Narla Books Series
Book 1
Narla’s Story Time
The book is an early reader children’s book (5-8 years old) about a Groodle (poodle cross golden retriever) called Narla. The book star’s Narla and what she stands for. Narla is a loving family dog who became a ‘Story Dog ‘attending the local primary school for five years helping the children learn to read. This book introduces Narla’s life, character, and appearance. “Narla's Story Time” is the first book, in a series of books about Narla, so come read her many stories!
You can also find this book on:
Popular Sites: AMAZON & Booktopia
For America: Barnes & Noble, EBay, Walmart & AbeBooks
For Europe: eBook.de & Bol.com
For China: kinokuniya
"Narla’s Story time is such a delightful story! A beautiful early reader! written and illustrated by my wonderful and talented friend Alina Shirley."
— Cassandra Baker (@cassandthecanvas, fellow Artist supporter)
Look Inside
Book 2
Narla’s 10th Birthday
The next book in the Narla Book Series is “Narla’s 10th Birthday.” Narla becomes a senior dog of 10 years old and goes to the school to celebrate her birthday. She eats cupcakes with the students, and they sing her happy birthday. Everyone has a great day celebrating Narla’s Birthday. Narla has had 3 birthdays at the school to date, and the children love her.
"We love keeping up with Narla and her fun adventures. She is a very special dog, and this is a very special book set. They are lovely books, accompanied by beautiful artwork."
Anna (Series collector and mother)
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Coming This Year….
Book 3
Narla Says “Come Read with Me!”
Narla’s third book in the series completes the Narla ‘Story Dog’ adventures at Upper Brookfield State School (the school) where Narla use to volunteer. The book is about a day in the life a Narla as a Story Dog at the school. This book is currently still in the making.
If you pre-purchase this book in advance it will be signed, and your support will be much appreciated! You will receive updates on its progress and know was soon as the book is released and printed! Initially you will only need to pay a deposit of $5 and when the book is ready the full amount minus the deposit. We will confirm the total price when the book has finishes production, but generally it will be like previous prices.
Narla Books support readers of all abilities learning to read.
They celebrate the joys of having a pet and share the love for dogs and pets.
If you want to empower young readers literacy with a smile and love.
Come read with Narla!
Narla Story Time Special Collections
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Children's Books
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Illustrations Prints & Originals
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Artworks & Oil Paintings
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Merchandise
The Making of Narla’s Children’s Books
Narla the Story Dog
Narla is a first-generation Groodle and lived next door to Upper Brookfield State School (UBSS). Narla became a Story Dog and attended the school for five years, helping the Starlings (prep and year one children) and the Bowerbirds (years two and three children) learn to read. Narla was guided by Peta Michielsen (Alina’s mother) who took Narla to school for reading with the students. Peta has been a key helper in bringing these stories to life. Alina and Peta are passionate about helping young children to like learning to read and write, so they can thrive and develop imagination. Narla was the inspiration and muse for bringing this shared passion of Peta and Alina to life. Retiring as a Story Dog in 2021, Narla inspired this series of books about her life and her time volunteering as a story dog. The books spread the word about Story Dogs Australia and what they do to help children learn to read. In addition to being a Story Dog, Narla has been a loving and caring family dog for almost 14 years. She has had a long happy life and has many stories to share. Narla, Peta, and Alina want to support literacy skills through sharing Narla’s stories with children to make learning to read fun and happy.
Alina and Narla
Alina has had Narla in her life for almost 14 years. Narla and Alina first met when Narla was a tiny puppy living with her brothers and sister at Groodles Australia (dog breeder). Narla was a first-generation puppy of Misty, a Golden retriever, and Wally, a red standard poodle. Alina and Narla use to play exploring games together, tug of war with a towel, and walk together. Narla grew up in Alina’s family with another dog named Theodore, a Portuguese water dog. Theo taught Narla how to behave and they played together, like brother and sister. Theo passed away when Narla was growing up, and she was devastated. Narla was trained in puppy preschool and passed by charming her trainers. She learned the art of getting treats and food as a puppy and only grew better at it with age. Narla liked to go for walks and wade in the creek. She was a collector of many lost balls. Narla chased bush turkeys and looked out for her house, garden, and family. Alina stayed with Narla most of her life, and Narla was always there for Alina. Eventually, Alina had to move out of home and away from Narla. Alina missed Narla very much and would always come home to see Narla. Even when Alina eventually moved states to Melbourne, she always came home to Narla. Out of Alina’s love for Narla, “My gorgeous golden girl” as Alina would say, the book series were made.
How the books were created?
“Narla is Much Loved By All”
As Narla grew older, she became very close to Peta, and together they volunteered for Story Dogs Australia at the school next door, UBSS. Alina was a past student at this school. At Narla’s 10th Birthday at the school, Alina attended, made many cupcakes, and the idea for Narla’s Stories were born. “Narla’s 10th Birthday” book was at first a hand drawn test copy sent to Peta to read with Narla and the children at the school. The book was photographed and printed off the home printer, as a prototype to take to the school. The book was received very well by the school children, and teachers. They all loved Narla and would pat her over the fence all the time. Alina saw at her birthday how loved Narla was not just by the family, but by the community, and knew Narla’s story had to be shared. Alina wanted to help support Peta and Narla’s work, because they believe reading and writing are important skills for life. Alina and Peta decided to publish Narla’s series of books for the children at the school. They decided the first book should be an introduction to Narla that was for anyone to read, and the concept for Narla’s Story Time was created. Alina worked on the writing and illustrations in consultation with Peta, the school, and the family. Eventually, Peta found a local printer called “Clarke and Mackay.” The publisher believed in Narla and the books and helped Peta and Alina take these books to print and publication. Alina and Peta wanted to share Narla’s legacy and the impact she made on the school, the community, and our family. Unfortunately. Narla passed away just after the second book was made, but the memories and stories of Narla live on in her books. Narla is, “Much Loved by All” and this love for Narla brought these books alive! The books will continue to be made to honour her memory and share her story.
How are the Books Illustrated?
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Take Real Photos of Narla
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Draw Basic Layers in Pastels
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Refine the Image in Pastels
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Finalise the Artwork
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Layout the images in the Book
