Wear a Purple Poppy

On the National Day for War Animals, we wear a purple poppy to remember those animals who have served, and those who continue to serve, alongside our soldiers. This heartwarming tribute explores the different roles of animals in wartime, and honours their strength, courage and dedication.

From the horses and the mules to the elephants, cats and dogs, we wear a purple poppy for you.

’Thoughtful and heartwarming . . . Ideal reading for children over 6’ SCHOOLDAYS MAGAZINE

Fiona White (Author)
Fiona is a primary school teacher with a lifelong love of horses and animals. She lives in the Macedon Ranges with her two badly behaved but extremely lovable dogs. The greatest love of her childhood was her horse Nimbus; a feisty, head shy pony who survived the Ash Wednesday fires and lived to be 35 years old. Wear a Purple Poppy: Remembering Animals in War is her first book.

Kathleen O’Hagan (Illustrator)
Kathleen O’Hagan is an emerging Meeanjin-based artist, educator and arts worker. Her work has been displayed in numerous exhibitions and art prizes across?Australia. Her debut children’s book, Colourful Memories, was illustrated in the spare hours during her final year of school. In 2021, she completed a Bachelor of Visual Art (First Class Honours) at the Queensland College of Art and was awarded the University Medal.

She is passionate about illustration’s ability to give life to unique stories, voices and histories. You will often find her tucked away in her small studio - head down at her drafting table, flipping through her art book collection, or working paint-smeared by her easel.