mandy wildsmith

In A Present for Junket, a sweet dog called Gherkin goes looking for a birthday present for her best friend. But what does make the perfect gift? The answer may surprise you ...

When Gherkin is woken early by the garbage truck outside, her first thought is: yum, rubbish! Then she remembers that it’s her best friend Junket’s birthday ... and Gherkin needs a present for her. But what would Junket love? A new toy? A new jacket? Gherkin keeps hunting, and soon realises the perfect present has been right in front of her all along ...

From an exciting new picture-book duo comes this entertaining neighbourhood adventure about friendship, generosity and the secret lives of dogs. Packed with gentle humour, a subtle ’make do and mend’ message, and glorious watercolor artwork from illustrator Nancy Liu, this sweet picture book is perfect for toddlers, doggy fans and rubbish-truck enthusiasts alike!

Mandy Wildsmith knows a lot about bookstores and how to sell a book. She has been a sales rep for more than twenty years; she has been awarded Victorian Rep of the Year five times and recognised for her contribution to the publishing industry with the George Robertson award in Australia.

Aside from her love of books, Mandy also knows a lot about tennis (she was a professional coach!) and loves a good horror film. Despite being a cat person, she fell in love with her best friend’s polar bear-like dogs, Gherkin and Junket - the inspiration behind her first picture book, A Present for Junket.

Nancy Liu is a Taiwanese watercolour artist based in Melbourne, Australia. Her charming and whimsical illustrations are often inspired by her two hilarious cats, whose antics never fail to spark her creativity. Nancy’s work captures the playful and heartwarming moments of everyday life, brought to life with her unique watercolor style. You can find her showcasing her art at major handmade markets across Australia, where she connects with fellow art enthusiasts and collectors. Nancy is also the proud author-illustrator of the enchanting picture book Mr. Otter’s Adventure.