About The Author
Karen Irving:
Illustrator (hand drawn) and Author of “Zaneo’s KOW around Australia” children’s books.
I am on a mission to make children and their parents smile.
I refer to it as putting a wag on your face (you will have to read the books for the meaning if you haven’t worked it out).
I always thought my dream was to leave a mark on this world, now the dream has become the reality in the form of children’s books, (who would have thought).
While exploring the beautiful sites and experiencing the many adventures that Australia has to offer. (they are infinite). I get to indulge my passions of writing and love of drawing at the same time as honouring my very very special friend Zaneo, (woof woof!).
I have written and illustrated the books with a heart full of love for Zaneo, I feel the need to share this extraordinary beautiful dog with the world.
Everybody needs a Zaneo type dog in their lives with a tail that wags all day long.
If you are reading the books to a child I encourage you to clear your mind and take on the task of being Zaneo and how he would react and think while describing his adventure, read it with expression and passion. Zaneo wants you to have fun being him for a short time while reading.
Life to Zaneo is simple and exciting.
English born, Australian raised, I am eternally grateful to my parents Ann and Frank for seeing the light and restyling their lives by moving to Australia when I was a tiny four-year-old.
(I adore Australia and all the opportunities I have been presented).
I have had many working careers, too many to list and far too mundane to bore you with, what I can report is that I am finally retired from working for others and now work for myself (my boss is a gruelling task masker 😉).
I am currently a registered Celebrant, picking and choosing the weddings and funerals that I want to do when the time suits.
It is fortunate luck that one of my main hobbies is drawing, as illustrating these children books takes up huge chunks of my day.
Another love is walking and of course travel.
I love my family unconditionally and I am extremely proud of how my three children have turned out; they will tell you it was because I was an extremely hard leader who did not let them get away with anything. (tough love is key 🤐).
I live my life with integrity and strive to be empathetic and respectful of others and embrace everyday as it is a gift. (no dress rehearsal, this is it).
I truly hope you like my books and that it puts a wag on you and your children’s faces.
Perhaps it may even educate you a little about Australia and hopefully tweak everyone’s desires to travel and cherish this wonderful land.
Thank you.
Karen
