Broome dog Bobby has another day

Rife and rambunctious, Broome dogs are a natural feature of the neighbourhood. They’ve even made it into print, in artist Kerry Anne Jordinson’s children’s book, Looking for Bobby.

The popular 2007 paperback featured three Kimberley children as they wandered through much loved parts of Broome searching for their canine buddy.

This weekend Jordinson’s greatly anticipated sequel, Bobby’s Surprise, will be released.

The book, in print through Kimberley publishing house Backroom Press, will be launched at the Broome Courthouse Markets on Saturday.

Jordinson is doing her bit for Broome’s dogs too, by donating one of the illustrations from the book to auction.

Proceeds from sale of the framed original watercolour, which will be up for silent auction at the courthouse markets on Saturday, will go to animal welfare organisation Saving Animals From Euthanasia (SAFE Broome).

The book launch will run from 10am to noon, with the silent auction closing about 11.30am.

Publishers Alex Smee and Sudha Coutinho have lined up a raft of celebrations to coincide with the launch, including the chance to “bring your own Bobby”, a Bobby lookalike competition, a drawing contest and a book signing.

“Broome dogs are owned by the town, they belong here and they’re a motley crew owned by everyone,” Ms Coutinho said.

Similarly, The Further Adventures of Bobby is a collection of familiar scenes and settings.

“We can’t tell you too much, but in the story Bobby and the other characters lead you through why Broome is such a special place for local people,” Ms Coutinho said.

Jordinson is a regular stallholder at the Courthouse Markets on Saturday mornings and a member of the eclectic co-operative at The Broome Factory.