MEDIA

Welcome to the world of Bruiser!

Don't be shy, Bruiser says you are welcome to use the resources on this page for publication or reproduction - he reckons his profile pic is paw-fect!

For all Media enquiries please contact:

Lara McLaren - Agent

McGruther McLaren

P - 0410 445 272

E - lara@mcgmcl.co

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Karen Mckinley IMAGE

Author, My Dog Bruiser Swallowed a Scooter.

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ABC Radio Interview

radio interview

2025

ABC
Brisbane

I had an amazing time chatting all things Bruiser and the importance of kids reading with Johnny Manning on ABC Brisbane - listen via the link below!

Karen McKinley ABC ARVO's Jan 17ABC Radio

00:00 / 05:36

BOOK READINGS

Karen is passionate about engaging children in the wonderful world of books!

She loves reading to kids and is available for story time events with her book 'My Dog Bruiser Swallowed A Scooter' at your bookstore.

Karen’s readings are interactive and a chance for children to hear a funny rhyming story about a mischievous dog and learn about some of the fruit and vegetables in her veggie garden.

ENQUIRE TODAY

Karen McKinley

Watch Now

IN THE MEDIA

Reading to School Children at Somerset College

First Writers Festival coming to hinterland

Karen McKinley debut's children's book, My Dog Bruiser Swallowed a Scooter

ABC radio

GOld Coast

Interview with

nicole dyer 2024

ABC GC interview August 20 2024Artist Name

00:00 / 06:47

Need some ideas for keeping the kids entertained these school holidays?

"My Dog Bruiser Swallowed a Scooter" is bouncing into Brisbane libraries (@brisbanelibraries) with a series of FREE interactive story time sessions as part of Brisbane City Council's school holiday programming over the Easter break.

Join me for...
🎤 Singing
🖍️ Colouring fun for little artists
🕺 Rhyming games to keep the giggles going
🌾 Fresh farm produce guessing game
…and of course reading!

Event details are on the link in my bio.

These are FREE events and bookings can be made by phoning the host libraries I will be visiting - Kenmore, Inala and Brackenridge.

Bruiser and I can't wait to meet your little readers!

#BookReadingFun #kidsholidayactivities #mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley

Exciting News! ✨

I’m thrilled to share that my next manuscript is under the management of the incredibly talented Laura Harris.
Our journey goes way back—I first met Laura 20-plus years ago at @somersetstoryfest when she was the head of Penguin Books’ Children’s and YA division, and I was the event’s publicist. Laura has been involved with kids’ books for 35 years. As Publishing Director at Penguin Random House, she worked with some amazing creators like Mem Fox, Aaron Blabey, Morris Gleitzman and Melina Marchetta. After 25 years with the publishing juggernaut, Laura started her own company last year @lauraharrispublishing.
I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead! Stay tuned for more updates.

#WritingLife #ExcitingNews #NewProject #ChildrensBooks #Publishing #picturebooks

Two of our adorable young readers, Lyla and Kora, just couldn't put down their copy of 'My Dog Bruiser Swallowed a Scooter'! 🐕📚

These happy readers just discovered why you never leave your scooter unattended around Bruiser - especially if it's hot pink!

#KidsBooksAU #picturebooks #FunnyReads #readfor5 #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter @kazmckinley

Every great adventure starts in a library! 📚

🎉 Happy Library Lovers' Day! Libraries like Gold Coast Libraries’ Southport Bookhub (@gclibraries) are portals to infinite adventures, just like when Bruiser learned that pink scooters make quite the unexpected snack!

📣 EXCITING NEWS: "My Dog Bruiser Swallowed a Scooter" is bouncing into Brisbane libraries (@brisbanelibaries) soon! Bruiser and I can't wait to meet your little readers!

#LibraryLoversDay #GoldCoastLibraries #SouthportLibrary #BrisbaneLibraries #BaySidelibraries

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#mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley

Sometimes the best stories come in pairs - just ask these precious pups!

📸: @ScarlettLythgo
#LondonDogs #twinning
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#mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley

This gem of a bookstore ✨

When Bruiser decided a scooter would make quite the snack, it's magical local bookstores like Bright & Early Books that help bring these stories to life for our little readers!

Thank you, Cholm Johnson, for creating this wonderful space where parents and kids can discover stories together and for giving our mischievous friend Bruiser a cosy spot on its shelves!

Pop into @brightandearlybooks Sometimes the best treasures (and the funniest stories) are found right in your local bookstore!

#BrightAndEarlyBooks #SupportLocal #indiebookstores

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#mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley

Start with just 10 minutes tonight. That's all it takes to begin creating these magical moments! Let's make reading time the best part of your day. 💝

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#mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley

What happens when a playful pup crashes through Granddad's veggie patch gate and decides a hot pink scooter looks tastier than a bone? These lucky readers, Frankie & Freya from beautiful North Stradbroke Island, are about to find out!

#NorthStradbrokeIsland #ReadingTime

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#mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley

📣 Calling all schools!

I’m bringing My Dog Bruiser Swallowed a Scooter straight to the classroom! 🐾📚

Want me to come to YOUR school for a fun, free, and interactive book reading?
👉 Tag your school below, and we’ll reach out to make it happen!

Let’s spark some laughs, inspire young readers, and share Bruiser’s wild adventures together. Can’t wait to visit! ✨

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#mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley #libraries #schoolauthorvisits

Happy @goldenretriever.day! 🐾
Did you know this special day was created by golden retriever blogger Kristen Shroyer? 💛

Why February 3?
It’s the birthday of Kristen’s beloved golden, Quincey. Sadly, in 2015, Quincey crossed the rainbow bridge after a courageous battle with cancer at just seven years old. Let’s honor Quincey’s memory by celebrating all the wonderful Goldens who bring so much love into our lives.

Speaking of special Goldens, meet Peaches, the star of my book “My Dog Bruiser Swallowed a Scooter”! 📚✨ Peaches is a little heroine full of heart (pictured here with my daughter Daisy 🌸). @kazmckinley

Let’s fill today with golden love and memories. 💕 Share your Golden moments below! 🐕
#mydogbruiserswallowedascooter #goldenretrieverday #goldenretrieverlove #goldenretrieversofinstagram #scotland

🎙 Had an amazing time chatting with Johnny Manning on ABC Brisbane (@abcbrisbane)! ✨

🎧 Catch the full interview—link in bio!

#RadioInterview #ABCBRISBANE

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#mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley

🐾 When Bruiser’s usual antics got boring (no scooters, no snacks, no shenanigans), he stumbled upon something magical: BOOKS! 📚✨

Now, Bruiser’s a full-blown reading enthusiast.

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#SummerReadingFun #StorytimeAdventures #mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley

🐾 A ‘paw-some’ day at Rosetta Books (@rosettabooks) in Maleny!

Met some amazing readers, including Finn and Curtis, and even signed Curtis’s copy of My Dog Bruiser Swallowed a Scooter! 🛴🐶

Catch the highlights and stop by Rosetta Books - such a treasure trove of awesome books.

#BookSigning #RosettaBooksMaleny

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#mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley

Bruiser and I are signing books! 🐾✨

I’ll be at Rosetta Books (@rosettabooks) on Saturday, 18 January, from 10 am - 2 pm for a special book signing event!

Come say hi, grab your signed copy of My Dog Bruiser Swallowed a Scooter, and let’s talk all things Bruiser. It’s going to be a pawsome day!

📍 30 Maple Street, Maleny QLD

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#rosettabooks #mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley

When Bruiser showed up and thought, ‘Wait… am I seeing double? Oh wait there are 6 of us?!’ 🐾🤯

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#BruiserLookalikes #TooManyBruisers #mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley

Bruiser says: “Back to school? Let’s make it paw-some!” 🐾

For 2 weeks only, you can grab My Dog Bruiser Swallowed a Scooter with FREE shipping on all website orders.

🛒 Use code BOOKLIST25 at checkout
📅 Valid from 6th Jan – 20th Jan
🌐 www.karenmckinley.com.au (link in bio)

Make back-to-school reading a highlight for your little ones with Bruiser’s wild adventure!

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#BackToSchoolWithBruiser #FreeShippingFun #mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley

Bruiser’s New Year’s resolution? To learn new languages.

He’s starting with Spanish—turns out "guau" means “woof woof.” Who knew? 🐾✨

While Bruiser’s working on his accent, what about you? Is reading to your kids on your New Year’s resolution list?

#NewYearNewGoals #BruiserGoesMultilingual #mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley

Happy New Year! 🎉🎇

So grateful for 2024 and super excited for what 2025 will bring. ✨

As for Bruiser? He’s already planning his next adventure. 🐾
Unless he gets consumed by Leo’s little sister Bella! @hannielouxx

What’s something you’re looking forward to in 2025? @kazmckinley

2024... what a year! 🐾✨

From big adventures with Bruiser to sharing laughs, stories, and a whole lot of love, this year has been one for the books (literally) 📖🛴

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of the fun. Here’s to more laughs, more stories, and more Bruiser adventures in 2025 😉

#2024Recap #BruiserAdventures #BruiserAndFriends @larajmclaren @kazmckinley @vv_veta #mydogbruiserswallowedascooter #kidsbooks #dachshunds #

This Christmas, we’ve been sharing some of Bruiser’s absolute FAVOURITE Aussie kids’ books—perfect for storytime with your little ones. From “Mem Fox’s Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes” to “Bluey: The Beach”, this list has something for everyone.

Swipe through to see the full list of Bruiser-approved reads! 🐾📖

And as we head into Christmas Day, we just want to say a huge THANK YOU!

Merry Christmas from Bruiser and me! Here’s to a Christmas full of love, laughter, and LOTS of great books! 📚✨

#12SleepsTillChristmas #12AussieKidsBooks #BruisersBookCountdown #MerryChristmas

Honestly, I can’t think of a better tradition to start for your family. Imagine the house all quiet except for the sound of pages turning. Even Bruiser might sit still for that one (as long as the book doesn’t look edible).

So, what do you think? Time to kick off your own Christmas Book Flood this year? 📖

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#Jolabokaflod #CozyChristmasReads #mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley

📸 Snapshots from Saturday (December 7)!

We survived Bruiser’s scooter adventures and a whole lot of giggles last Saturday at @Book@Stones (@booksstones)! Thanks to everyone who joined in the fun! 🐶

Swipe to see some of the best moments of the day! 📸

PS. (last pic) Bruiser and the Shark became friends later on!

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#mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley

Note to self: Never leave Bruiser alone with the Christmas tree again! 🎄
- Daisy

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#BruiserChristmasStory #mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley

Have you ever seen a dog swallow a scooter? Well, Bruiser’s done it, and now he’s ready to steal the show (and maybe a snack) at Books@Stones (@booksstones)! 🐶🛴

This Saturday, December 7, from 10 am–11 am, join us for a morning packed with:
🎤 Singing
🖍️ Colouring fun for little artists
🕺 Rhyming games to keep the giggles going
🌾 And a taste of fresh farm produce that Bruiser promised not to eat

It’s completely FREE, and we can’t wait to see you there at 360 Logan Road, Stones Corner, Brisbane!

📧 RSVP at info@bookatstones.com.au

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#BookReadingFun #kidsholidayactivities #mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley

Took Bruiser to a garden. Not your regular one. 🐾 He sniffed around and found something interesting.

What do you think he discovered? Let’s hear your creative ideas! 🌿

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#mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley

Think gifts that bring joy, spark creativity, and create memories—because the best presents are the ones they�’ll talk about long after the tree comes down. ❤️

🎁 What’s your favorite type of gift to give little ones—something fun, useful, or a story they can treasure? 👇

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#ChristmasGiftIdeasforKids #ChristmasSeason #joyofgiving #heartfeltgiving #mydogbruiser #MyDogBruiserSwallowedaScooter #karen_mckinley_author #officinamezzaluna #dachshunds #australianauthor #kidsbooks #childrensbookauthor #readfor5 #kidsbooks #readbooks #booklove #booksforkids @kazmckinley

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MEDIA

ABC
Brisbane

BOOK READINGS

Story Time at Rosetta Books

Story Time at Rosetta Books

Karen McKinley

IN THE MEDIA

Follow us on Instagram

MEDIA

ABC Brisbane

BOOK READINGS

Story Time at Rosetta Books

Story Time at Rosetta Books

Karen McKinley

IN THE MEDIA

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Follow us on Instagram

ABC
Brisbane