Book launched at St John's

Australian children's author Ms Toni Brisland launched her latest book at St John the Baptist Primary School in Woy Woy on August 13.

Ms Brisland's latest release Demichat and the Kent St Mystery is a Sherlock Holmes style novel about crime-busting duo feline investigator DemiChat and retired police beagle Lord Flannery.

The award-winning author provided 15 copies of the new book along with a teacher's companion and poster for the school library, according to school principal Mr Frank Cohen.

Ms Brisland also conducted lessons with several library groups showing younger students how to care for pets and the opportunity to meet the animals that inspired the book.

Older students also learnt more about the creative process with the former teacher.

"Toni Brisland has enjoyed a distinguished and varied career," Mr Cohen said.

"She taught high school for a decade before moving on to become a school counsellor, and holds diplomas in education, psychology and law.

"Toni was office manager for the NSW Papal Visit Office in 1986, which she describes as a life-changing experience.

"Toni's recent career with the NSW Police Service provided inspiration for the novel's characters.

"She now writes full-time.

"DemiChat and the Kent Street Mystery was a runner up in the 2006 Children's Book Council of Australia Frustrated Writers Competition, which Toni had previously won for her story The Golden Goal."

Press release, 2 Aug 2010 Sarah Sheppard, My Marketing Manager