Warwickshire dogs are stars of Kenilworth author's new book

Natalie Thurman, who is also an established artist, has featured the finest of Warwickshire’s four-legged friends in her latest picture book, The Legend of Dogdog!.

Each character is a real-life pet that Natalie has met on dog walks.

The artwork that was hand-painted using watercolours jumps off each page as the reader embarks on a quest to find the infamous Dogdog.

We meet a French Bulldog called Hugo, a Cocker Spaniel called Molly and many more canine companions.

Mum of two, Natalie, said, “The Legend of Dogdog! is the perfect bedtime story as children wind down after a busy school day.

"It rhymes, it’s short, and it’s injected with humour. For example, we learn that Dogdog likes to eat sticks, socks and shoes because you see all the evidence when you look at his poos.”

Priced at £5, the book is available to buy from Kenilworth Books and online and 20 per cent of the profits from each sale goes to Dogs Trust.

Natalie added: “We got our black Golden Retriever, Labrador mix, Mystique known as Mysti, towards the end of 2019, she will be one on October 1 this year.

"Taking her for walks opened up so many conversations with fellow dog owners.

"When you get a dog, they become a member of the family. As I painted each character for the book’s artwork, it felt like painting a friend.

"I think I have captured each breed’s unique qualities.”

If you recognise the breed of your dog in the book, prints of the original watercolour paintings are available to buy on request. Natalie also takes commissions for colourful pet portraits.

Follow Natalie on instagram at nataliethurmanart

To buy copies of The Legend of DogDog! online click here