The Adventures of Mollie Doodle is Creemore author and illustrator darci-que's latest book for children.

The book is about the author's Goldendoodle, also named Mollie.

"The story is about Mollie leaving her family and coming to live with us," darci-que said. "I've written it to show the feelings that come with being scared and alone. In Mollie's case, she goes on this journey that involves meeting us, coming home, meeting our cat and bunny. She comes to realize that everything is fine and she's going to have a good life here."

The author and her now 14-year-old daughter purchased the real Mollie in July 2007.

The dog was just seven weeks old.

Darci-que said they got Mollie from a breeder in Petawawa.

The dog was a birthday present for her daughter, Emily.

"As soon as we got her I knew I was going to write a book in which she was the main character," darci-que said. "She's just so funny. And when you have a dog, there's just so many stories you can tell."

Darci-que, a Meaford native, said she started the book in May, finishing in August.

The 30-page book features the colourful drawings and easy-to-read story style the author and illustrator is known for.

Darci-que starts her drawings with pencil and then traces them using a black felt-tipped pen.

She then uses water-based marker to add the colour.

Darci-que is a trained artist, having attended Humber College in Toronto and the Toronto School of Art.

The Adventures of Mollie Doodle is the second book she's written and illustrated.

Her first book for children was The Bumble Bee with Too Many Bathing Suits, published in 2006.

She's also illustrated books for Alliston author Harold Ross. Hotdog was published in 1999, Counting to 10 in 2000 and Our Christmas Tree in 2002.

As well, in 2007, she illustrated a book for children by local pharmacist Brian Footitt, called What's the Difference?

Darci-que said The Adventures of Mollie Doodle is the first in a series.

The second book - the working title is Mollie and her Friends - will be based on Mollie's first year.

"I'm trying to have it ready for Christmas," she noted.

The Adventures of Mollie Doodle is published by P's & Q's Publishing in Creemore and Printed by Creemore-based Page Graphics.

The book sells for $20, plus GST and is available at Curiosity House Books on Mill Street in Creemore or directly from the author.

To reach darci-que, call 466-2405.