Olivia Russell, who is in year three at Casuarina Street Primary School was presented with her Young Territory Award yesterday at the Katherine Public Library. 

The concept for the story emerged on a family road trip to Broome last year. 

In the back seat of the car, desperate for a puppy of her own, Ms Russell began to draw some pictures. 

Some words came next and from there the story blossomed. 

“We knew she loved creative writing at school so we really encouraged this process,” Olivia’s father Wayne Russell said. 

“She did all the art on the iPad mini, so it was also a computer exercise. 

“But the story really came from her and her love from writing. We are really proud,” he said. 

The story is of course about dogs and all of the mischief they get up to. 

Katherine Mayor Fay Miller officially presented the award to the eight-year-old. 

“To be selected as the winner for the whole of the Katherine region is a big honour,” Mayor Miller said. 

“This is just the beginning of something for you for the rest of your life,” she said. 

Ms Russell said her award has prompted her two continue writing stories. 

Her proud parents said a puppy is now on the cards. 

Read More: Tennant Creek math teacher among the best