Children's book Sparky the Wonder Puppy launched in the Upper Murray

Nevertheless, Sparky took it all in his stride on Thursday at the Corryong launch of his namesake book, The Incredible True Story of Sparky The Wonder Puppy.

East Albury travel writer Craig Sheather penned the children's book last year to capture the amazing tale of Sparky's survival in the summer 2019-2020 bushfire crisis.

When Sparky's owners, the Wild family, had to leave their Upper Murray home at the height of the bushfire crisis, their new puppy was nowhere to be found.

Sparky had run off and there was no time to look for him.

When the family returned to their property two days later to discover their home was destroyed by the inferno, they feared the worst for Sparky.

However, they were thrilled to find Sparky had survived, albeit with a burnt nose and feet and singed whiskers.

It is believed the pup took refuge underground.

Sheather said the story had almost written itself but he worked with a child psychologist to make sure it was a useful tool for children.

"The book aims to provide a tool to enable children and parents to talk about grief and trauma associated with bushfires and provoke children to talk about their own feelings and experiences," he said.

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A Towong Shire spokeswoman said the uplifting book had already resonated with children at two schools and the kindergarten at Corryong.

She said during last week's launch the children had loved the readings.

"The bushfires were really real for them and it's nice to have a positive story about the dog and their community," she said.

"The research has shown there is not often enough done for the kids after a crisis."

The book is illustrated by Eloise Short, who herself had experienced bushfires at her home in the Blue Mountains.

Sheather said a grant from Create NSW and sponsorship from Paul Joss and the Joss Family, ANZ Bank, The Tingledale Hall Committee and BTH Ladies Club and Craig Dent allowed him to give 700 books to schools throughout the Upper Murray.

Having previously written Best Walks of Victoria's High Country and Best Walks East of Melbourne, Sheather said it was his first foray into writing children's books.

Sparky the Wonder Puppy is available online now via the Australian Geographic Shop.

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