K.J. O'Donovan
Children's Book Author
Meet the Author
K. J. O’Donovan is an emerging children’s author from regional New South Wales who proudly identifies as a homebody. If she isn’t working her 9–5 job, she’s usually tucked away in her favourite room of the house — a newly styled writing space she created to feel warm, intentional, and just a little bit magical. It’s where she spends most evenings and weekends, typing away long past a reasonable bedtime and relying on chocolate to survive the next morning.
Although she wasn’t a big reader growing up, books eventually became her escape — a quiet place to breathe during a time she desperately needed it.
She often found herself reading until the early hours, chasing stories that made the world feel softer and still rarely says no to a good book. That experience shaped her writing more than anything else.
Now, K. J. writes with the hope that her stories might offer young readers the same comfort, curiosity, and gentle refuge she finds between the pages.
Her first childrens book is based on Rae the pugalier, — inspired by her family’s real‑life costume‑loving, snack‑seeking ball of mischief — it blends true moments with imaginative adventure, celebrating friendship, empathy, and the everyday magic hidden in small moments.
For now, Rae’s adventures are just a wag away—but her stories are almost ready to be shared.
K.J. O'Donovan writes children's fiction, her first books have been inspired by a real-life pugalier and regional Australian life.
The Adventures of a Real-Life Pugalier - Rae
K J O'Donovan's books bring to life the adventures based on a real pugalier whose love of dressing up, socks, enthusiastic snoring, snack‑seeking missions, and gentle mischief inspired new children's books.
Blending true moments with imaginative twists, these stories invite young readers into a world where every day experiences become big adventures.
Along the way, Rae discovers new friends, new places, and the joy of being uniquely herself — all wrapped in warmth, humour, and tail-wagging wonder.
Rae's first book is currently being submitted for traditional publication & representation
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The story behind how Rae became "Rae with an E"
Rae joined the family when she was eighteen months old, already carrying the name Rae — a perfect fit for her.
Her original owners were moving overseas and didn’t want her to face quarantine, so she came to her new home with her name, her quirks, and her big, loving heart.
But her name quickly became a story of its own.
Everywhere our family went when we first brought her home, people would ask, “What’s your dog’s name?” and the kids would proudly answer, “Rae!” Almost every time, it was assumed Rae was a boy.
With a giggle, the kids would correct them:
“She’s a girl… Rae with an E!”
Before long, it became her signature introduction —
"What's your dog's name"
"Rae - with an e, because she's a girl", a tiny mix‑up that turned into a big part of her charm.
Welcome to Rae's Town
Eldridge, is based on Adelong, a small, sleepy village at the foot of the Snowy Mountains in regional NSW Australia, with a rich gold‑mining history.
The historic gold mine ruins sit around the Adelong Falls, where trees, hills, walking tracks, and bridges create a peaceful place for families to explore.
There is even a sculpture trail that starts from the main street and leads all the way to the falls and ruins.
This is where Rae first came to live after moving from Melbourne, and where she continued to call home until early this year, with her new family — Author K. J. O’Donovan, her husband, son, and daughter.
Rae quickly discovered that small towns have a big heart and that small walks can lead to big adventures.
Adelong is a warm and welcoming community, and a special spot where time seems to slow, keeping pace with the ripples of the creek
It’s the kind of place where young readers can wander and enjoy the simple magic of the mountains and the Adelong Falls if visiting the Snowy Mountains region.
THE BOOKS ARE CURRENTLY IN PROFESSIONAL SUBMISSION AND EDITORIAL STAGES • ADVENTURE AWAITS • MEET RAE THE PUGALIER • ADVENTURE AWAITS • MEET RAE THE PUGALIER •
The Adventures of Rae with an E.
K.J. O'Donovan's book collection is the beginning of a growing literary world inspired by a real‑life pugalier with a whole lot of personality. The series includes rhyming picture books, Junior chapter books, and companion stories featuring Rae’s friends.
With additional titles already in development, readers can look forward to many more adventures in Rae’s warm and whimsical universe.
Rae with an E:
Rae The cheeky Pugalier
Complete Manuscript
- Rhyming Picture Book -
A playful, rhyming tale that follows Rae on a cheeky adventure through the historic town of Adelong.
With curiosity leading the way, Rae explores new sights, friendly faces, and the gentle mischief that makes her so lovable.
Rae with an E:
Nanna's Double Dog Disaster
Complete Manuscript
- Rhyming Picture Book -
When a simple visit from Nanna turns into a hilarious case of mistaken identity, Rae finds herself caught in a double‑dog mix‑up. This light‑hearted, rhyming story celebrates family, fun, and the chaos that only a cheeky pugalier can create.
Little Rae's Big New Life
Complete Manuscript - Fully Edited & Ready for submission
- Junior Chapter Book -
Rae’s world changes when she moves from a city penthouse to the small country town of Eldrige.
As she navigates new places, unexpected challenges of missing one family while starting to love a new one. Rae builds a bond with her new family, especially Vada and the joy of meeting new friends, Rae discovers courage, belonging, and that a heart can hold a whole lot of love.
Rae with an E:
Companion book
Boxer & Bloss
Complete Manuscript - In Editorial Development
- Junior Chapter book -
Inspired by a true story, this gentle companion book follows Boxer the loyal dog and Bloss the orphaned lamb he takes under his wing. Together, they show that friendship can grow in the most surprising places — and that family comes in all shapes and sizes.
Get in Touch
Have questions about the Rae books or want to share a pugalier story? Use the form below to send your enquiry directly to the author at hello@kjodonovanauthor.com.